LPBH9F Low Profile Bulkhead Connector 9 Pin Female
Keywords： low profile underwater connector, LPBH9F, LP series submersible connector, 9 pin low profile connector, AUV connector, glider underwater connector, low drag subsea connector, 600 bar low profile connector, oceanographic instrument connector
- IP68 waterproof
- Up to 7000m
- In-line, 1Pin, Male
- RV POWER GROUP
- [email protected]
-
- Description
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The LPBH9F is a Low Profile (LP) Bulkhead Connector, 9-pin Female (socket contacts), rated to 600 Bar (6,000 m (mated) / 8,700 psi) mated. The LP series is a flat-profile, low-drag connector family designed for instrument packages, AUVs, gliders, and ROV-mounted sensors where a standard circular connector body would create unacceptable drag, fouling risk, or spatial conflicts in tight equipment racks. 250 V DC/AC rms rated, 5 A per contact (2–4 pin) / 4 A per contact (5–9 pin), with a low-drag flat profile body that minimises hydrodynamic resistance on AUV and glider hulls. Panel-mount with jam-nut or flange options for instrument housing, ROV panel, and equipment chassis feedthroughs. The LP series is the preferred connector for science-grade instruments where size, weight, and drag constraints prevent the use of standard 55-series or Micro Circular connectors.
At a glance: 9 pins | Female | 250 V DC/AC rms | 5 A per contact (2–4 pin) / 4 A per contact (5–9 pin) | Mated 600 Bar (8,700 psi) | Open-face 300 Bar (4,350 psi) | Wet matings >500 | Low-profile, low-drag body
Key Design Features
- Low-Profile, Low-Drag Body: Flat connector profile presents minimal cross-section to water flow — significantly reduces drag on AUV hulls, glider fairings, and ROV sensor racks versus standard circular connector bodies.
- 9-Pin Female Configuration: Socket contacts for multi-sensor and data-logger integration requiring high pin density in a compact body.
- 600 Bar Mated Pressure (6,000 m (mated)): 600 Bar mated rating (6,000 m (mated)) covers all standard scientific instrument and light-ROV operating depths.
- 300 Bar Open-Face Rating: Can be lowered unmated to approximately 3,000 m without damage — suitable for staged deployment profiles.
- 250 V DC/AC rms / 5 A per contact (2–4 pin) / 4 A per contact (5–9 pin): Handles power and signal circuits simultaneously; suitable for sensor power supply (5–24 V DC) and RS-232/RS-485/Ethernet signal circuits.
- Gold-Plated Contacts: Contact resistance <0.01 Ω; insulation resistance >200 MΩ; corrosion-immune over the full operating life.
- Chloroprene Rubber Body: Flexible, chemically resistant body suited for repeated dynamic bending in instrument cables and pigtails.
- >500 Wet-Mate Cycles: Wiper seals protect contacts during each mating cycle; suitable for frequent laboratory and field disconnect/reconnect cycles on shared instrument platforms.
- LP Series Interoperability: All LP series connectors (BH, IL, DC) across 2–9 pin sizes share the same mating thread and face geometry — any male mates with any female of the same pin count.
- POM or SS Locking Sleeve (Mandatory): Always install the locking sleeve before deployment to prevent accidental de-mating in dynamic service.
Electrical & Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | LPBH9F |
| Series | Low Profile (LP) Series |
| Configuration | Bulkhead (BH) — Female |
| Number of contacts / pins | 9 |
| Voltage rating | 250 V DC/AC rms |
| Current per contact | 5 A per contact (2–4 pin) / 4 A per contact (5–9 pin) |
| Maximum total current | 36 A |
| Insulation resistance | >200 MΩ |
| Contact resistance | <0.01 Ω |
| Mated pressure rating | 600 Bar (8,700 psi) |
| Open-face pressure rating | 300 Bar (4,350 psi) |
| Rated depth (mated) | 6,000 m (mated) |
| Wet-mate cycles | >500 |
| Temperature (water) | −4°C to +60°C |
| Temperature (air) | −40°C to +60°C |
| Body design | Low-profile flat body — minimum drag |
| Body material | Chloroprene rubber |
| Shell material | 316 Stainless Steel (Titanium on request) |
| Contacts | Gold-plated beryllium copper / brass |
| Locking sleeve | POM or Stainless Steel (mandatory before deployment) |
| O-ring seals | Nitrile |
| Cable jacket | Polyurethane (PUR) — customer-specified OD |
Typical Applications
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) sensor and payload connector — minimal drag on hull fairings
- Underwater glider and profiling float instrument connections
- Compact oceanographic instrument packages — CTD, dissolved oxygen, fluorometer sensors
- ROV-mounted instrument sensor connections where standard 55-series connectors would foul on the ROV frame
- Subsea camera and lighting connector on compact inspection ROVs
- Deep-sea lander and benthic observatory instrument connections
- Acoustic modem and hydrophone array cable connectors
- Diver instrumentation and scuba data logger connections
- Subsea environmental monitoring sensors — oil spill detectors, methane sensors, turbidity meters
Why Choose the LPBH9F?
