Connector considerations
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:15 pm
There has been a little concern with the connector of choice. Thus far, three options have been brought up:
D-sub connector
Pros
Very common
Very easy to obtain
Very cheap
Fair number of pin configurations
Cons:
Not very sturdy mechanically
No protection against elements
Must use several pins for large currents
Tough to solder reliably (especially triple rows), suitable crimp tool is expensive
Ribbon connector (Centronics connector, scsi connector)
Pros:
Slightly greater current cpacity than D-sub
Much more mechanically sound (pins are supported by the connector chassis)
Easy to obtain
Inexpensive
relatively high density
cons:
Not as common as D-sub
not protected against elements
No connector keying
still pretty bothersome to work with
Ampseal connectors
Pros:
Waterproof
High temp ratio
Easy to assemble
mating locks
reliable
high current capacity
Sturdy
Keyed
Cons:
Questionable availability in small numbers
Pricey (in range of 20-30 USD]
slightly bulky
Deutsch DRC connectors:
Weatherproof
High temp range
Easy to assemble
mating locks
reliable
high current capacity
sturdy
keyed
cons:
Questionable availability in small numbers
pricey
slightly bulky
In practice, the last two options are far superior, but more expensive and in practice require a deal through automotive electronics manufacturer, or a considerable bulk buy from the manufacturer and possibly a business ID.
There is not a similar problem with data connectors though. USB is USB, and the most common CAN connector is DE-9, so those shall be used.
D-sub connector
Pros
Very common
Very easy to obtain
Very cheap
Fair number of pin configurations
Cons:
Not very sturdy mechanically
No protection against elements
Must use several pins for large currents
Tough to solder reliably (especially triple rows), suitable crimp tool is expensive
Ribbon connector (Centronics connector, scsi connector)
Pros:
Slightly greater current cpacity than D-sub
Much more mechanically sound (pins are supported by the connector chassis)
Easy to obtain
Inexpensive
relatively high density
cons:
Not as common as D-sub
not protected against elements
No connector keying
still pretty bothersome to work with
Ampseal connectors
Pros:
Waterproof
High temp ratio
Easy to assemble
mating locks
reliable
high current capacity
Sturdy
Keyed
Cons:
Questionable availability in small numbers
Pricey (in range of 20-30 USD]
slightly bulky
Deutsch DRC connectors:
Weatherproof
High temp range
Easy to assemble
mating locks
reliable
high current capacity
sturdy
keyed
cons:
Questionable availability in small numbers
pricey
slightly bulky
In practice, the last two options are far superior, but more expensive and in practice require a deal through automotive electronics manufacturer, or a considerable bulk buy from the manufacturer and possibly a business ID.
There is not a similar problem with data connectors though. USB is USB, and the most common CAN connector is DE-9, so those shall be used.