Rack and Panel Connector

Rack and panel connectors are usually square or rectangular in shape, and primarily designed to connect devices to equipment racks.

Examples of rack and panel connectors include Amphenol’s RNJ series, which are used to connect electrical and optical devices between a moving unit (rack) and a fixed unit (panel) without any coupling/uncoupling device. This function is implemented by a system of moving and fixed units. Such connectors meet or exceed the MIL-DTL-38999 Series 1 requirements, and are used for military and aeronautical applications, as well as demanding industrial environments.

These are durable components, with 500 cycle rating and moisture and corrosion resistance. Their temperature range is -65°C to +175°C. Versions are available to withstand 500 hours of salt spray exposure.

Specialised ARINC 600-compatible connectors are also available. These connectors provide low insertion force contacts, front removable keying posts, field replaceable inserts for size 22 and power contacts, and up to 800 size 22 contact positions in one connector. Crimp, coaxial, power, printed circuit and wire wrap connectors are available, as well as waveguide connections.

Rack and panel connectors from other suppliers are also available for a wide range of industry sectors. Well-designed products can be useful where space is at a premium in power, control and communications circuits within aircraft, portable equipment and instrumentation. They are also found in power distribution applications for many types of electronic equipment and systems.