Contactor
A connector is the crucial link that allows power, signals or data to be transferred in an electronic circuit - quickly, safely and reliably. Without the right connector, the performance, safety and longevity of the system can be adversely affected. At Swelex, we offer a wide range of connectors, data connectors and industrial connectors for everything from advanced medical technology and aerospace projects to automotive and automation. With the right connectors, you get stable operation, minimised downtime and long life for your systems.
What factors should you consider when choosing a connector?
Choosing the right connector determines its safety, functionality and lifetime. The connector you need depends on the application; an industrial solution has completely different requirements than, for example, medical devices or aerospace applications. Below you will find the most important aspects to consider.
Current and poles
One of the first factors to look at is the load. The connector must be able to withstand the current (amps) required in the circuit. At the same time, the number of poles determines how many independent circuits can be connected - from simple single-pole to hundreds of poles in advanced systems.
Size, pitch and weight
The distance between the pins, also called pitch, affects both size and precision. In small products, such as pacemakers or laptops, weight also becomes crucial, while size plays less of a role in power stations, for example.
Temperature and wear resistance
Both operating environment and amperage can generate extreme heat. It is important to choose a connector that can withstand the temperatures involved, while the wear resistance should match the application. Frequently switched test equipment requires high resistance to many cycles, while disposable solutions can get by with simpler designs.
Protection against dust, moisture and external influences
In environments where dust, moisture or hygiene requirements play a major role, the IP rating is crucial. An IP69K rated connector can withstand both pressure washing and steam cleaning, making it ideal for the food industry or other demanding environments.
Locking mechanisms
How the connector is attached is also an important aspect. Screw locks provide robustness and are often used in military equipment, the bayonet mechanism combines easy engagement with high resistance, while push-pull is a quick and easy choice in automated industry.
Materials and coatings
Material choice affects everything from weight to electrical properties. Plastic reduces weight, while metal provides stability and EMC protection. The coating on the pins is also key:
- Tin is affordable and easy to solder.
- Gold provides long wear resistance and high conductivity.
- Silver has the best electrical conductivity, especially in RF applications.
Frequency and speed
Finally, the connector needs to be able to handle the signals and speed required by the application. Higher frequencies mean more data but shorter range - hence the need for high speed solutions for data communication and fibre optic connectors for sensitive or long transmissions.
In short: connector selection is not just about connection, but about sizing the right solution for your industry and operating environment.
Board-to-Board & Wire-to-Board
- Reliable signal & power transmission
- Compact formats & different pitch distances
- Card-to-card and cable-to-card connectivity
- High mechanical resistance & long lifetime
- Adapted for demanding environments
Circular connectors
- Robust & eco-resilient design
- Flexible & hybrid solutions
- For power, signal & data
- Withstands vibration & temperature
- Long life span
Modular connectors
- Modular design & flexible configuration
- Combines signal, power & data in one solution
- Space efficient & scalable design
- Easy adaptation to changing needs
- Robust & reliable in harsh environments
Micro-D & Nano-D connectors
- Subminiature format & high contact density
- Robust & vibration and shock resistant
- Flexible mounting options & locking systems
- High signal integrity & long lifetime
- Lightweight & optimised for tight spaces
Power & high current connectors
- High current capacity & voltage tolerance
- Robust & vibration and shock resistant construction
- Flexible configurations & mounting options
- Hybrid solutions for power, signal & data
- Long life & low maintenance
RF connectors
- High frequency performance & low signal loss
- Stable signal integrity up to high GHz ranges
- Compact design for tight installations
- Shielded construction for minimal disturbance
- Robust & reliable in harsh environments
Fibre optic connectors
- Extremely high bandwidth & fast data transfer
- Low signal attenuation over long distances
- Immune to electromagnetic interference
- Compact & high density, space-efficient design
- High precision & reliability in demanding environments
IP rated connectors
- IP rating for dust & liquid protection
- Robust & vibration and shock resistant construction
- Flexible solutions for power, signal, data & fibre
- Long lifetime & many switching cycles
- Extra security with seals & insulation
Special & Spring Probe connectors
- IDI technology for safe & stable contact
- Reliable signal integrity & low resistance
- Flexible tolerance pick-up & low profile
- High frequency & fast switching
- Long life & environmentally friendly
I/O connectors
- Secure & stable signal and data transmission
- Support for analogue & digital signals
- Combines signal, data & power in one solution
- Robust design for harsh environments
- Flexible & future-proof connections
Connectors for different industries and environments
- Industry & Automation: Efficient, robust solutions for production environments with vibrations and high loads.
