Fischer Connectors has brought its expertise to the universal USB-C standard. The Fischer UltiMate Series, the company´s flagship range for harsh environments, now includes a pre-cabled USB-C connector equipped with Fischer Connectors´ new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). This connector provides unmatched resistance to vibration and shock, ensuring safe connections for high-speed data transfer under extreme operating conditions in sectors such as defence, mining, construction, motorsports and railways.
The newly released Fischer UltiMate USB-C connector with the Ratchet Locking System (RLS) combines high-speed data transmission with the robust mechanical performance Fischer Connectors is known for.
Fischer Connectors designed the connector to provide optimal reliability in mission-critical environments, ensuring safe and stable connections in demanding applications and markets, such as defence armoured vehicles, UAVs, and UGVs, mining, heavy machinery at construction sites, motorsports, and railways. These environments are characterised by high levels of vibration and shock.
Ratchet Locking System (RLS) designed to resist high vibration and shock
At the heart of this innovation is the new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). Its fastening mechanism uses an asymmetrical tooth profile to securely lock under load and resist loosening under high vibration. Key benefits include exceptional vibration resistance (by maintaining lock under high-frequency vibration), tool-free operation (easy mating and un mating in the field, even with gloves), and durability with high rates of mating cycles.
Ruggedised USB-C connector for harsh environments
The new UltiMate USB-C connector with RLS has been independently validated to withstand 5.35 Grms of random vibration (50-2000 Hz, 3x1.5 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), 10 g of sinus vibration (10-500 Hz, 3x3 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), and shock up to 100 g (half sine pulse, 6 ms, no discontinuity >1 μs).
Additional features include an IP68 sealing for the plug; hermeticity for the receptacle (<10⁻⁸ mbar l/s); an operating temperature range of -30 °C to +80 °C; corrosion resistance of 350 hours of salt mist; 3,000 mating cycles; and 360° EMC shielding.
The UltiMate USB-C RLS is available as a pre-cabled plug and receptacle (28 mm diameter) with a flex PCB. This all-in-one solution provides robust connectivity and flexibility in various design configurations for modern electronic devices, especially in applications where space, speed, and reliability are critical. It offers a compact design and supports USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 transmission with data rates up to 10 Gbit/s.
The RLS fastening mechanism uses an asymmetrical tooth profile to securely lock under load and resist loosening under high vibration.
