DFS-160-XAG0-503 DIN41612 Vertical press fit type E female 160P

The DIN 41612 Vertical Press Fit Type E Female 160 Position Connector is a high-density, five-row backplane receptacle designed for demanding industrial, telecommunications, and embedded computing applications. This connector fully complies with the DIN 41612 and IEC 60603-2 standards, which define the mechanical and electrical specifications for two-part Eurocard connectors used in rack-and-panel and backplane architectures . The "Type E" designation indicates a 5-row contact arrangement with a total of 160 contact positions (32 contacts per row), making it one of the highest-density configurations within the DIN 41612 family. As a Female (Receptacle/Socket) connector, this component features female contacts designed to receive male pins from a corresponding Type E male plug connector mounted on a daughter card or mating board . The Vertical (Straight/180°) orientation means the connector is mounted perpendicular to the PCB surface, with the mating interface facing upward, making it ideal for backplane applications where daughter cards are inserted vertically into a chassis .

 

The defining termination feature of this connector is its Press-Fit (also known as Compliant Press-Fit) technology. Unlike traditional soldered connections, the press-fit termination uses a specially designed compliant pin section (often called an "ACTION pin") that is cold-pressed into plated through-holes on the PCB without the need for solder . When the pin is inserted, the compliant section elastically deforms, creating a gas-tight, high-reliability mechanical and electrical connection between the pin and the PCB barrel. This press-fit technology offers several significant advantages over soldering: (1) no thermal stress is applied to the PCB or connector, eliminating the risk of warpage or damage; (2) it supports automated assembly using a press tool, reducing manufacturing cycle time; (3) it is environmentally friendlier because no solder or flux is required; (4) it provides excellent reliability in high-vibration environments due to the compliant pin's ability to maintain contact under mechanical stress . The press-fit version is widely preferred in high-volume backplane production, particularly in telecom and datacom applications where field serviceability and long-term reliability are critical requirements .

 

The Type E female connector features a 160-position contact arrangement across five rows, with a standard 2.54mm (0.100") pitch between contacts and between rows. Different manufacturers use varying row designation schemes: ERNI and ANTENK label the rows as A, B, C, D, E , while HARTING uses the designation Z, A, B, C, D . Both configurations are mechanically compatible and interchangeable. The female contacts are typically of the bellowed type or tuning fork style, designed to provide reliable, low-resistance contact with male pins while accommodating multiple insertion and extraction cycles . The connector housing is molded from high-temperature PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) with 30% glass fiber reinforcement, rated UL94 V-0 for flame retardancy, providing excellent mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and heat resistance during wave soldering or reflow processes . Typical tail length options for press-fit versions include 4mm (standard), 13mm, and 17mm for thick backplane applications . The connector also features polarization and coding options to prevent incorrect mating, and the housing is typically gray in color .

 

The DIN 41612 Vertical Press Fit Type E 160-Position connector delivers robust electrical performance suitable for demanding industrial and telecommunications applications. Electrical characteristics include a current rating of 1.5A to 2.0A per contact (with all contacts simultaneously energized), a contact resistance of 15mΩ to 20mΩ maximum, an insulation resistance of 10 GΩ to 10¹² Ω minimum, and a dielectric withstand voltage of 1000V to 1400V AC for one minute . The operating temperature range spans from -55°C to +125°C (with some versions rated -40°C to +105°C), ensuring reliable performance in harsh industrial environments, outdoor telecom cabinets, and aerospace applications . The female contacts are fabricated from copper alloy with gold plating over a nickel underplating on the mating area, providing low contact resistance, corrosion resistance, and durability through 400 mating cycles (Class 2 performance level) . The press-fit termination area is designed for reliable insertion with maximum insertion force of approximately 0.695N to 1.0N per contact . The connector is available in multiple performance classes, with Class 2 (400 cycles) being the most common for standard industrial applications.

 

The DIN 41612 Vertical Press Fit Type E 160-Position connector is deployed in applications requiring ultra-high-density, reliable backplane interconnects with the manufacturing advantages of solderless press-fit assembly. Primary application areas include telecommunications systems (central office switches, base station controllers, transmission backplanes), industrial control systems (PLC backplanes, industrial computers, high-end I/O modules), embedded computing platforms (VMEbus, CompactPCI, VXI, and other Eurocard-based architectures), medical instrumentation (imaging systems, patient monitors), test and measurement equipment, and military/aerospace electronics . Major manufacturers of this connector type include ERNI / TE Connectivity (models 254960, 254975, 254006-E, 216417-4), HARTING (models 02021602202, 02221602201, 02021602301), Hecon Electronics (HC-4DIN41612-5160AFPXXBNA0X series), and ANTENK (DFS series) . In summary, the DIN 41612 Vertical Press Fit Type E 160-Position connector is a premium, high-density interconnect solution that combines 5-row, 160-pin Eurocard compliance with the reliability and manufacturing advantages of press-fit termination, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical backplane applications requiring maximum signal density in industrial, telecom, and embedded systems.