3M™ Introduces Compact Mini-Clamp Connectors for Demanding Applications

AUSTIN, Texas - Dec. 16, 2008 - 3M Electronic Solutions Division recently extended the Mini-Clamp Connector product line to include Right Angle Surfacemount Socket connectors. Designed for a reliable interconnection in demanding applications, the newest addition to the 3M Mini-Clamp Connector family features a compact, low-profile design that retains the reliable dual-wipe, high-mating cycles and positive mating latches of its predecessors.

(3M Compact Mini-Clamp Connectors)

(3M Mini-Clamp Connector Actual Size)

The new right angle surfacemount socket connectors are available in 3- and 4-pins, and include three options for properly placing and locating the component on a PC board, as well as a robust PC board retention tab feature.

Like the Mini-Clamp II connectors from 3M introduced earlier this year, the newest addition is designed to provide a reliable electrical connection between sensors, actuators, drives and control units without special tooling or wire preparation. All that is needed to make the termination is a pair of pliers – just squeeze. The 3M insulation displacement contact (IDC) provides a simple installation process without material debris or waste.

The Mini-Clamp connectors are part of 3M’s field bus system offering, designed to reduce the amount of wire usage while saving space in factory automation installations. These connectors provide an easy and simple wire termination process which helps reduce the total overall cost of wiring installations. The Mini-Clamp connector system’s unique IDC wire termination method requires only the use of standard pliers, making the process inexpensive, simple and easy to complete in the field.

Typical applications and industries for these discrete connectors include semiconductor and LCD manufacturing machines; medical, packaging systems, conveyor systems, elevators and lift systems; flowmeters; motion test and measurement systems; traffic light and control systems; LED lighting, signage, gaming base press control electronics; food and packaging industries; automotive and metal industries, and sensors.

Mini-Clamp Connectors by 3M are available in 2 mm pitch that use color coding (red, yellow, orange, green, blue and gray) to provide for the proper wire usage, wire alignment and retention in the cover. The 3M Mini-Clamp Connectors are available in 3- and 4-pin wiremount configurations in socket, panelmount socket, and plug versions. It is also available in boardmount socket configurations: a 3- and 4-pin single row socket connectors; a 6- and 8-pin dual row socket connectors; and a 6-pin (2 x 3 pins), a 8-pin (2 x 4 pins), a 12-pin (4 x 3 pins) and a 16-pin (4 x 4 pins) multi-row socket connector. Dust caps are available for more harsh and dusty environments.

Part Number	View Inventory
Mini-Clamp 371 Series
Mini-Clamp 372 Series
Mini-Clamp 373 Series

See also:

• 3M Mini-Clamp Plug TS-2092-C (.pdf)
• 3M Mini-Clamp Socket TS-2093-D (.pdf)
• 3M Mini-Clamp Socket TS-2094-C (.pdf)
• 3M Mini-Clamp II Plug TS-2233-D (.pdf)
• 3M Mini-Clamp II Socket TS-2234-D (.pdf)
• 3M Mini-Clamp Socket TS-2271-A (.pdf)

# # #

3M, Textool, and Scotch, are trademarks of 3M Company. Camera Link is a certification mark of Automated Imaging Association.