Electronics engineers requiring the condensed system architecture in camera inspection and vision-aided robotics applications, but needing the transmission performance available from larger connectors in Camera Link applications, will be able to take advantage of the new line of 3M brand Shrunk Delta Ribbon (SDR) Connectors and Cable Assemblies 0.8 mm from 3M Electronics. The new line is comprised of RoHS compliant boardmount connectors and a variety of cable assemblies which have been developed specifically to address Camera Link and mini Camera Link (mini CL) interface requirements while offering the same signal integrity that the market has come to expect in such products.

3M developed the initial Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR) Connector and Cable Assembly interface for Camera Link applications. The new connector provides a variety of SDR solutions for Machine Vision and Camera Link applications that require a smaller form factor, but offers high transmission speeds without sacrificing performance.

The 3M SDR Connector uses a ribbon contact system with a 0.8 mm contact pitch. The SDR low profile, polarized boardmount connectors are constructed of high-temperature plastic bodies with 30 micron gold contacts, stamped metal EMI/ESD interface, and come with installed jack sockets and supporting board-mounting hardware. The installed jack socket is equipped to support the corresponding assembly thumbscrew interface. SDR boardmount products are offered in a selection of both vertical and right angle RoHS compliant PTH and SMT attachments.

The 3M SDR Cable Assembly consists of rugged, over-mold shells with a reliable thumbscrew locking system. Assemblies come in a variety of MDR/SDR configurations to address the multitude of options now available with the introduction of mini CL. 3M continues to use 28 AWG cable and wiring configurations that meet legacy Camera Link specifications, providing an electrical "drop in" replacement. The 3M SDR Cable Assembly is available in 30 AWG configuration upon request.

Further, 3M has added two new features to its Camera Link assembly offering for both MDR and SDR. The first is an overmold, right angle configuration that provides a low profile, thumbscrew interface which reduces the assembly profile by more than four inches when compared to traditional straight-exit backshell options. The second new feature is an extender assembly designed for adding length to existing cables or providing means for bulkhead/mid-span/pass-through requirements. The extender cables feature overmold MDR receptacles.

About 3M Electronics

3M Electronics is a leading supplier of innovative solutions to the electronics market. 3M's wide array of advanced technologies enable the company to design specialized products intended to help electronics manufacturers improve quality, reduce costs and lower emissions. The company's products help their customers connect, clean, polish, adhere, protect, transport and finish their products. 3M serves customers in numerous market segments, including semiconductor; OEM electronics; computers and peripherals; mobile and hand-held; as well as consumer, aerospace, military, automotive and medical markets.

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Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Other trademarks or names may be the property of their owners. Camera Link is a certification mark of Automated Imaging Association.

3MMatt Fagan, 512-984-3277Fax: 512-984-3369www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/media_contacts.jhtm