AMPSEAL Connectors FAQs

Q: How does the new AMPSEAL robust header improve security?

A: The AMPSEAL robust header integrates a security module, featuring M3 metal bushings at four corners to prevent misalignment, reduce stress on PCB mounting, and enhance vibration resistance.

Q: What are the new features of AMPSEAL robust header compared to standard AMPSEAL headers?

A: AMPSEAL robust header includes new features such as enhanced PCB robustness, improved mechanical security, and seamless compatibility with standard AMPSEAL receptacles.

Q: How easy is it to use AMPSEAL robust header in my design?

A: AMPSEAL robust header is designed for easy installation, featuring an integrated latch, wedgelock, and standard receptacle mating, making it a simple drop-in upgrade for AMPSEAL connector applications.

Q: Are AMPSEAL M3 robust headers compatible with existing AMPSEAL connector receptacles

A: Yes, the AMPSEAL M3 headers are fully compatible with standard AMPSEAL connector receptacles and accessories, providing seamless integration into existing designs.

Q: What advantages do the AMPSEAL robust headers provide over standard AMPSEAL connector headers?

A: The M3 metal bushings improve mechanical reliability, reduce PCB stress, and provide advanced vibration resistance, making them suited for industrial, off-highway, and heavy-duty commercial vehicle applications.

Q: Can AMPSEAL robust headers be used in high-vibration applications like electric trucks and heavy machinery?

A: Yes! The AMPSEAL robust headers are engineered for high-vibration environments, enabling secure and stable mating in construction, agricultural, and electric vehicle applications.

Q: Are these headers backward-compatible with existing AMPSEAL connectors?
A: Yes, the AMPSEAL robust headers are fully compatible with AMPSEAL connectors receptacles and accessories, making them a drop-in replacement for existing AMPSEAL connector applications.

Q: How easy is it to use AMPSEAL robust headers in PCB-mounted applications?
A: AMPSEAL robust headers are designed for easy installation, featuring an integrated latch and wedgelock that provides secure and error-free assembly. The metal bushings simplify PCB mounting, providing precise alignment, reducing stress on the board, and preventing misalignment during installation. This easy-to-use design helps minimize assembly time and enhances reliability in demanding industrial applications.
 

Q: What standard does the AMPSEAL 16P OBD connector support?

A: The AMPSEAL 16P Sealed OBD connector complies with the OBD II standard, as defined by ISO 15031-3:2004, supporting diagnostic communication between a vehicle and external test equipment.

Q: What is the IP rating for the AMPSEAL 16P Sealed OBD connector?

A: This connector is rated IPX7 on the rear side for temporary water immersion and IP6K9K on the front side (when covered), providing protection against high-pressure, high-temperature spray environments.

Q: How can the AMPSEAL 16P connector be mounted?

A: It supports two mounting configurations, which are detailed in the product drawing. This allows integration flexibility for vehicle diagnostic access points.

Q: How does the cover attach to the AMPSEAL 16P connector?

A: The cover connects to the housing with a secure latch and lock mechanism. A rubber tether is also included, enabling the cover to remain attached when not in use.

Q: What is the mating cycle rating for the AMPSEAL 16P connector?

A: The connector is designed to withstand 200 mating and unmating cycles, ensuring long-term reliability under repeated use in diagnostic environments.

Q: What type of contact system is used in the AMPSEAL 16P Sealed OBD connector?

A: This connector uses the AMP MCP 1.5K contact system, designed for reliability in harsh environments and optimized for signal integrity in automotive and commercial vehicle diagnostics.

Q: What are the voltage and temperature ratings of this connector?

A: The AMPSEAL 16P connector supports up to 12 V DC and operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for demanding transportation environments.

Q: Is this connector compatible with high-vibration environments?

A: Yes, the connector is tested for vibration and mechanical shock resistance per ISO 15031-3 and ISO 8092-2 standards, ensuring consistent performance in rugged vehicle conditions.

Q: What kind of sealing materials are used?

A: Sealing is achieved using integrated silicone rubber grommets and cavity plugs, which help maintain ingress protection even in exposure to contaminants like dust, oil, and water.

Q: Are mating and locking feedback features included?

A: Yes, the connector includes polarization features and audible/tactile feedback to ensure proper alignment and secure mating during installation.

Q:    What is an AMPSEAL connector?

A:     AMPSEAL connectors provide rugged reliability and environmental sealing. They are available in cable plugs and PCB mount headers that are designed to stand up to high-temperature underhood applications.

Q:    What are the appropriate applications for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     Truck, bus, off-highway, construction, agriculture, mining, emergency vehicles, forestry, forklift, recreational, marine, motorcycle, power generation

Q:    When should I use AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     AMPSEAL connectors provide reliability and performance on the engine or transmission, under the hood, for power control units, bulkheads, on the chassis, or in the cab. AMPSEAL connectors offer field-proven reliability and rugged quality. AMPSEAL are designed for cable-to-board harsh environment applications.
 

Q:    What are the AMPSEAL connectors’ key features?

A:     AMPSEAL connector key features:

•     Accepts contact size 1.3 mm (up to 17 amps gold, up to 8 amps tin)
•     16-24 AWG (1.25-0.20 mm²)
•     8, 14, 23, and 35 cavity arrangements
•     PCB mount
•     Rectangular, thermoplastic housing
•     Integrated latch for mating
•     Integrated wedgelock confirms contact alignment and retention 
•     Optional CPA and header seals for added reliability
•     Tool-less backshell accessories are easy to install for added protection and reduced wire strain
  

Q:    What is the temperature range for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     Operating at temperatures -40°C to +125°C for gold plated, -40°C to +105°C for tin plated

Q:    How durable are AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     Mate and unmate specimens for 10 cycles at maximum rate of 600 cycles per hour. Note: Shall meet visual requirements, show no physical damage and shall meet requirements of additional tests as specified in Test Sequence in Figure 3 of TE product document 108-1329.

Q:    What is the insulation resistance for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     100 megohms minimum. EIA 364-21C and IEC 60512-3-1. Test between adjacent contacts of mated specimens.

Q:    What is the immersion rating for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     IP67/69K immersion rating

Q:    What is the vibration rating for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:     EIA 364-21C and IEC 60512-3-1. Subject mated specimens to 10 Gs for 8 hours each plane.

Q:    What is the current rating and voltage rating for AMPSEAL connectors?

A:    Up to 17 A (gold) and up to 8 A (tin). Up to 250 V AC.

Q:    What material are AMPSEAL connector shells made of?

A:     AMPSEAL connector shells are made of rugged glass filled PBT.

Q:    What are AMPSEAL connector grommets made of?

A:     AMPSEAL connector grommets are made of silicone rubber.

Q:    What material are AMPSEAL connector locking wedges made of?

A:     AMPSEAL connector locking wedges are made of rugged PBT.

Q:    What material are the AMPSEAL connector seals made of?

A:     The AMPSEAL connector seals are made of silicone rubber.