- Medical: Miniaturised and EMC-protected devices for secure data transmission in sensitive systems such as pacemakers and equipment.
- Military & Defence: Vibration and shock resistant solutions, with high robustness and protection for extreme environments.
- Space industry & satellites: ESA/MIL standard connectors, designed for vacuum, radiation and high temperature variations.
- Automotive & Electric Vehicles: High power connectors for motor control and fast charging.
- Consumer electronics: Space-saving and miniature connectors for IoT, laptops and smartphones.
Technical characteristics of our connectors
- IP ratings: Provides protection against dust, moisture and liquids - essential in industrial and hygiene-critical environments.
- Locking mechanisms: Screw lock for robustness, bayonet for speed, and push-pull for automated coupling.
- Coatings: Tin for cost efficiency, gold for high wear resistance and corrosion protection, silver for maximum conductivity.
- Lifetime and cycles: From one-off installations to devices designed for hundreds of thousands of connections.
Why you should choose Swelex
At Swelex we have long experience and high technical expertise. That's why we can deliver top-quality connectors. All our solutions are certified and tested according to global industry standards, which means you can always rely on their quality and function. We also tailor connectors to specific needs and industries - whether industrial, medical, defence or aerospace.
Our products are built to last, with both high performance and longevity as standard. In addition to the products themselves, we also offer personalised technical support. This means you get expert advice from specialists who help you choose the right solution, adapted to both environment and application.
Frequently asked questions about industrial connectors
What is the difference between high speed and fibre optic connectors?
- High speed connectors are used for short, fast data transfers, while fibre optic ones are used for longer distances and EMI-sensitive environments.
When to use EMC connectors?
- When you need to shield sensitive signals from electromagnetic interference, for example in medical technology or communications.
Can connectors withstand high temperatures?
- Yes, high temperature connectors are designed for environments near motors, industrial furnaces and process equipment.
Which coating should I choose - tin, gold or silver?
- Tin is cost-effective, gold provides the best wear resistance and corrosion protection, while silver has the highest electrical conductivity.
Hirose, founded in 1937 in Japan, is a leading manufacturer of connectors with high quality, precision and reliability. The company offers a wide range, from waterproof and high-current connectors to compact and rugged solutions, helping customers worldwide to find the best customised solution.
Smiths Interconnect, part of Smiths Group, is a leading supplier of electronic components, subsystems, microwave and RF products. The company delivers advanced solutions for critical applications in aerospace, defence, space, rail, medical and telecommunications, with a focus on reliability, security and high performance.
Omnetics has been developing and manufacturing high-performance miniature connectors and microD/nanoD solutions for space-constrained applications for over 30 years. The products are used globally in the medical, aerospace and defence industries where size, weight, signal integrity and reliability are critical.
Kinsun Industries Inc. was founded in Taiwan in 1986 and is a manufacturer of antennas and precision connectors. Kinsun continuously strives to take technology to a higher level. Headquartered in Taiwan, Kinsun has three additional factories in China, ensuring productivity - without compromising quality.
ept GmbH has been developing and manufacturing high-quality connectors and connection solutions for demanding applications for almost 50 years. The products are used globally in industry, telecoms, automotive and medical technology where precision, reliability and signal integrity are crucial. As a family-owned company, ept combines extensive experience with in-house product development and manufacturing to deliver flexible and customised solutions.