Harwin extends the new horizontal rear shell to ensure full shielding

     In order to provide comprehensive electromagnetic interference (EMI)/radio frequency interference (RFI) protection in both horizontal and vertical planes, Harwin has further expanded the metal back case shielding option and now offers back cases for horizontal Datamate J-Tek connectors, which will meet the increasingly common directional requirements for right-angle interconnections. These rear shells match directly with Harwin's female Datamate cable connector metal rear shells.

     The new Datamate rear shells mean that full EMI/RFI shielding can be achieved in horizontal PCB-to-cable connections, and these rear shells effectively complement Harwin's previous vertical PCB-to-cable connection shielding products. When used in conjunction with the ground plane, these rear shells ensure complete shielding.

     Harwin's horizontal rear shell is not secured to the connector, but is placed on the connector and then individually secured to the circuit board. This means that shielding is allowed to be considered at a very late stage in the design, as other electromagnetic interference (EMI) may occur as the design progresses, which is very advantageous. These housings are suitable for either through-plate mounting or surface-mounted tail/end connections and can be secured with specific internal or on-board screws. These backcases can be added to existing PCB designs or retrofitted to deployed equipment as long as there is enough room to accommodate them.

     The new horizontal Datamate connector back shell can be used in important applications such as satellite, aerospace, robotics and military, where there may be serious space constraints, the circuit boards are often stacked in high density and may be close to the cabinet housing or interference sources, and for mission-critical or safety-critical considerations, high reliability interconnect solutions must be adopted.

     Ryan Smart, New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager at Harwin, explains: "We are seeing a growing demand for horizontal PCB connections in customer designs, especially in applications such as CubeSats small spacecraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where boards need to be stacked very tightly together in high density. By adding these latest back shell options, we can now reduce the risk of signal interruptions due to EMI/RFI, regardless of the interconnect direction."