Board to board, board to wire and wire to wire, CMM connectors give the designer a wide choice of configurations in data transmissions (HF or LF) and high power supplies (HP). The connector is available in mixed layout or in all signal.

2 - What is the CMM product range by Nicomatic?

Nicomatic offers three product families : CMM100/200 series, CMM220 series, and CMM320/340 series :

a.
CMM 100, simple row of contents, signal (LF) only
CMM 200, double row of contacts, signal (LF) only

b.
CMM 220 : double row of contacts, this connector benefits from the option of a mixed layout, giving the designers a choice of high frequency, high power, fibre optic (upon request) and low frequency.

c.
CMM 320, three rows environment with up to 16 special contacts and 32 special contacts (up to 120 LF contacts)
CMM 340, three rows with up to 64 special contacts if no signal contact is used

1b - What material is used for the backpotting moulds?

Polyethylen hd (PE hd) ou polypropylen (PP).

1c - Do you recommend a moulding form for the backpotting of the CMM?

Yes. NICOMATIC offers disposable backpotting moulds for CMM connectors : on-site harnessing is simplified thanks to a superior retention of crimped wires.

2b - What spacer to use between 2 boards?

7.3mm spacer (+/-0.5mm) is standardised. For longer spacers, it is recommended to make tests before.

3 - What is the maximum number of contacts in a CMM connector?

CMM 100, 02 to25
CMM 200, 04 to 50
CMM 220, 04 to 60 (15 contacts HP/HF max.)
CMM 320, 06 to 120 (20 contacts HP/HF max.)
CMM 340, 06 to 120 (64 contacts HP/HF max.)

3b - RoHS : what is the status?

19/07/2006 (July 19th):

NICOMATIC designs and manufactures CMM connectors, especially known for their strong resistance to harsh environments.

The NICOMATIC connectors have been developed for defence, aerospace and also medical applications. These end-user sectors are not directly concerned by the RoHS directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. However, in a medium to long term this directive will certainly also be applicable to the sectors mentioned mainly for legal and availability reasons.

CMM connectors are today 90/10 Sn/Pb plated on the solder part of the connector. For other industries and consumption markets NICOMATIC like other manufacturers on the marketplace has replaced the former plating by pure tin on nickel under layer. This plating does not present the same guarantees for the environments into which the product may be submitted.

That is why NICOMATIC has decided to replace the 90/10 Sn/Pb plating on the solder part by a gold flash plating on nickel under layer. This plating has the advantage of being RoHS compatible and presents the same level of performance compared to a 90/10 plating, and superior performance in terms of solderability and corrosion compared to a pure tin plating.

The effort made by NICOMATIC on the overcost linked to this plating allows his customers to avoid any inconvenience which may be caused by pure tin. The transition to the new RoHS conform plating has been applied given FIFO inventory management system starting October 2006.

There is no modification of the part number as the assembly process does not change. NICOMATIC also reminds the Forward Compatibility of its CMM connectors with unleaded assembly processes from the origin.

A green Lead Free sticker has also been applied to the product packaging and an internal traceability per date code allows to certify the compatibility to the European RoHS directive.

4b - RoHS : has the soldering process changed due to moving to Lead Free (gold flash) terminals?

The gold flash plating is backward and forward compatible. Backward means soldered with tin lead and forward with pure tin soldering process. Between the 2 processes there can be a difference in temperature of 20 to 30C and 10 to 30 seconds. Gold flash plating withstands all the different curves, which is a big advantage compared to tin/lead or pure tin.
This also means that you can use your pure tin or tin/lead soldering process for CMM connectors, the choice being dependant more on the other components of the board and the decision to have a total RoHS compliant product.

4 - Could you specify which termination styles are available?

The following termination styles are available : board solder, surface mount, crimped on cable or solder on cable and pressfit.

5 - Which markets are most interested by the CMM?

CMM connectors are mainly developed for the aerospace, instrumentation & control, military and transportation including IFES, HUDs (Human display), flights controls, mobile power supplies, industrial computers & engine controls.They are also used in a growing number of medical, energy and telecommunication applications.

6 - In what sense can we speak of a high density connector?

It enables up to 60% space saving over conventional systems.

7 - Is there a locking system?

Yes. For the CMM100 & 200, an optional latch offers the security of interconnection. For the CMM220 & 320/340, an internal locking system is available (jackscrew mechanism).

5b - Is it possible to use CMM under extreme vibrations?

Yes. The connector has been developed to perform under conditions of extreme vibration. It can be used in a Formula 1 or in a fighter ! (Shock severity: 100g for 6 ms vibration 0,75 mm, 10g RMS 6 hours long random with superimposed sinusoid. No intermitances measured when using on HSLI (High Speed Logic Interrupt) detector with a trip threshold of 2 ns).

6b - Can we use the CMM in high temperature conditions?

Yes. Thanks to the insulator made of fibreglass filled thermoplastic, the temperature can reach up to 260C. Standard operating temperature ranges from -60C to +260C.

8 - What is the maximum number of cavities for special contacts in a connector?

