878/879 Series Maxnetic® Spring-Loaded Connectors

Mill-Max’s 878 series Maxnetic spring-loaded magnetic connectors feature self-alignment, self-location, and zero force mating for quick and easy connections, making component connections effortless, reliable, and durable.

An electrical connection as the magnetic force pulls and holds the connectors together is established by the Maxnetic spring-loaded and mating target pins. No aligning or plugging is required to mate the connectors, and no hardware is needed to keep them mated, making the 878 series magnetic connectors attractive for use in environments with repeated mating and un-mating of cables into devices. Quick connections, blind mating, and the ability to break away for emergency release without damage to the components make the connectors well suited for applications including medical settings and portable device docking/charging stations.

The Maxnetic product line features a connector pair consisting of a through-hole PCB mount spring-loaded connector and a shrouded target connector with solder-cup terminations. The combination is ideal for cable-to-device applications. They are single-row connectors with two to six positions and pin-to-pin spacing of 0.1575” (4 mm). The spring-loaded connector has an above-board height of 0.378” (9.6 mm) and contains spring-loaded pins featuring 0.090” (2.3 mm) maximum stroke. They have a cycle life of up to 1,000,000 cycles, 25 milliohms contact resistance, 7.2 amp per pin current rating (current rating is a derated value based on an individual pin in free air), and gold plating on all components. The target connector is shrouded to ensure alignment and engagement with the spring-loaded mating connector and has gold-plated solder cup pins that accept up to 16 AWG wire. The use of strong and long-lasting neodymium (NdFeB) magnets on both connectors provides 1.4 pounds (636 g) average separation force [1 pound (454 g) minimum]. It enables the connectors to be pulled into alignment and connected up to 0.500” (12.7 mm) apart. The connectors can be used for power or signal transmission and may be mounted in vertical or horizontal orientations. Optimal electrical and mechanical reliability is ensured using high-quality Mill-Max spring-loaded pins.

The latest release incorporates polarization of the magnets to ensure proper connections are made every time. If the magnets are not correctly aligned the connectors will repel each other and be impossible to connect. This is useful in preventing short circuits or data errors. The connectors can be used for power or signal transmission and may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Optimal electrical and mechanical reliability is achieved using high-quality Mill-Max spring-loaded pins.