Harwin introduced horizontal backshells for its Gecko-Screw-Lok (Gecko-SL) series of lightweight, high-reliability (Hi-Rel) connectors. These backshells ensure a fully shielded EMI/RFI connection for 1.25mm pitch horizontal board-to-cable connections.
Previously, Gecko EMI/RFI shielding was only available in vertical board-to-cable orientations. This new development will be of great value for applications that require EMI/RFI protection, but where there is little space to fit connectors/cables.
Applications include satellites and CubeSats, UAVs, robotics, medical equipment and high-density industrial systems.
Two variants of these horizontal backshells are available. The first has mounting straps on the back panel and the second does not include them. These backshells are compatible with Gecko-SL horizontal board connectors (with standard gender locking) and Gecko-MT mixed layout connectors (which have power and data transport capabilities).
These top-mounted backshells attach independently rather than being attached directly to the connector. As a result, they can be added in the construction phase as well as during the initial design stages of the project. They will withstand the same high vibrations, shocks and extreme temperatures as the rest of the Gecko range, ideal for demanding or extreme environments.
“We can now offer metal backshells in vertical and horizontal Gecko interconnect configurations, which will be a huge benefit for engineering projects with highly limited space,” said Ryan Smart, head of product management at Harwin. “We are committed to meeting the shielding needs of our avionics, space, industrial and defense customers, especially where stacked PCBs or tight enclosures are involved.”
