Compact Housings for Custom Devices

Click to Enlarge
Figure G1.2  The ET1 housing is shown here with its outer shell removed (top). A blank label is included on the back side (bottom).

Click to Enlarge
Figure G1.1  ET1 Housing with an RC Circuit Made from Standard Electronic Elements (Not Included)

• Ø0.63" × 2.61" In-Line BNC Feedthrough Housing
• Compatible with Off-the-Shelf Electronic Elements
• Accepts 10 mm x 15 mm PCB
• Male and Female BNC Connectors
• Blank Area to Label Custom Circuits

The ET1 tube housing is an in-line (feedthrough) BNC structure with a male BNC connector on one side and a female BNC connector on the other side (as shown in Figure G1.2). The 2-56 screw in the base provides a convenient connection to ground, and the compact design can easily house a small number of standard electronic elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors, etc.). Figure G1.1 shows the ET1 with a simple RC filter using standard circuit elements.

The ET1 electronic housing can hold a small (10 mm × 15 mm) form factor PCB that, using surface mounted elements, allows for the inclusion of many electronic elements. For example, Thorlabs' low- and high-pass filters (which were the basis for the ET1) house 5th and 6th order elliptical filters composed of anywhere from 8 to 15 electronic elements. The back side of the enclosure includes a blank label for identifying custom circuits. For detailed dimensions, click on the Docs icon () below.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G2.2  Each housing has a blank area for writing labels to identify custom devices.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G2.1  EEB3311 Housing with End Plate Removed

Click to Enlarge
Figure G2.3  Extrusion Interior Dimensions

• Seven Sizes Available
• Four Interior Sides are Slotted for Use with Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Each Housing Includes Blank End Plates
• Blank Area to Label Custom Devices
• Extra End Plates Available Below

These extruded housings are empty enclosures with nickel-plated ends. For detailed dimensions of each enclosure, click on the blue icon () in Table G2.4. The front side of each enclosure includes a blank label area for identification. Note that these housings are made from extruded bar stock, and as such, some minor cosmetic defects in the finished products are to be expected.

Each housing has two blank end plates which can be machined to accommodate custom connectors. We recommend using a step drill bit to machine a hole in the end plate; a standard, single-size drill bit may cause deformation in the plate. The easily removable end plates are held in place with No 4. flat-head countersunk screws that pass through the Ø0.125" countersunk through holes at each corner.

Extra end plates are available below. Blank end plates, end plates with BNC or SMA electrical connectors, and end plates with FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA fiber bulkheads can be purchased. Extra No. 4 screws (Item # TF44038), compatible with all housings, are also available below. Fiber end plates require M3 screws (Item # M3BHTF25), which are also available below.

Table G2.4  Specifications
Item #	Housing Sizea	Interior Dimensionsb					Accessories (Sold Separately)
		L1	L2	L3	Slot Width	Slot Depth	PCB Item #	End Plate Typesc	Bezel Item #	Side Clamps
EEA11		2.38" (60.5 mm)	0.77" (19.6 mm)	1.02" (25.9 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEAPB1 EEAPCB1	Blank (Two Included), BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EEARB	Aluminum for 1" or 1.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.25" Side
EEB3311		3.33" (84.6 mm)	0.77" (19.6 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEB33PCB1	Blank (Two Included), FC/PC, FC/APC or SMA Fiber Bulkheads, BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EEBRB	Aluminum for 1" or 2.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 2.25" Side
EEB4011		4.00" (101.6 mm)	0.77" (19.6 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEB40PCB1
EEC3011		3.00" (76.2 mm)	1.02" (25.9 mm)	1.52 (38.6 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-	Blank (Two Included), BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EECRB	Aluminum for 1.25" or 1.75" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.25" or 1.75" Side
EEC4011		4.00" (101.6 mm)	1.02" (25.9 mm)	1.52 (38.6 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-
EED3011		3.00" (76.2 mm)	1.52" (38.6 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-	Blank (Two Included), BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EEDRB	Aluminum for 1.75" or 2.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.75" or 2.25" Side
EED4011		4.00" (101.6 mm)	1.52" (38.6 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-