15 cavities in a CMM220, 20 in a CMM320 and 64 in a CMM340.

9 - Does the CMM comply with an inflammability standard?

Yes, UL 94-V0 norm.

10 - What is the maximum intensity for the high frequency?

up to 30 A.

11 - What is the maximum frequency of the coaxial contacts?

Up to 11 Ghz (depends on the cable used).

12 - If you remove a contact, can you reinsert?

Yes. This is a 3 time reinsertion for LF contacts, 50 cycles for special contacts HF/HP series 30 (Coaxmatic 30) and 5 cycles for special contacts HF/HP series 22 (Coaxmatic 22).

13 - What makes up a CMM micro-connector?

Parts that constitute a CMM are following :
- thermoplastic material (fibreglass)
- contacts (right angle or straight), gold or tin plated, up to 120 contacts on the CMM320 LF
- optional jacking system different from the type of connector (latch, fixing hardware).
- mixed layout, connector with up to 15 cavities (CMM220 example).

7b - How do CMM220 connectors compare to CMM100/200 connectors?

CMM220 connectors allow high frequency & a combination of different contacts : HF, high power, fibre optic (upon request) and low frequency...
CMM100/200 connectors allow low frequency (up to 5A) and a high number of signal contacts in its double row connector (up to 50). CMM220 allows up to 60 contacts.

8b - How do CMM220 connectors compare to CMM320/340 connectors?

CMM220 has a double row environment whereas CMM320 and CMM340 series have a triple row. On the latter, a bigger number of special contacts is possible thanks to the mixing of contacts in a larger space.

9b - Is it possible to get a mixed layout in the same micro-connector?

CMM as a highly modular standard system allows up to 10 million configurations!

Therefore, numerous configurations are possible given the type of connector. For example, in a CMM 220 configurations are limited by the space to up 15 cavities. In a CMM320, 32 contacts can be mixed with 20 special contacts "Coaxmatic30". In a CMM340, these possibilities are even higher.
A mixed version of CMM320 and CMM340 allows the best combinaison in terms of mixed layout and space. Please consult us by contacting our technical staff under technic@nicomatic.fr

14 - What do you mean by HF / HP contacts?

HF means high frequency and HP means High power contacts. Special contacts are male or female in diameter 2.2mm (=Coaxmatic22) or 3mm (=Coaxmatic30). They are coax or high power contacts available in straight, right angle or SMT styles.

10b - What material do you recommend for backpotting?

Stycast 2651 MM and Catalyst 9 (8%to 10%)

11b - Is it possible to change the polarization on CMM220 connectors (if yes, how many placements do you have)?

The polarization key can be moved every 2mm. In a CMM 220 connector with 24 ways, we get 11 positions. Add to the P/N "KLL" ("K" means direction 1 towards contact 1, and 2 represents the opposite direction ; "LL" means the number of the shift).

2c - Is there a waterproof version of the CMM mixed connector?

No. But you can use our silicon interfacial seal which has an extra protection for the connector:
- Anti water streaming function
- Protection against condensing, vapour
- Anti dust function

3c - Can CMM 220 connectors be used with 270V?

LF contacts withstanding voltage: 1 200 V RMS
HP 22 series: 900 V RMS
HP 30 series: 1 500 V RMS
(sea level only).

12b - What is the recommended withdrawal force for a wire crimped on C12468?

J24 Crimp tool setting 7 (=3,3 daN) or J26 Crimp tool setting 6 (=4,7 daN).

13b - What is the difference between "SS" and "ZS"?

As a rule NICOMATIC coaxial contacts are always like 30-nnnn-xx. What means xx ?

the first letter x is related to the inner contact

the second letter x is related to the outer (shielding) contact

S = crimp

Z = solder

14b - What is the C12237 tool made for?

C12237 is a hand crimp tool for central coaxial contact MH800. It is supplied together with positioner K1131.

15b - How is the tool C12238 supplied?

C12238 is a hand crimp tool for coaxial shield. It is supplied together with the crimp dies for coax 22 and coax 30.

16b - Do you have a recommended torque figure for tightening CMM 221T14-F22?

The general recommended torque is 20cNm.

4c - Can you supply a CMM series 340 with 80 LF contacts and 14 power contacts?

Given the calculation rule on CMM320/340 catalogue, this is not possible in a standard configuration because value A max = 77mm:

A = 2x(81/3) = 2,5x (14/2) + 13 = 54 + 17,5+13 = 84,5mm

You'd better choose 81 LF contacts and 14 power.

5c - What are the wire colour codes as per MIL-STD-681?

Basic colour codes:
0 = black
1 = brown
2 = red
3 = orange
4 = yellow
5 = green
6 = blue
7 = violet
8 = grey
9 = white

6c - What is a MT connector?

MT stands for mechanical transfer. It is a multi-fiber ferrule in which fiber alignment is critical for high performance. The key elements for fiber alignment are:
1) high precision molding
2) high precision guide pins
(products upon request only)

7c - What is a MPO connector?

