Harwin provides cable assemblies to support Gecko-MT hybrid technology connectors

     Harwin is expanding its services related to the GECKO-MT High-Reliability (Hi-Rel) series of connectors. The rugged GECkO-MT 1.25mm pitch assembly significantly reduces weight and space, and now adds two or four 10A rated power contacts to the standard 2A rated current 8 Gecko signal contacts. This enables simultaneous transmission of data and power. Since its release in late 2019, Gecko-MT high-reliability connectors for high-density electronic systems have been widely used in avionics, drones, robotics, medical, industrial automation, satellite and other markets. Building on this success, Harwin further expanded the service range of the Gecko-MT series connectors.

     First, a new cable assembly service based on customer requirements helps customers avoid in-house tool costs, as well as related training and inspection costs. By providing this service, Harwin can assist in system prototyping and pilot production, as well as meet customer volume production requirements. Harwin can now offer a variety of options based on customer needs, minimizing customer engineering effort and cost. These options include male and female or loose cut ends, supporting both standard and reverse-fixed Screw-Lok devices. These cover 24 different terminating combinations, 2 signal line specifications and cables up to 10m long, providing hundreds of connection possibilities. The Backpotting design also allows the assembly to relieve more stress.

     In addition to the complete cable assembly, pre-wired Gecko-MT contacts can now be ordered, meaning that the customer can assemble them themselves after crimping. For power transmission, single-ended and double-ended male, as well as female and male-to-female contact formats are available. Now, 150mm and 450mm (white) length cables can be shipped directly from stock, while 300mm and other lengths, including red cable options are available with very short lead times. Pre-wired signal contacts can also be ordered.

     Ryan Smart, New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager at Harwin, explains: "Our Gecko-MT connectors are precision products with high quality requirements at every stage of production integrated into the system design. As a result, the accompanying cables required for integration carry considerable engineering management costs in terms of the tools and procedures involved. By launching these new services, customers can offload these tasks to Harwin and focus their resources and expertise on other areas. We are able to provide these services in a very short turnaround time, even for very small batches."