News
7th April 2008
Shock Horror
When previously unencountered vibrations started appearing on Formula 1 cars, electrical connectors were the first casualties, calling for Deutsch to come up with a solution
It was a phenomenon that started five or six years ago, according to Tony Coomber, the environmental test laboratory manager at Deutsch. The company’s famously reliable electrical connectors were coming back with continuity failures and nobody seemed to know why. Closer examination revealed the gold plating had worn off the contact pins, allowing the base metal surfaces to abrade each other. The resulting metal oxide created an electrically insulating layer preventing good electrical conductivity.
But why was it happening now when it had never happened before? The clues could be found in the environment in which the connectors were failing. One of Deutsch Motorsport’s most successful areas is F 1 and, in that same five to six years, engine revs had been climbing at an exceptional rate and the fact that failures were occurring in the powertrain area supported the view that this may be the cause. Confirmation came from the teams who reported seeing accelerations of up to 1000g at high revs.
To demonstrate the effects this can have, Coomber mounts a connector on a simple flat bracket on a vibration rig, together with an accelerometer. The rig does a frequency sweep and a response peak appears at the bracket’s resonant frequency of around 1.6KHz. However, the input accelerations of 44g RMS produce accelerations in the bracket of 170g RMS. It is apparent that the bracket actually amplifies the forces experienced by the connector.
Teams had been trying to deal with this by securing the bracket with Lord-type anti-vibration mountings but, in F1 terms, these are bulky and heavy. So the engineers at Deutsch have come up with a direct replacement, anti-vibration connector that occupies the same footprint and mounting holes as one of the company’s standard connectors. It took many iterations to get right as vibration is specific to the location and is not modellable, but what the engineers came up with was a mounting flange isolated from the connector itself with a rubber interface.
Bolted to the same bracket tested earlier, Coomber demonstrated the accelerations experienced by the new ani-vibration connector. Again the rig winds up to 44g RMS at the bracket’s resonant frequency, yet the accelerometer on the connector only read 40g RMS.
With the design now signed off for production, Deutsch expects users to experiment with it throughout this season, hopefully developing enough confidence in the technology to design their installations around its capabilities on next year’s racecars.
NEW YORK, January 31, 2008
Deutsch, a leading manufacturer of electrical connectors for the Industrial Vehicles, Mil Aero, Transportation and Oil & Gas markets, announced today that it has acquired the shares of SERVO Interconnect Limited from SERVO and Electronic Sales Limited.
Deutsch UK and Servo have worked together over the past 15 years and in January 2005 became a partner in the creation of Servo Interconnect Ltd. In 2007, SERVO Interconnect Limited achieved annual sales of approximately $10M.
Servo Interconnect and Deutsch UK look forward to a prosperous future combining the strengths of the two organizations. The resources of both companies will be used in the best interests of our customers; under the direction of Trevor Jenkins at Servo Interconnect and David Watters at Deutsch UK, we expect to see further steady growth supplying essential components to the motor racing industry.
31st January 2008
DEUTSCH Announces Strategic Acquisition
NEW YORK, January 31, 2008
Deutsch, a leading manufacturer of electrical connectors for the Industrial Vehicles, Mil Aero, Transportation and Oil & Gas markets, announced today that it has acquired the shares of SERVO Interconnect Limited from SERVO and Electronic Sales Limited.
Deutsch UK and Servo have worked together over the past 15 years and in January 2005 became a partner in the creation of Servo Interconnect Ltd. In 2007, SERVO Interconnect Limited achieved annual sales of approximately $10M.
Servo Interconnect and Deutsch UK look forward to a prosperous future combining the strengths of the two organizations. The resources of both companies will be used in the best interests of our customers; under the direction of Trevor Jenkins at Servo Interconnect and David Watters at Deutsch UK, we expect to see further steady growth supplying essential components to the motor racing industry.
16th January 2008
DEUTSCH Announces Sale of its Relays Operations to STPI
NEW YORK, January 16, 2008
Deutsch, a worldwide leading manufacturer of electrical connectors and hermetic relays, for Industry, Mil Aerospace and Transportation, announced today that it has sold its Relays operations to STPI group (Paris, France).
The Deutsch Relays Division created in 1954 is a leading manufacturer in the markets of hermetic relays, sockets and electronic devices for Defense, Commercial aircrafts, Space and Transportation. In 2007, the Relays Division achieved annual sales of $35M.
