DISTRAP Connector Specification

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This is a draft, DO NOT BASE ANY DESIGNS ON ANYTHING YOU SEE HERE YET!

DISTRAP Connector Specification v0.5

The connectors used are standard MOLEX Mini-Fit Jr connectors, just like on ATX stuff, but unlike the proprietary ones on the PCIe so-called 6-pin and 8-pin GPU Power Connectors.

The aim of this specification is to use common connectors in an agreed pinout to make physical compatibility between devices as straight-forward as possible while keeping costs down. All the connectors are physically the same type to keep part diversity down and allowing cost savings by ordering larger lots of the same component type. It’s encouraged to share a common GND between the power rails, in the same style as on ATX. A device may implement either, both or neither 12V and 24V.

DISTRAP Bus Connector (type A)

The Bus Connector is the standard connector all DISTRAP devices should include. The use of the leftmost three columns is considered to be required on all devices, except ”dumb” fans, lights and such.

  • Devices requiring more power than 5VDC, 250mA should include onboard regulation from 12VDC. The 5VDC pin provides power as long as the device is operational, even in standby. It’s intended for powering the controllers and attached low-current sensors and status LEDs; not motors, heaters and such. The 5VDC rail could come from an ATX PSU's standby 5V rail, which doesn't provide much power considering all devices would be loaded from the same rail.
  • The 12VDC pins may be powered down while the device isn’t active, but otherwise operational; not necessarily in standby.
  • For high-powered devices, like heaters and high-power motors, use one or more of the type B connectors to deliver the required current and voltage.

DISTRAP Power Connector (type B)

The separate power connectors are to be used in devices that require more power than the bus connector can provide. Each pin is rated up to 13A. Each device can use several connectors, and there's no "bus-level" requirement, since this power rail is limited by the PSU and cabling. The power pins should not form continuity with the Bus Connector pins within the same device. When in doubt, leave the power pins on the Bus Connector disconnected on devices using both type A and B connectors.

  • The 12VDC Power Connector is identical to the ATX CPU Power Connector pinout; with matching colors.