Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff
DC connectors for multi-voltage power supplies
tkamiya:
Over next couple months to years, I will be experimenting with many GPSDOs; both ocxo type and Rb type. It will involve long term tests. Some of them (Especially Rb type) will take 2 Amp or more at 12 to 24 volts until warms up. My plan is to make a separate power supply unit. (strictly linear supplies) I think I'd make it 24V, 12V, and 5V output, few amps each.
Here's a question - what do you use for low voltage power connectors?
I've been using terminal strips and 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel type. But having multiple voltage will likely result in release of magic smoke. Another idea is d-sub 15pin. Fairly uncommon and each can have multiple voltages. By paralleling pins, it should be able to support few amps.
If you have good ideas, I would like to hear about it. Typically, I like building-in power supplies but for experiments and long term tests (especially), this will be costly and labor intensive.
bob91343:
Try to select connectors that cannot be plugged into the wrong places. If you use d-sub, realize that much equipment does as well and you can cause problems.
AMP and Molex make lots of cheap power connectors that are popular. You can use the old fashioned Jones plugs as well. My favorite is just a pair of banana jack/binding posts spaced the standard 3/4 inches. For several voltages you can mount a row of them and use different colors. The advantage here is that you can stack them and use the same power supply for multiple units. I have some that were salvaged from old stereo amplifiers as speaker terminals. Most of those have spring loaded buttons so you can insert wires without connectors. There are also old style screw terminal strips that can accept lugs as well as bare wires. These are available in groups from one to over a dozen.
In short, the options abound, and you can have fun deciding. If you decide you don't like something, tear it out and change it for something else.
mariush:
Classic barrel jack
The common Molex MiniFit Jr or "clones" (pci-e 6/8 pin , EPS/cpu connector on motherboards, atx 24pin)
RJ45 (ethernet) ... gives you 8 wires in small footprint... but must label it properly
mini-din (though i think would be poor choice)
David Hess:
I like the Waldom Molex 1625 series for this type of application. The connectors can be used in-line, chassis mounted, (1) and printed circuit board mounted. They are keyed (2) and have a detent which holds them together with more than friction.
https://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine?FS=TRUE&N=4292887429+4292906361
The crimping tool and pin extractor are reasonably priced:
https://www.amazon.com/Waldom-Electronics-W-HT-1921-CRIMPING-ELECTRONICS/dp/B0195UWT9U
https://www.amazon.com/Extractor-Diameter-Standard-Terminals-11-03-0002/dp/B00IZOD3NE/ref=sr_1_2
(1) With a square hole punch unfortunately. You cannot have everything.
(2) You can also swap male and female pins between the male and female housings to further key them.
sleemanj:
Barrel jacks come in many sizes, pick 3, eg 5.5/2.5 for 5v, 5.5/2.1 for 12v, something smaller for 24v (the reason for using 5.5/2.5 for 5v is that it could feasibly fit and power into a 5.5/2.1 socket, so you'd only get 5v into a 12v desirous thing, not 12v into a 5v desirous thing).
Or use XT30/60/90
Or use USB for 5v, 5.5/2.1 for 12v, and something else for 24v.
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