One connector, infinite possibilities

For a long time, LEMO has been thinking about a circular, compact, and truly modular connector that a customer can build and assemble freely and easily. Now, it has become reality, and it will bring about a great many changes.

As is often the case with innovations, it hasn’t been a straight path. It all started with a request from a medical customer for a plastic connector offering very high density in a compact size. LEMO took up the challenge by developing the innovative concept of PCB high-density plug-in modules. Mission accomplished? Indeed, but why stop there? Why not expand the concept by proposing other modules for incorporating various other functionalities? The idea was developed, completed, and tested. Its first incarnation, the REDEL MP has just been launched.

This REDEL MP (“M” for modular and “P” for plastic) is the latest in the well-known REDEL connector range, built on 35 years of expertise in the medical field. It is safe and reliable, lightweight, and ergonomic. It is fully certified for autoclave sterilisation. It also uses the patented compact internal latch system of the REDEL SP.

What makes it special? First of all, its size: LEMO opted for 1 inch. This standard and much appreciated diameter, a first in the range, allows another feature of the REDEL MP to give its full expression: the modular insert concept.

The idea is really to build your own connector. Indeed, the customer chooses freely the modules to slip into the slots of their connector. In case they only need high-density and nothing else: four PCB HD modules will provide them with 144 contacts! In case they need low voltage, or fibre optics, or a hybrid configuration of various contacts (coax, fibre optic, fluidic…), dedicated modules will make it easily possible. If they prefer the same modules, but in a different order, or inverted (male/female), no problem at all. The customer can also select several contact types, their termination (solder, crimp, printed circuit), and the colour codes that will guide the user.

To make the “composition” of the connector easier, LEMO has developed a web-based configurator. Just like those used by car manufacturers, this tool will gently guide the customer, step by step, with the selection of various options. Once his connector selected with several options, he can place his order with just one click.

This great simplicity goes on even after the parts are delivered: the REDEL MP was designed for quick and easy assembly with minimum tooling. Following the poka-yoke approach, each part includes a keying to prevent any incorrect assembly. By the way, the innovative alignment of the inserts has been patented.

The modular concept not only simplifies the present but also secures the future, offering unparalleled flexibility. The designers of an equipment opting for REDEL MP will not need to change the customer interface when implementing new functionalities. They will simply be able to change the connector modules within the same footprint. If they know in advance that a new functionality will be added at a later stage, they can also leave the slot empty (closed by a blank plug) in the meantime.

Last but not least: the freedom offered by this new insert concept is only the beginning. Since they are printed circuits, the high-density modules offer a much larger modularity.

Custom designs are easily implemented to integrate electronic add-ons: RFID chips, electro-optical converters, thermal sensors, humidity, pressure, etc. LEMO will design the circuit board and interconnect solution as per customer request.

For such a connector, simple data transfer is not the end. It collects, processes and selects. The possibilities are endless.