Welcome to the training module on Shielded Compact Ribbon (SCR) Connectors. This training module explains the features and benefits of the 3M Shielded Compact Ribbon (SCR) System, and describe its applications.
The 3M™ Shielded Compact Ribbon (or ‘SCR’) System is an interconnect solution for input/output applications. Important in an I/O system, the ribbon style contact gives the mating interface robustness in use. The contact is capable of carrying either signal or power, up to 1A per pin, allowing designers flexibility in carrying power to peripheral devices. The combination of contact and insulator design and materials makes the 3M SCR System resistant to vibration. Wire up to AWG 18 wire is solder terminated to each contact for quick assembly, with no special tooling required. The extra wide design of the shell kit provides the assembler the space to comfortably terminate wires. The inclusion of a metal inner shell provides the protection needed to shield the termination from electro-magnetic interference (EMI). A latching mechanism secures the plug connector to the socket connector in use, while still allowing quick release when disconnecting. The combination of available plugs, receptacles and shells means the 3M™ SCR System can be used in wire to board or cabinet to cabinet applications. Lastly, the metal face of the connector is polarized to ensure proper orientation before mating.
The 3M™ SCR Plug Connector mates to available 10 pin SCR receptacles, and is offered with 10-pins in right angle through-board or straight surface mount versions. Contacts are gold plated over nickel for long term use in service. SCR boardmount plugs feature board posts for support and added stability during use.
The mating 3M™ SCR Wiremount Receptacle (or socket) Connector mates to the SCR plug and can accommodate wire up to AWG 18. It is terminated to each contact using solder for quick assembly, with no special tooling required. The shell kit protects the wire termination, featuring a built-in strain relief, a secure, quick release latching mechanism, and EMI shielding of the interface. Contacts are gold plated over nickel for long term use in service.
The 3M™ SCR Wiremount Plug Connector enables cable assemblies to be extended. By incorporating a plug connector at one end of the cable assembly, a second assembly with a wiremount receptacle can be attached. The plug connector can accommodate wire up to AWG 22 and is terminated to each contact using solder for quick assembly with no special tooling required. The shell kit protects the wire termination, featuring a built-in strain relief, and shields the interface from EMI. Contacts are gold plated over nickel for long term use in service
Compared to other connectors in common use, the 3M™ SCR System offers compelling benefits. Firstly, having 10-pins, the 3M SCR System can provide one more contact pair than a standard 9-pin D Sub or two more pairs over an industry-standard IEEE 1394 connector. That means more circuits can be served by the 3M I/O connector. Further, SCR System was specifically designed with the needs of designers of industrial electronic equipment in mind, so it is more robust and less prone to pin stubbing that alternative interconnects. Also, unlike thumbscrews, which take time to attach or disassemble, the latch mechanism of the 3M SCR System makes for quick and easy disconnection.
3M™ SCR System has been quickly adopted by the leading manufacturers of servo drivers and motors for motion control applications. The combination of contact and insulator design and materials makes the 3M SCR System resistant to vibration, which is a key requirement in factory automation equipment. However, as we have seen, 3M SCR System also provides several advantages over industry standard IEEE 1394 or D Sub connectors. These make the 3M SCR System a viable candidate for general purpose I/O interconnection. As a shielded, discrete wire system, the 3M™ SCR System can be configured for Low Voltage Differential Signaling (or ‘LVDS’) applications. LVDS places particular demands on cable and attention should be paid to the choice and construction of cable for optimum performance. The 3M SCR System can be terminated to balanced cables, such as twisted pair, which are usually better for noise reduction and signal quality, than unbalanced cables, such as ribbon or multi-conductor cables.
In summary, the 3M™ SCR System is a robust, vibration resistant interconnect solution. The ribbon-style contact is capable of carrying either signal or power, up to 1A per pin, allowing designers flexibility in carrying power to peripheral devices. The 3M SCR System is currently available in 10-pin, with boardmount plug, wiremount plug and receptacle options. Wire can be accommodated up to AWG 18 and terminated using solder without the need for special tooling. A latching mechanism permits quick attach and release in use. Metal faces on each connector, and inner metal parts in the shell kits, protect the wire/contact termination interface from EMI. Lastly, while the 3M™ SCR System has been optimized for use in factory automation equipment, its advantages over alternative interconnects make this a viable candidate as a general purpose, shielded I/O.
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