IEC 61076-4-101:2001

Overview

IEC 61076-4-101:2001 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements for printed board connectors with assessed quality. This standard covers detailed specifications for two-part connector modules designed on a 2.0 mm basic grid, compatible with printed boards and backplanes as defined by IEC 60917. It is referenced within the IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ), ensuring reliability and consistency in connector performance.

This standard includes the corrigendum from November 2003, providing the most up-to-date requirements for connector design, application, mechanical and electrical characteristics, quality assessment, and testing.

Key Topics

• Connector Modules: Defines two-part modules utilizing a 2.0 mm grid suitable for modular equipment.
• Quality Assessment: Sets procedures for qualification approval, lot-by-lot testing, and ongoing conformity assessment in line with IECQ requirements.
• Mechanical and Electrical Characteristics:
  • Contact and termination styles
  • Engagement sequence and mechanical coding
  • Shielding and grounding practices
  • Dimensions and tolerances for reliable interconnection
• Testing and Conformance: Includes detailed test schedules for mechanical endurance, electrical integrity, environmental resistance, and flammability.
• Marking and Ordering: Provides guidance on standard type designation, proper product marking, and ordering information.

Applications

Adhering to IEC 61076-4-101:2001 assures manufacturers, OEMs, and system integrators of reliable, interoperable electronic connectors in the following applications:

• Industrial Control Systems: Ensures robust and reliable connections between PLCs, modules, and rack-mounted equipment.
• Telecommunications and Networking: Supports backplane and board-to-board interconnections where dense, modular designs are critical.
• Data Centers and Servers: Provides high-density, quality-assessed connectors for server and storage backplanes.
• Instrumentation and Medical Devices: Enables assured quality and repeatable performance in mission-critical systems.
• Modular Electronics: Facilitates systems using the IEC 60917 modular equipment practice, ensuring standardization across assemblies.

Related Standards

• IEC 60917: Specifies modular sizes for rack-mounted equipment and underpins the grid system used in IEC 61076-4-101.
• IEC 61076 Series: Covers various connectors for electronic equipment, including different grid sizes and connector types.
• IECQ System: The IEC Quality Assessment System referenced in this standard, providing a global framework for component reliability and conformance.
• Other Connector Standards:
  • IEC 60603: Connectors for frequencies below 3 MHz (e.g., DIN connectors)
  • IEC 61076-1: General requirements for connectors

Practical Value

Implementing IEC 61076-4-101:2001 delivers practical benefits to electronic equipment designers and manufacturers:

• Interchangeability: Promotes standard dimensions and performance, simplifying sourcing and replacing connectors.
• Assured Quality: Ensures connectors meet international quality benchmarks through rigorous assessment and ongoing testing.
• Design Compliance: Supports integration into systems following IEC 60917 guidelines, offering broad compatibility in modular installations.
• Risk Reduction: Reduces the risk of connection failures in sensitive and critical applications by specifying proven test schedules and mechanical/electrical criteria.

With its comprehensive requirements, IEC 61076-4-101:2001 remains essential for anyone involved in designing, specifying, or evaluating modular printed board connectors. Adhering to this standard enhances product reliability, safety, and compatibility across a wide range of electronic and industrial applications.