STPI is a well-established manufacturer of hermetic relays with more than 50 years experience supplying to the European market. Through this acquisition, STPI will become a global leader within the Relays market segment with sales above $60M. Jean-Marie PAINVIN, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DEUTSCH, states, “I am delighted to have found such a suitable purchaser for the Relays Division. Deutsch is now better positioned to focus on its primary target of growing its electrical connector core business to reach $1B in revenue by 2011”.
Michel Nespoulous, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of STPI, states, “As a result of this acquisition, the combined forces of the two companies will significantly enhance our offer to our customers, completing our existing range of products and ensuring a worldwide commercial presence. It would also allow STPI to grow on the American market where Deutsch Relays (DRI) is a strong player.”
10th January 2008
![[decorative] 2007 BRDC Awards - The Bruce McLaren Trophy](img\news_trophy.jpg)
Deutsch UK presents The Bruce McLaren Trophy at the third annual British Racing Drivers’ Club Awards
Deutsch UK, the market leading interconnection solutions provider, were recently invited to sponsor the prestigious Bruce McLaren Trophy at the third annual British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Awards held on 3rd December at The Savoy in London.
The BRDC awards are a celebration of the achievements and success of some of the most talented people in British motor racing, both within the UK and Internationally. The awards attract the participation of everyone who’s anyone in motorsport, and are eagerly anticipated and attended by a sell-out crowd.
The Bruce McLaren Trophy, which was this year won by Ryan Briscoe, is awarded to the Commonwealth Driver who has established the most meritorious performances in international motor racing.
Dave Watters, Director of Autosport for Deutsch UK presented the trophy and commented “It was a considerable honour to present the Bruce McLaren Trophy at the awards ceremony, Deutsch are fully committed to supporting the Motorosport industry. Having been involved with electrical connectors for many years, I was pleased to play a part in the first Deutsch Autosport connector, which made the initial step to setting up the Deutsch Autosport division.”
Deutsch UK offers unrivalled expertise in the design and manufacture of interconnection solutions for harsh environments. Its dedicated Autosport division were the first to pioneer a range of interconnection solutions specifically for Autosport over 15 years ago.
Deutsch connectors are specified across the entire Autosport industry, from F1, A1GP, IRL and Champcar to World Rally, NASCAR, Moto GP, Le Mans Series and Superbikes. Having its own team of knowledgeable experts, in-house test laboratory and extensive international distribution ensures that the Deutsch Autosport range of connectors continue to meet the constantly evolving technical challenges faced in this dynamic and demanding industry.
Never happy with standing still, Deutsch are currently developing exciting new, patent pending products. Due for release early in 2008, these new technologies will again drive the Autosport market forwards, exceeding the current boundaries and enabling teams across the industry to overcome the challenges caused by the dynamic and harsh environment in which they work.
10th January 2008
![[decorative] group photo of Deutsch staff](img\news_long_term.jpg)
Deutsch's long term commitment to Autosport ensures their place as market leaders
2008 marks an important milestone for Deutsch UK, the market leading interconnection solutions manufacturer, for they have been exhibiting at the largest motorsport show in the world; Autosport International, held every January in Birmingham for the past twelve consecutive years.
During this time the industry has seen an explosion of data logging usages and huge changes in the requirements of the teams. Deutsch’s deep understanding of the industry has enabled them to respond quickly to the teams’ ever increasing demands of lower weight, smaller size and better performance, with leading edge, innovative new products and technologies.
In the early 1990’s Deutsch UK were the first to pioneer a range of products specifically for the Autosport industry; The AS Series and AS Micro Series radically changed the face of autosport connection technology and has been used by race winning teams, throughout autosport, ever since. Following the success of these products, Deutsch established a dedicated autosport division to attend to the growing needs of the autosport teams and harness houses.
A knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated team of experts, supported with considerable investment in research and backed by an international distribution network, ensures the Deutsch autosport range of connectors continue to meet the constantly evolving technical challenges faced in this dynamic and demanding industry.
Paul Webb, Autosport Specialist comments; “We work in a tough environment where our products are tested to the extreme by our customers every weekend. Therefore we must exceed the teams’ expectations with quality and delivery to ensure their challenges on the track don’t miss a beat.”
Since the ground breaking AS series, Deutsch have developed over 10 new ranges including the hermetic, high current and high power connectors. Early developments included the fuel immersible fuel tank and Size 7 Mini connector. Major milestones included the benchmark MicroLite HE (ASL), the AS Heavy Duty (ASHD) for high current use and the ground-breaking AS Double Density (ASDD). In 2008 Deutsch are planning more innovations to support the current 5 variants of the prize winning ASDD range which will allow teams to use connectors in harsher and more novel ways.
