ITC-Electronics - 19" frame-type plug-in units PRO: increased functionality at a lower price

19" frame-type plug-in units are mechanical components that serve to hold one or more circuit boards. The boards housed in a frame-type plug-in unit are thus combined into a larger electronic function unit that is self-contained and testable.

For its off-the-shelf 19" frame-type plug-in unit range Schroff has now developed a new, cost-optimised family of plug-in units that offer improved airflow (up to 65 %), greater robustness, better EMC shielding and considerably faster assembly, resulting in reduced costs. The aluminium profile side wall of the new frame-type plug-in units PRO range is significantly thinner than that of its predecessor. This both saves material and also allows more space for the vertical flow of air. In addition, the narrower profile makes an additional 1 HP available for regular use of the second slot (slot 2).

The entire space within the frame-type plug-in units PRO frame-type plug-in unit is thus available to accept plug-in boards in the HP grid. Depthwise, the inserted boards are automatically fixed via the rear panel without the need for manual fixing. The top cover and base plate of frame-type plug-in units PRO are available in three versions: a perforated plate simply cut to size, a solid plate and a special perforated plate into which the guide rails for the boards can be clipped in the HP grid. The simple perforated plate and the solid version are the most cost-effective alternatives, but allow only one board to be inserted (slot 1), which for many applications is often sufficient. In the frame-type plug-in units PRO series the top cover and base plate are no longer bolted to the lateral profiles but rather inserted into grooves in the latter, which represents a considerable simplification in assembly. The rear panel and the top cover and base plate are in 1.5 mm steel plate, which offers the necessary robustness even for wider frame-type plug-in units. The rear panel is flat and thus easy to work with. This is likewise available in three versions (solid, for one DIN EN 41612 connector or for multiple DIN connectors).

The shielded front panels of the new frame-type plug-in units PRO are now U-shaped and equipped with a textile EMC gasket. The U-shaped front panel further contributes to the robustness of these frame-type plug-in units. If required, the shielding can be further upgraded. For this purpose the lateral profile features an additional groove in the depth direction, into which an EMC O-ring may be inserted. The crossover from cover plate to rear panel is made via castings inserted above and below in the cover and base plate respectively, which are then bolted to the rear panel, thus forming a defined conductive connection. This improves EMC shielding and also increases robustness in the horizontal plane.

A further advantage in the construction of the new frame-type plug-in units PRO is the use of screws with the Torx® drive system instead of cross recess screws. Torx screws are better suited to tightening by machine since they can withstand greater force and can be better positioned. The new frame-type plug-in units PRO can be supplied as kits or as individual components in sizes 3 and 6 U with widths up to 42 HP. For the first time, the new design also allows versions with 5 HP widths.

For more information about Schroff see: www.schroff.de