VII (Customer) asked a question.
Breakaway / Magnetic Connector?
I have a pressure transducer that is connected to a die that is frequently removed and replaced with another die. The operators need to disconnect the M8 connector every time they swap the die, and then connect it to the new die.
Unfortunately, rather often they forget to disconnect the connector from the transducer and end up ripping the cable instead.
I'm wondering if anyone knows of a breakaway connector that could be used, I could connect a standard m8 quick connect to the transducer and then have that go to the breakaway connector so if the die is pulled out without disconnecting the cable does not get damaged. Kind of like the magsafe connector on a macbook.
Anyone seen anything like this?
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There are many USB-C magnetic connectors/adapters out there. There are also many different USB-C-to-terminal-block adapters and field-wireable connectors. Suppliers such as DigiKey, Newark, L-com, and others carry these. But these are meant for cell phone charging and the "standard" USB-C ratings are limited in voltage and current. The magnetic connector could become bumped and disconnected when you need it the most for the pressure sensing. And the M8 connectors try to keep the connections clean (IP rating). There are simple push-pull connectors that disconnect simply by pulling, but the cable and the wire connections would still be stressed. Perhaps some mechanical interlock (or cover) that would prevent removal of the die without disconnecting the transducer first? Or a metal wire lanyard that would stop the removal of the die before the cable is torn apart?
While the magnetic connectors I initially looked at were 5VDC/2A, I did find some magnetic connectors with higher ratings. The link shows a magnetic connector with a 12VDC/4A rating. This one is a 4-pin. Automation Direct does offer pressure transmitters that can operate at 12VDC. Perhaps this type of magnetic connector might fit your application.
https://promaxpogopin.com/magnetic-connector-4pin/nc6215-04pa/