Dave Watters, Director of Autosport sums up Deutsch UK’s passion and commitment to the Autosport industry; “The relationships we have, the understanding of our customers’ numerous and growing challenges in this ever changing and dynamic industry, coupled with our in-depth knowledge, our endless pursuit of the next cutting edge innovations and commitment to the industry means that our technology continues to change the way our customers go racing.
Deutsch are currently developing exciting new, patent pending technologies that will again, push the industry the very edge of technological development.
10th January 2008
![[decorative] connector components](img\news_autosports_environment1.jpg)
Power and performance in Autosport environments
Using its many years experience and vast knowledge of harsh environments, Deutsch UK, the market leading interconnection solutions manufacturer, have developed a range of high power connectors specifically for the Autosport industry. Until recently, the need for high current connectors in autosport was relatively low, however with F1 teams’ now developing KERS solutions, and high power alternators becoming standard in NASCAR environments, demand is growing for these types of connectors.
Deutsch’s AS Heavy Duty (ASHD), launched in 2005, led the way in establishing the benchmark for high performance and high current. Now Deutsch’s dedicated Autosport division has developed a range of products that will enable race teams to feel confident that high current no longer means high risk with connectors; the 2-way and the 4-way.
Although the scale of these connectors is larger than the data derived connectors such as the AS MicroLite (ASL), often the environments the connectors are expected to perform in are much the same. The increased size creates its own challenges in terms of heat dissipation and vibration. Deutsch’s utilise both its extensive Autosport experience and its test laboratory to ensure that all products undergo a rigorous testing programme to ensure high quality and reliability when in use on the track.
Dave Watters, Director of Autosport comments “The high current market in Autosport has really become a high technology market too. Increased demands in high current use, coupled with the extreme conditions found in racing mean our connectors have to push the boundaries every race weekend.”
2nd January 2008
DEUTSCH Announces Strategic Acquisition
NEW YORK, January 2, 2008
Deutsch, a leading manufacturer of electrical connectors for the Industrial Vehicles, Mil Aero, Transportation and Oil & Gas markets, announced today that it has entered into a strategic arrangement with WESCO International Inc. where Deutsch has acquired a 60% ownership of WESCO’s LADD operations for approximately $75M. LADD is engaged in the distribution of specialized “heavy-duty industrial connectors” and has been the exclusive distributor of Deutsch connectors in the United States for over 20 years. In 2007, LADD achieved annual sales of approximately $100M. Deutsch and WESCO will work together to further penetrate the existing customers in the specialized heavy-duty connector market, and to accelerate growth in new market segments and new products.
Under the terms of the agreement, Deutsch and WESCO will operate under a joint venture agreement whereby Deutsch owns 60% of LADD Industries, and is entitled, but not obliged, to acquire the remaining 40% at any time after the second anniversary of the date of closing.
14th November 2007
![[decorative] sylised speed boat electric blue](img\news_oceanled.jpg)
Deutsch shine a light for the leisure marine industry
Deutsch UK, a world leader of interconnection solutions for harsh environments, manufacture a range of connectors specifically designed to withstand the rigours of marine environments, where saltwater, extremes of temperature, dust, moisture and chemicals are prevalent.
Founded in 1963, Deutsch UK’s knowledge of electrical connectivity has developed out of vast experience, gained from working within the defence, civil aerospace, industrial and autosport industries. Deutsch UK has drawn on this experience to support the increasing demands made by the marine electronics industry across a broad spectrum of applications.
When designing their new system of underwater lighting for the leisure marine industry, OceanLED, chose Deutsch Quick Connect waterproof connectors to ensure their technology would withstand the rigours of marine environments.
Most yachts use Halogen lights for underwater lighting, which last for up to 1,000 hours. Some use Xenon lights, which can go on for up to 3,000 hours. However, OceanLEDs revolutionary new system uses LED lights, which run on very low voltage, allowing up to 60,000 hours of lighting. The advantages of switching to LED lights for underwater lighting to the Leisure Marine industry are enormous.
OceanLED initially used four rival connectors, to fit from the LED light to the driver box. After several tests, these proved not to provide an effective seal from saltwater, or the correct specifications. It wasn’t until OceanLED started to fit the Quick Connect (QC) connectors from Deutsch’s waterproof range that they found the perfect seal.
Andy Jefkins, Leisure Marine Specialist at Deutsch UK recalls, “From the moment OceanLED first approached us with their LED underwater lighting, we were confident we could resolve all their connection issues. Working closely with their design team, we quickly established that the Quick Connect would suit their needs best and I’m happy to say it has proved to be extremely successful for them.”
