There are primarily five different high voltage connectors that are used on surface analysis systems. This post will explain the differences between them and provide information on how to connect them.
The high voltage connector types are:
BNC
MHV
SHV
10kV SHV
20kV RF
This connector is not really considered a high voltage connector as it is only rated to 600V DC, but it is found most surface analysis systems on the specimen stage as the target connector.
The MHV connector looks similar to a BNC but it is slightly deeper and it has slightly protruding insulation on the make plug. MHV stands for miniature high voltage and this connector type is rated for up to 5kV and 3 amps. The MHV connector is common on older surface analysis components but it is not considered safe by today’s standards as it is possible to touch the male pin with a finger and get shocked. It is also possible to force a BNC cable onto a MHV connector.
Newer surface analysis components use the SHV (safe high voltage connector) which is rated at 5kV and 5 amps.
The SHV has a recessed male pin and so it is not possible to touch the pin with a finger. The dimensions of the SHV connector make it impossible to connect it to a BNC or MHV connector. It is also designed so that the HV contact is broken before the ground contact when removing the cable.
For higher voltages on components such as ion pump controllers the next voltage rating is the 10kV SHV connector.
The 10kV SHV connector is considerably larger than the 5kV SHV connector but is shares features such as the recessed pins.
Finally, the 20kV RF connector is used on components such at 15kV dual anode x-ray sources. It is very similar to the 10kV SHV connector only larger.
All of these connectors need special crimp tools to attach them to cables.
Below are useful links for each connector type that include dimensions and assembly instructions:
Hello Gilbert,
I am hoping if you could advise about a connector for a specific application.
I am trying to connect a SMU with triax output to a HV screw triax connector.
I was able to find a resistor box to convert the HV screw triax to SHV
but now I am looking for the SHV to triax connector
I figured I am required either:
Three-slot female triaxial connector to SHV plug connector
OR
BNC Female to SHV Plug connector
with high voltage rating.
Just to give more info and to verify that I am asking the right question: My specific connections are: Three-slot male triaxial cable Keithley Model 7078-TRX to SHV (jack) in a resistor box Keysight N1262A-021. If the triaxial to SHV connector is not possible, I was thinking to use the Keithley TRX-BNC connector (Keithley 7078-TRX-GND). Then, I would need the second option: a BNC Female to SHV Plug connector.
Hello Aviram,
Pasternack has a Triax to BNC – https://www.pasternack.com/bnc-triax-adapters-category.aspx
Then you can make a short BNC to SHV cable.
Randy
Randy, some high voltage connectors have a corona button that looks like a dome shape. What is this for? Thanks, Leo
Hello Leo,
If you could provide a picture that would be helpful. Most likely it is just to eliminate and sharp points which could cause arcing.
Is there a PCB mount SHV connector?
Hello Gilbert, I don’t think so. On the older PHI units that have SHV connectors mounted to a board they have made L brackets to mount the connector to the boards. The connector screws into the bracket and teh brake mounts to the board. Then a wires make the electrical connections from the SHV connector to the board.