• Click on the blue icon () to view a mechanical drawing.
• For L1, L2, and L3 definitions, see Figure G2.3.
• Screws to attach the end plates to the extrusions are available below in packages of 25. End plates with fiber bulkheads require the use of M3BHTF25 M3 pan head screws; all other end plates require the use of TF44038 No. 4 countersunk flat head screws.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G3.1  Each housing has a removeable side panel.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G3.2  Extrusion Interior Dimensions

• Five Sizes Available
• Two Interior Sides are Slotted for Use with Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Removable Side Panel
• Each Housing Includes Blank End Plates
• Blank Area to Label Custom Devices
• Extra End Plates Available Below

These extruded housings are empty enclosures with nickel-plated ends. For detailed dimensions of each enclosure, click on the blue icon () in Table G3.3. The front side of each enclosure includes a blank label area for identification. Note that these housings are made from extruded bar stock, and as such, some minor cosmetic defects in the finished products are to be expected.

Each housing has two blank end plates which can be machined to accommodate custom connectors. We recommend using a step drill bit to machine a hole in the end plate; a standard, single-size drill bit may cause deformation in the plate. The easily removable end plates are held in place with No. 4 flat-head countersunk screws that pass through the Ø0.125" countersunk through holes at each corner.

Each of these housings also includes a removable side panel that allows for easy access to a PCB placed inside. The removable side panel and the panel opposite do not contain slots; a PCB placed within one of these housings needs to be placed parallel in relation to the removable panel. In order to remove the side panel, the four screws securing the end plate must be removed, along with the end plate itself. Once the end plate is removed, the side panel should easily slide out (see Figure G3.1).

Extra end plates are available below. Blank end plates, end plates with BNC or SMA electrical connectors, and end plates with FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA fiber bulkheads can be purchased. Extra No. 4 screws (Item # TF44038), compatible with all housings, are also available below. Fiber end plates require M3 screws (Item # M3BHTF25), which are also available below.

Table G3.3  Specifications
Item #	Housing Sizea	Interior Dimensionsb					Accessories (Sold Separately)
		L1	L2	L3	Slot Width	Slot Depth	PCB Item #	End Plate Typesc	Bezel Item #	Side Clamps
EEBT3311		3.33" (84.6 mm)	0.80" (20.3 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEB33PCB1	Blank (Two Included), FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA Fiber Bulkheads, BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EEBRB	Aluminum for 1" or 2.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 2.25" Side
EEBT4011		4.00" (101.6 mm)	0.80" (20.3 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEB40PCB1
EECT3011		3.00" (76.2 mm)	1.05" (26.6 mm)	1.52" (38.6 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-	Blank (Two Included), BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EECRB	Aluminum for 1.25" or 1.75" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.25" or 1.75" Side
EEDT4011		4.00" (101.6 mm)	1.55" (39.3 mm)	2.02" (51.3 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-	Blank (Two Included), BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors	EEDRB	Aluminum for 1.75" or 2.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.75" or 2.25" Side
EEET6011		6.00" (152.4 mm)	1.05" (26.6 mm)	3.02" (76.7 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	-	Blank (Two Included)	EEERB	Aluminum for 1.25" or 3.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.25" Side

• Click on the blue icon () to view a mechanical drawing.
• For L1, L2, and L3 definitions, see Figure G3.2.
• Screws to attach the end plates to the extrusions are available below in packages of 25. End plates with fiber bulkheads require the use of M3BHTF25 M3 pan head screws; all other end plates require the use of TF44038 No. 4 countersunk flat head screws (eight included with each housing).