All Deutsch waterproof connectors are constructed from Ultem, a special thermoplastic, high temperature and corrosion resistant, composite material and rated up to IP68 for water immersion. Suitable for both power and data the ranges are rated up to UL94 Class V-O flammability, and are also E11 American Yacht and Boat Council and RoHS compliant.
Nigel Savage, the Managing Director of OceanLED, fully appreciates the advantages of Deutsch connectors, “Our lights simply work best with Deutsch connectors, because they give you a good and efficient saltwater seal. Deutsch’s products are easy to fit and a big selling point, because most of the skippers know the advantages of using them.”
12th October 2007
![[decorative] white speed boat with red strip zipping through the water](img\news_sunseeker.jpg)
Sunseeker Connects with Deutsch
Deutsch UK is renowned worldwide for the design, development and manufacture of high quality interconnection solutions for harsh environments, where heat, dust, moisture and chemicals are prevalent.
Building on the hard earned experience in providing connection solutions to the military, aerospace and autosport sectors, Deutsch developed a range of IP rated, waterproof connectors to withstand saltwater, extremes of temperature, dust, moisture and chemicals.
In 2005, two years into its relationship with the Luxury Motoryacht Builder Sunseeker, Deutsch’s waterproof connector range were the first to meet the E-11 American Yacht and Boat Specification, covering both DC and AC electronics. A wide range of Deutsch connectors were evaluated for several qualities, including the ability to handle voltages of up to 600Vrms.Tests conducted included vibration (sinusoidal and random), temperature cycling, temperature endurance, thermal shock, flammability, humidity, ice-resistance, fluid immersion, mating endurance, air-leakage and salt mist.
Sunseeker has been specifying the entire range of Deutsch waterproof connecters as standard for 4 years, across their complete range of boats above and below deck, including electronic connections on the fly bridge, main consoles and bilge for both clean and dirty water. As Matthew Francis, Electrical Manager at Sunseeker confirms, “The bilge area of any boat is a demanding environment for electrical systems. Deutsch has worked with us to select electrical connectors that simplify installation and improve system integrity.”
Deutsch waterproof connectors are rated up to IP69K, and can withstand temperatures from -55°C up to 125°C, 150°C or even 175°C, depending on the type of connector. They are suitable for both data and power, and rated up to UL94 class V-O flammability, as well as being E11 American Yacht and Boat Council and RoHS compliant.
“We’re proud to be able to say that every new boat that is built by Sunseeker is fitted with Deutsch connectors. That includes below deck – the cables, bilge pumps and consoles – as well as all the electronics on the other decks.” Commented Andy Jefkins, Leisure Marine Specialist at Deutsch UK.
14th September 2007
![[decorative] white speed boat with man in brown suit relaxing on it](img\news_yellowfin.jpg)
Deutsch UK on board with a revolutionary marine drive propulsion system from Yellowfin
Drawing upon its extensive 40 year experience in interconnection solutions for harsh environments, and utilising its own testing laboratory in St Leonard’s on Sea, Deutsch UK has been working closely with Yellowfin on a revolutionary marine drive propulsion system.
Yellowfin has been developing its innovative VSD propulsion system for the marine industry since 1999. It offers full electronic control, is about twice as efficient as a standard marine in-board drive and is applicable to a wide range of engine sizes. It allows a boat to be rapidly steered sideways, with no need for thrusters, enabling easy docking in the tightest of spaces. Irrespective of size, a boat with a Yellowfin engine can be turned effortlessly within its own length. It can also perform clutchless forward or reverse operations at speed, and has responsive, light steering even when moving slowly.
In developing a concept as innovative as this, Yellowfin encountered many challenges, not least ensuring the electrical connections within the unit could stand up to the harshest environment a powerboat could ever be expected to encounter. Well practised in developing some of the most technologically advanced and market leading interconnection solutions, Deutsch’s team of knowledgeable and experienced experts worked closely with Yellowfin over a number of years.
Andy Jefkins, Leisure Marine Specialist at Deutsch UK, worked closely with Yellowfin: “I’ve been involved with this project for about 7 years. Being involved from the start allowed us to recommend the best solutions for the job as Yellowfin evolved and tested their design concepts. Working closely with them meant we were able to understand what Yellowfin were trying to achieve, what their constraints were and help them accordingly.”
The Yellowfin engine uses the Deutsch DRC, DT and DTM waterproof connectors. All of Deutsch’s waterproof connectors are constructed from a thermoplastic, high temperature and corrosion resistant, composite material and are suitable for both data and power. They are also rated up to UL94 Class V-O flammability and are E11 American Yacht and Boat Council and RoHS compliant.
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