MPO stands for Multi-fiber Push On connector designed for the MT ferrule. The MPO connector family is defined by IEC-61754-7.
(products upon request only)

8c - Can CMM hold with a dielectric withstanding voltage of 1300v at 60Hz for 1 minute?

Applications with voltage used at 1 500v Ac exist, so this should not be a problem.

9c - Do CMM connectors hold at 1000v dielectric tests?

Yes. We recommend always to test within your own application conditions.

10c - For a C30096 cable assembly, can I specify different wire colours for each of line on the cable assembly?

In this case, we have 3 coax for RG316. Each is normally linked to the brown colour only.
For LF contacts AWG 22, it is possible to get different colours but you need to specify them first. Do not expect colours that are usually not admitted like special green, yellow etc.

11c - We need to know the relative dielectric constant "Er" for the insulator body?

The insulation is PTFE (Teflon). The "Er" value is 2,10.

12c - I already cabled my connector 202S08. Can I now insert a backpotting shape by the front side?

Yes.

18b - Why cannot we mount a F22H fixing with connectors in S or C type?

As shown underneath, it is not possible to use a latch key to squeeze / lock the screw nut.

19b - What is the Reverse fixings usage?

When the current comes from a PCB and out, the designer prefers to put the female on the pcb and male on cable or flex rigid pcb. The option of reverse fixing allows to use the F fixings on the female (CMM 222) and then the M fixing on the male connectors (CMM 221) whereas it is normally not possible. It is a practical solution especially appreciated in a number of applications.

20b - Are the CMM contact sockets made of beryllium copper compliant with REACH and RoHS?

Yes. We don't use pure beryllium for the contact sockets, but a beryllium++(<=2%) copper alloy. That is authorized and compliant with RoHS & REACH regulations.

13c - What is Nicomatic position on the LVDS signals which tend to be more and more important?

LVDS is becoming more and more important, Micro-D-mix micro-connector series DMM has been created for this trend and meets 100 ohm impedance required for LVDS. The 4D floating connector also meets LVDS requirements and has been tested and approuved by some prestigious worldwide clients. CMM also can accept LVDS. Please contact us first.

15 - Are CMM micro-connectors possible to use at 70 000 ft high altitude?

The contacts are qualified regarding withstanding voltage at high altitude (70 000 ft) according to MIL DTL 55302-3F standards.

16 - What is the thickness of nickel and gold plating for the CMM322YL and CMM321YL connectors?

CMM321:
Contact area is copper alloy/ Ni (2 micron) + Au 1 micron
Contact tail is copper alloy / Ni (2micron) + Au flash 0.1 micron
CMM322:
Body is copper Alloy / Ni 2 micron + Au 0.2 micron
Socket boby is Beryllium Alloy / Ni 2 micron + Au 1.25 micron

Nickel 2 micron is used as a barrier against migration of Au. If you put Au directly on copper that would leads to gold pollution and then to oxidation, so there will be a very bad contact resistance.

21b - Which fixings can you recommend for 2mm PCBs?

M12 for Y female
F22 F24 for Y male
F23/F25/F26/F30 for V male
PS : F23 and F26 have the same characteristic only the head of the screw is different. Please refer to the CMM Catalogue Guidelines
Comment: F24 is more recommended than F22 for a 2mm board

22b - What is the smaller AWG cable we can use for CMM micro-connectors?

We go as small as AWG32 thanks to a gauge reducer. Please refer to catalogue page 110.

23b - What vibration test do you have for CMM micro-connectors?

CMM micro-connectors are submitted to vibration test after being submitted to life test (2 500 mating/unmating cycles) and of course they are mated (between 2 connectors and not 1 connector to PCB). The 3-axis vibration test allows to check the signal stability (no interruption greater than 1 micro second), which is a requirement for MIL-DTL-55302F standard.

14c - Please advise if the 75ohm contact (female connector 222E00M16-0008-2326-ZS-75) will mate properly to the 50ohm contact (male connector 221D00F26-0008-1400-45)?

Yes, it will mate properly. No problem.

15c - What is the operating voltage for Microflex?

Minimum Breakdown Voltage = 1000 Vrms
Withstanding voltage = 750 Vrms
Rated Voltage = 250 Vrms (also called operating voltage)

16c - Can you provide the approximate weight for your CMM320 and DMM220 connectors?

It is difficult to give a standard weight of CMM320 or DMM220 as it varies with the fixing and number of contacts but it is definitively a few grams for example:322Y036H01 is 4.5g and 322Y054H05 is 5.9g. FOR DMM 10 contacts for example :D222SH-10-D03 is 2.13g

17 - Do CMM work under temperature 250°C using 3 ampers per contact?

Yes. They are qualified to function under 3A @250°C (without flame exposure) during up to 15mn.

17b - Do you have different versions of the CMM catalogue?

Yes.
September 2006
June 2007
June 2008
February 2009
September 2010 : list of changes/modifications
May 2011: list of changes/modifications

September 2006 marks an important date on the product range evolution and a guideline has been edited to explain the major changes: you can click here to download it.