Packaging & Interconnects: Low-Cost PC-Board Terminal Blocks Handle High Current Levels

March 31, 2005

Low-cost, high-current (up to 18 A) applications, such as the alarm, security, lighting, and HVAC fields, can take advantage of the CUF and CUM UL94V0 molded pc-board terminal blocks. They're approved for UL and European standards. The plug's wiring connection uses the rising-edge clamp design and is rated for 12 to 24 AWG. With its innovative header and plug design, the plug can be inserted into the same pc-board header in either the vertical or horizontal position, depending on the application. Also, keying accessories prevent users from improperly mating the plug to the same-size header. Price starts at $0.39 each in 120-unit lots. Orders can be placed online.

Automation Systems Interconnect Inc.www.asi-ez.com; (877) 650-5160

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.