Appendix
Appendix
Glossary of Terms
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
System of numerical designations for wire sizes, based
on specied ranges of cross-sectional areas.
Starts with 4/0 (000) at the largest size, going to 3/0, 2/0,
1/0, 1, 2, and up to 40 and beyond for the smallest size.
A step of one AWG number corresponds to a reduction
of cross-sectional area of appr. 20 %.
Attenuation
A reduction of power. Occurs naturally when waves
travel through lines, wave guides, or media such as air
or water. Is produced additionally by imperfections in
electrical or optical connections (attenuation in bre
optics), e. g. contact resistance, mismatch, etc.
Bulkhead connector
Connector designed to be inserted into a panel cutout
from the rear of the panel, thus forming part of the
barrier between two spaces. Back-mounted.
Clearance
The shortest distance in air between two conductive
parts, see IEC 60664.
Climatic stability
General term describing the behavior of components
under various climatic conditions, e. g. high and
low temperatures, tropical climate, high humidity,
moist heat, fungus, atmospheric conditions (industial
atmosphere), reduced air pressure, etc. Climatic
conditions for test purposes are explained in IEC 60068,
DIN 46 040.
Connector
A component which terminates conductors for the
purpose of providing connection and disconnection to
a suitable mating component which shall not be
engaged or disengaged when live. Depending on the
fastening to a cabinet, panel, rack etc. or a cable, they
are classied as xed or free connectors. A connector
comprises one or more contacts and a housing which
may have a separate connector insert and a separate
outer housing or shell.
Connector housing
The part of a connector into which the insert and the
contacts are assembled. It may function as part of the
locking mechanism.
Connector insert
An insulating element designed to support and position
contacts in a connector housing.
In connectors electromagnetic interference is
prevented by shielding. Shielded connectors normally
provide means to connect the screens of attached
cables.
Connector life
The number of mating cycles prior to abrasion of the
conductive contact surface and which does not result
in a signicant rise of the contact resistance. Tests
according to test 9a of ICE 60512-5 / DIN EN 60512 Part
5.
Contact
The conductive element in a connector which mates
with a corresponding element to provide an electrical
path.
Contact resistance
The electrical resistance of a mated set of contacts
under specied conditions. Tested according to tests
2a, 2b, 2c, of IEC 60 512 -2/ DIN EN 60 512-2.
Contact size
The designation used to differentiate one contact from
another. It may be denoted by one of the following
numbering systems:
Creepage distance
The shortest distance along the surface of the insulating
material between two conductive parts. The longer the
distance, the less the risk of arc damage or tracking.
Minimum creepage distances are specied according
to the rated voltage and the applicable pollution
degree and Comperative Tracking Index.
Crimped connection
A solderless connection made by crimping. IEC 60352-2
/ DIN IEC 60352 Part 2.
Derating curve
The method for determining derating is specied
in IEC 60 512-3. Here the combination of ambient
temperature (Tu) and the current (J) leading to the
same maximum allowable temperature (Tb) at the
hottest point of the connector are plotted.
DIN
Deutsches Institut für Normung. A German standards
organization.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
General term describing the undesirable effects of the
immission or emission of radio frequency elds.
Funnel entry (restricted entry C146 D series)
Flared or widened entrance to a conductor barrel
permitting easier insertion of the conductor.
Insertion or withdrawal force
The force required to fully insert or withdraw a set of
mated connectors without the effect of coupling,
locking or similar devices. The insertion force is usually
greater than the withdrawal force.
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