TE Connectivity Industrial Mini I/O Connectors Make Significant Contribution to eSleek15 Racing Car Student Project

DARMSTADT, Germany – January 6, 2016 – TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity, announced its support of the DHBW students’ 2015 entry for the Formula Student Germany 2015 competition by providing its space-saving and reliable Industrial Mini I/O connectors. With these connectors, the team was able to build a highly reliable electric battery control system for the eSleek15 Formula Racing Car.

Students of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg / DHBW) recently participated in Formula Student Germany 2015, an annual global student competition to build and race a single-seat Formula race car. TE supported the DHBW team with its latest range of Industrial Mini I/O connectors. These connectors are one-quarter the size of the conventional RJ45 plug and, as a result, they are a space-saving solution that allows for increased design flexibility. Moreover, with two points of contact they are designed to create reliable connections in industrial and vibration-prone environments.

With its innovative piercing termination, the Industrial Mini I/O field-installable version decreases the time needed to terminate the wires through soldering. Field assembly in virtually any environment is now possible with an easy-to-use hand tool.

Student teams were judged on several criteria including the best overall package of construction, performance, as well as financial and sales planning. The car had to show very good driving characteristics such as in acceleration, braking and handling. Other factors considered included aesthetics, comfort and the use of readily available, standard purchase components. Entries were judged by a jury of experts from the motorsport, automotive and supplier industries.

Speaking on behalf of the DHBW team, Martin Gottschalk said: “The last few months have been very exciting and full of emotion. We worked hard on the eSleek15 in parallel with our daily studies and work at the company. The result was significant. Out of 39 teams participating in the trials at the Hockenheim race track, DHBW’s eSleek15 achieved 8th place overall. This qualifies the car for participation in further Formula Student events in Spain and Italy.”

This is another example of TE Industrial’s Mini I/O gaining traction in many applications demanding reliable input-output connections.

Ruud van den Brink, Product Manager TE Connectivity said: “This is another example of TE Industrial’s Mini I/O series excelling in harsh environment applications that demand reliable input-output connections. Our Mini I/O offers a winning combination of space saving and robustness in vibration environments such as this car.” Mr. van den Brink added: “We congratulate the students on their success. At TE Connectivity, we recognize that today’s engineering students will become tomorrow’s innovators. We look forward to many more successful co-operations in the future.”

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