Click to Enlarge
Figure G4.2  The slotted body of the EEA14 housing is shown here with the EEAPCB1 Customizable PCB (shown with electrical elements, not included) partially inserted into it.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G4.1
Back View of the EEA14's Slotted Female BNC Connector

Click to Enlarge
Figure G4.3  Extrusion Interior Dimensions

• 1.00" x 1.25" x 2.51" Extruded Housings
• Slotted Construction for a 0.99" x 2.30" or 0.75" x 2.30" PCB
• Two Connector Types:
  • EEA14: Two Female BNC Connectors
  • EEA17: Two Female SMA Connectors
• Blank Area to Label Custom Circuits

These Extruded Electronics Housings are empty 1.00" x 1.25" x 2.51" enclosures with nickel-plated ends. The EEA14 has two female BNC connectors and the EEA17 has two female SMA connectors. For detailed dimensions of each enclosure, click on the blue icon () in Table G4.4. These enclosures are ideal for housing a wide variety of electronic devices that can be built with surface-mounted elements, such as Thorlabs' EEAPCB1 Customizable Printed Circuit Board (shown in Figure G4.2), which gives users the ability to create their own RCL circuits.

The end plates of these housings are easily removable and are held in place with No. 4 flat-head countersunk Phillips screws. The front side of each enclosure includes a blank label for identifying custom circuits. Note that these housings are made from extruded bar stock, and as such, some minor cosmetic defects in the finished products are to be expected.

Table G4.4  Specifications
Item #	Connectors	Housing Sizea	Internal Dimensionsb					Accessories (Sold Separately)
			L1	L2	L3	Slot Width	Slot Depth	Printed Circuit Boards	Bezel Item #	Side Clamps
EEA14	Two BNC Femalec		2.38" (60.5 mm)	0.77" (19.6 mm)	1.02" (25.9 mm)	0.070" ± 0.005" (1.8 mm ± 0.1 mm)	0.045" (1.1 mm)	EEAPB1 EEAPCB1	EEARB	Aluminum for 1" or 1.25" Side, Double Sided, Plastic for 1.25" Side
EEA17	Two SMA Female

• Click on the blue icon () to view a mechanical drawing.
• For L1, L2, and L3 definitions, see Figure G4.3.
• These connectors feature a 75 Ω impedance. If mated to a 50 Ω BNC connector, they will introduce an impedance mismatch that may degrade performance.

• End Plates with FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA Bulkheads Available
• Available with One or Two Bulkheads
• Offset Connectors for Compatibility with Internal Components

Extra end plates with 2.2 mm wide-key FC/PC, 2.0 mm narrow-key FC/APC, or SMA905 fiber bulkheads are available for many of the housings sold above. See Table G5.1 for compatible housings.

These end plates are shipped pre-assembled and are available with either one or two bulkheads. The FC/PC and FC/APC versions have an insertion loss* of <0.5 dB when measured at 635 nm with FC-terminated SM600 fibers. The SMA end plate has a typical insertion loss of <1.5 dB when used with a pair of Ø200 µm core multimode fibers. The connectors for these end plates are offset above center to accommodate a PCB or mounted fiber coupler installed in the housing.

Four screws are included with each end plate for mounting to a compatible housing. Extra M3 Phillips pan head screws are available below in packs of 25. These screws are compatible with all of the housings sold above except the ET1.

*Please Note: When PM fiber is used, the insertion loss will increase to >1.0 dB. The insertion loss for the FC/PC mating sleeve is only valid when using a FC/PC connector while the FC/APC mating sleeve will maintain the stated insertion loss with any FC connector.

• Four Sizes Available (See Table G6.1)
• BNC or SMA Electrical Connectors
• Accept TF44038 No. 4 Countersunk Screws (Available Below)

Extra end plates with BNC or SMA connectors are available for many of the housings sold above. See Table G6.1 for compatible housings.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G6.2  Assembly of EEBEPBNC End Plate

Each endplate contains four countersunk Ø0.125" (Ø3.2 mm) through holes. They also have a pre-drilled hole for their respective connector type. The components require some assembly when shipped, as shown in Figure G6.2. Both the BNC and SMA connectors included with these items are female connectors. For electrical specifications of the connectors, click on the red Docs icon () next to the item # below.

