UK base helps connector company’s growth

Recent changes include its successful XLR-Format Feedthrough Data Connectors offering a range of audio and data connectivity in the industry standard 24mm diameter XLR connector panel cutout. The standard format offers designers simplified panel layout and manufacture. The improved design aesthetics provided by the products have been well received by product designers and system integrators.

Models in the Cliff FT range now include Firewire, HDMI A-A and 50ohm BNC versions, USB2 A-to-B and B-to-A ‘gender change’ sockets high speed USB Type-C, USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations - A-A, A-B and B-A.

Also available are all popular data and Ethernet connectors including USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), Toslink, RCA Phono and HDMI and blanking plates.

Cliff FT connectors are available in plastic or rugged zinc/nickel XLR housings finished in nickel or black and may be front or rear mounted to control panels. The Firewire and HDMI models may be specified with an optional socket sealing cover to prevent the ingress of dust when not in use or when in transit.

The FT connector range allows designers to integrate audio, video, digital, optical, networking and data feeds into professional equipment for broadcast, lighting, audio and industrial applications.

General Manager of Cliff Electronics, John Hall, commented: “As a UK manufacturer we have to be able to respond to changing market requirements quickly and provide cost effective solutions for our customers. Our FT connectors are a perfect example of this.”

Hall continued: “The XLR format has been used in the audio industry for decades, the evolution into digital communication and control markets continues to grow and we are being asked to support more applications on a regular basis. Standardising on the very popular XL format speeds up our development time and allows our customers to simplify and rationalise their panel design, improving flexibility and reducing cost.”

All versions of Cliff FT connectors share the same features and dimensions and offer a complete range of audio, data, and fibre connectors, all of which can both front or rear mounted into industry standard 24mm XLR connector mounting holes.

The new FT Series are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrumentation, control and rack panels, wall-plates, etc. For ease of assembly the Cliff FT Series are available with standard or countersunk mounting holes. Bezels are available in seven colours to identify the function of FT connectors when fitted to a control panel

The FT Series offers true feed-through connection, allowing standard cabling to be used to connect at both front and rear, eliminating the need to solder or terminate the connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly.

Cliff’s FT series has already found widespread use in a multitude of system integration applications for custom I/O solutions. Typical applications include broadcast, AV installations, systems integration, home theatre, automation, solar power and a growing range of industrial applications including instrumentation, industrial control and data acquisition.