2003-09-09

Safe and economical

Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, Neckartenzlingen, Germany, is presenting a new HF connector designed for all in-vehicle telecommunications services at the 2003 IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. This connector conforms to the FAKRA-II standard (FAKRA = German Motor Industry Standardization Committee) and can be combined with all coaxial cables commonly used in the automotive industry. Its special manufacturing method means the HF connector delivers outstanding value for money.

The safe connection between the male and female connector is made in three stages: first the coaxial cables with their inner and outer contacts are plugged into the housing and locked audibly in place. Then the secondary locks are fitted. Only when those two steps have been undertaken correctly the male and female connector can be interconnected.
As the connectors are of "Einheitskammer" (unit chamber) design, the outer conductor contact has a special contour which had previously been expensive to produce. A new-style non-cutting manufacturing method enabled production costs to be reduced significantly.
The economic efficiency is also aided by the fact that the inner and outer conductor contacts of the connectors are reeled. Also, a standardized B-crimp on the contacts permits simple assembly of the coaxial cables and is also highly service-friendly in the vehicle.

The product range of Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG, which forms part of the Electronics sector of the Düsseldorf technology group Rheinmetall, extends from antenna systems and ready made-up automotive coaxial cables, through analog and digital broadcasting technology, to network components and field bus systems for industrial automation.