No. 4 Phillips flat-head countersunk screws are available below in packs of 25. These screws are compatible with all of the housings sold above except the ET1.

• Use to Cap or Make Custom End Plates
• 0.08" (2.0 mm) Thick End Plates
• Accept TF44038 No. 4 Countersunk Screws (Available Below)
• Five Sizes Provide Compatibility for Six of Our Housings

Extra blank end plates are available for many of the housings sold above. See Table G7.1 for compatible housings.

We recommend using a step drill bit to machine a hole in the end plate; a standard, single-size drill bit may cause deformation in the plate.

Each end plate contains four countersunk Ø0.125" (Ø3.2 mm) through holes. No. 4 Phillips flat-head countersunk screws are available below in packs of 25. These screws are compatible with all of the housings sold above except the ET1.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G8.2  Bezel Dimensions

Click to Enlarge
Figure G8.1  EEET6011 with a Set of EEERB Rubber Bezels

These rubber bezels attach to the rectangular electronics housings sold above. Once secured to the appropriate housing, they protect the extrusion and end plates from general wear on the sides and provide surfaces with higher friction than the extrusion's exterior. Each bezel has a lip that is sandwiched between the end plate and extrusion edge; the four screws used to attached the end plate to the extrusion pass through holes in the lip to secure the bezel in place. Compared to a bezel that would simply slip over the end plate's exterior, this design leaves more usable space across the end plate surface and prevents the bezels from being accidentally removed from the extrusions.

These bezels are sold in pairs and are available in five sizes; see Table G8.3 for compatibility.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G9.1  EEC3011 Mounted using an ECM125 on a Ø1/2" Post

These anodized aluminum clamps provide secure mounting for the rectangular electronics housings sold above. Five sizes of clamps are available, and each is designed to fit on one side of the housing; see Table G9.2 for compatibility. The clamp can snap onto the side of the appropriate housing and the flexure lock can be tightened using the 2 mm (5/64") hex locking screw on the side.

Each clamp has at least one #8 (M4) counterbore on the bottom; the ECM225 has three and the ECM325 has five counterbores. The counterbores allow the clamps to be mounted on a Ø1/2" post or any surface with an 8-32 (M4) tap. The clamp must be mounted via the counterbore before the electronics housing is attached, as the counterbore will not be accessible once the housing is secured in the clamp.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G10.1  EEC3011 Mounted on EED4011 using Two EPS175 Double-Sided Clamps

These ABS plastic clamps provide secure mounting for the rectangular electronics housings sold above. Three sizes of clamps are available, and each is designed to attach two housings with a common side width; see Table G10.2 for compatibility. The clamp easily snaps onto the side of the appropriate housing. To remove the clamp, slide it along the edge of the housing until it comes off at the corner.

These clamps are sold in pairs.

• Thread-Forming #1 Phillips Head Screws:
  • No. 4 Thread with Countersunk Flat Head (Item # TF44038)
  • M3 Thread with Pan Head (Item # M3BHTF25)
• Used to Secure Compatible End Plates to Extruded Aluminum Housings
• Available in Packs of 25

Extra thread-forming, #1 drive Phillips head screws are available in packs of 25 and are compatible with all of the housings sold above except the ET1. They are used to secure a compatible end plate to a housing using the four corner holes. Screws that are 3/8" long have No. 4 threads and countersunk flat heads that can be used with end plates with a countersunk hole in each corner (all end plates sold above except those with fiber connectors). Screws with 12 mm long M3 threads have pan heads for use with end plates that have a through hole in each corner (the end plates with fiber connectors sold above).