1-mm pitch interconnects allow flexible board stacking.

The MW series of 1-mm (0.39-in.) pitch interconnects lets you space pc boards from 4.5 to 8 mm (0.177 to 0.315 in.). The interconnects' micropitch pin-and-socket design provides higher density and higher reliability than blade-and-leaf style devices. The 0.30-mm (0.012-in.) square terminals mate with low-profile Tiger-Claw socket strips (CLM series) for pass-through applications or low-profile (FTM series) terminal strips. The MW series typically costs $0.05/pin (small quantities). Samtec Inc, New Albany, IN. (812) 944-6733.

Slimline D-sub connectors maximize pc-board space.

Offered in standard sizes of 9, 15, and 25 positions, a family of slimline D-subminiature connectors saves as much as 40% of pc-board space when used in place of standard D-subs. A low-profile version offers even more space savings by reducing the mounting height without affecting the standard metal-shell design. Prices depend on style, circuit size, options, and quantity. A nine-position surface-mount version costs $1.78 (1700). Molex Inc, Lisle, IL. (708) 969-4550.

DIN-rail terminal blocks clamp sensor wires.

Tension-clamp terminal blocks in the ZIA series make fast work of connecting three- or four-wire sensors and actuators. The ZIA terminal-block feeds, which are as small as 5.08-mm wide and as tall as 45.8-mm high, are among the most compact TS35 DIN-rail-wiring termination systems available. The ZIA terminal blocks provide a feed-through electrical connection for the control signal and a mechanical base for the associated ZVL mini-terminal. The base distributes a voltage or provides a ground connection across a group of ZIA terminal blocks. The cost of a subassembly consisting of eight three-wire ZIA terminal blocks with the necessary ZVL mini-terminals and an end plate is $32.33. Weidmuller Inc, Richmond, VA. (800) 849-9343.

DIP sockets suit pick-and-place assembly.

For use with automated-board-assembly equipment, this line of DIP sockets features a top pad to permit vacuum pickup. The sockets contain floating contacts, which compensate for the effects of unevenly dispensed solder paste. These contacts allow 0.008-in. vertical travel in reaction to capillary action as the solder paste melts. The DIP sockets range in size from 8 to 32 positions and are supplied on 13-in. reels with tape widths from 16 to 56 mm. An eight-position version with tin-plated contacts costs $0.37 (1000). Mill-Max Mfg Corp, Oyster Bay, NY. (516) 922-6000.

Three-in-one connector handles all types of SCSI drives.

By integrating power, SCSI, and user control lines into a single device, the vendor's three-in-one mass-memory connectors save assembly time and pc-board real estate in SCSI-based hard, floppy, optical, and tape drives. Straddle-mount, through-hole, and surface-mount versions are available for board thicknesses ranging from 0.036 to 0.067 in. Contacts rate at 1A for data lines and 3A for power lines. Insulation resistance is 5000 M[ohm] at room temperature. Connectors cost approximately $0.01/contact, depending on configuration (200,000). Ranoda Electronics Inc, Miami, FL. (305) 593-0129.

Squeal-stopping plug prevents audio feedback.

Silent-Plug, a two-conductor ¼-in. plug that accepts cable as thick as 0.370-in. in diameter, employs a circuit-closing device that eliminates annoying hums, squeals, and pops when you insert or remove the plug from a jack. A switch near the base of the plug finger depresses when the plug is completely inserted and releases when withdrawn from the jack to prevent audio feedback. The Silent-Plug costs between $12.45 and $14.10 (OEM). Switchcraft Inc, Chicago, IL. (312) 792-2700.