Types of Polarization Techniques for Secure Mating
It is essential to establish a strong connection for any appliance to deliver its full potential. Many methods help avoid incorrect mating of the connectors and associated mishaps. Polarization is one of the prominent techniques used to ensure proper connections. There are several different connector designs to ensure proper mating. In some cases, there are mechanical configurations within the header and receptacle that prevent any sort of misalignment. In other cases, the connectors come with an identification mark, which guides us in making a proper mating. This article discusses some common types of polarization techniques.
Benefits of Polarization
The major benefit of polarization is that it avoids any kind of mismating. It is especially beneficial for situations that demand blind mating, or when the operator is unable to see the connector parts while connecting them. It also helps in easy and quick installations, such as demanding or harsh environmental situations.
Key Polarization
The polarizing key generally called keying, is one of the most popular types of polarization. With this method, an additional accessory called the polarizing key is provided within a connector to ensure secure mating. A tab extended outside the connector ensures the correct mating orientation. This connector feature is used in Quickie® 2.54mm connectors from Amphenol.
Polarization Pegs
Apart from keying, some connector designs come with polarization pegs. As the name suggests, these are pegs or projections outside the connector. They are generally seen in power connectors where these pins or pegs hold the header in place when it is inserted into the PCB. Amphenol’s backplane connectors like Millipacs®, mezzanine connectors such as Bergstak® 0.80mm and Lynx™, and board-to-board connectors including Conan, come with polarization pegs.
Blanking Pin
Blanking pin is yet another form of polarization. This technique is designed by blanking out a symmetric pin with insulation so both halves won't mate if inserted incorrectly. These are often found on customization requests. The key to be left blank is decided by the customer's choice and application requirements. Amphenol’s XCede® connectors can be customized with blanking pins.
Polarization Geometry
The technique in which the shape and design of the connector ensure the correct mating of housing and header is called polarization geometry. The connector is designed so that the shape won't allow the receptacle to mate with the header if it is in the wrong position. Amphenol’s Lynx™, Minitek® and Minitek® Pwr connectors come with a fully polarized geometric design, preventing any sort of mismating. For the InfinX connectors, the mating side housing is geometrically polarized, and the board-side although reversible, has polarity in the JEDEC tray to prevent mis-loading into pick and place equipment.
Apart from these, there are additional accessories like coding keys which are separately sold as a PN, that affixes to the connector to implement polarization.