Low-Profile Design for Drag-Sensitive Platforms
On AUVs, gliders, and profiling floats, connector drag directly reduces endurance and range. The LP series presents 40–60% less frontal area versus standard circular connectors of equivalent pin count — measurably improving vehicle performance on long-duration deployments.
LP Series Interoperability Across the Full Pin Range
All LP series connectors (2–9 pin, BH/IL/DC, M/F) share the same mating face. A 7-pin LP BH mates with a 7-pin LP IL from any source — simplifying spare parts inventory across multi-instrument arrays with different pin counts.
600 Bar — Covers All Science-Grade Instrument Depths
Rated to 600 Bar (8,700 psi), the LPBH9F covers the full depth range of research-class submersibles, deep-sea landers, and long-range AUVs. Pressure certificates are available on request.
Compact Science Instrument Integration
The low-profile body enables connector installation in tight instrument clusters on CTD rosettes, lander frames, and benthic crawlers where standard connectors would conflict with adjacent sensors, structural members, or electronic housings. The flat profile also reduces the risk of entanglement with mooring lines and biofouling structures.
Complete Family Supply
RV Power Group supplies the full LP range (BH, IL, DC in 2/4/5/7/9 pin, M and F) from a single source — matched sets, factory-terminated assemblies, and locking sleeves. Contact [email protected] for project quotations.
Complete Low Profile Connector Range
How to Select Your Low Profile Connector
| Criterion | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Pin count | 2 pin: single-phase power or 2-wire data; 4 pin: RS-232 + power; 5 pin: extended signal; 7 pin: multi-channel sensor; 9 pin: maximum LP density |
| Connector type | BH: bulkhead/panel mount; IL: inline cable-to-cable; DC: dummy/protective cap for unmated faces |
| Gender | M (male pins) on cable/field side — F (female sockets) on fixed/instrument side. Standard practice: male contacts on the energised side for safety |
| Series | Standard LP: 600 Bar / 6,000 m — sufficient for most science instruments; Impulse (LPMBH/LPIL-IM): 690 Bar / 7,000 m — required for Teledyne Impulse compatibility or deepest profiles |
| Dummy connectors | Always order one DC for every unmated BH or IL — mandatory for preserving connector integrity during storage and transit |
| Locking sleeves | POM standard; SS for abrasion-heavy ROV environments. Always install before deployment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the rated depth for the LPBH9F?
A: Mated pressure rating is 600 Bar (8,700 psi) (6,000 m (mated) equivalent depth). Open-face rating is 300 Bar (4,350 psi).
Q: How does the LP series differ from the Micro Circular series?
A: The LP (Low Profile) series has a flat, rectangular body profile that minimises hydrodynamic drag on AUV hulls and glider fairings. The Micro Circular series is cylindrical and rated to higher pressures (1,400 Bar mated). Choose LP for drag-sensitive platforms; choose Micro Circular for deepest-rated or highest-density applications.
Q: Are all LP series connectors cross-compatible?
A: Yes — all LP BH and IL connectors of the same pin count share the same mating face and coupling thread. A 7-pin LP BH mates with a 7-pin LP IL regardless of sub-model suffix.
Q: What voltage and current does the LPBH9F support?
A: 250 V DC/AC rms, 5 A per contact (2–4 pin) / 4 A per contact (5–9 pin) (36 A total connector current).
Q: How many wet-mate cycles is the connector rated for?
A: >500 wet-mate cycles. Inspect contacts and O-rings every 50 cycles or annually for oceanographic deployments.
Q: Is a locking sleeve required?
A: Yes — always install the POM or SS locking sleeve before deployment. Never deploy without it, even on short shallow dives.
Q: Do you supply matched BH + IL + DC sets?
A: Yes — matched LP sets (BH + IL + DC, specified pin count and gender) are available as a complete package. Contact [email protected].
Q: What cable OD can be accommodated?
A: Standard strain relief boots cover cable OD ranges from approximately 4 mm to 12 mm depending on pin count. Specify your cable OD when ordering factory-terminated assemblies for the correct boot size.
Q: Are pressure test certificates available?
A: Yes — batch or per-unit hydrostatic pressure test certificates are available on request. Contact [email protected].
Q: Are titanium hardware options available?
A: Yes — titanium coupling nut and shell hardware is available on request for weight-sensitive AUV and glider applications where buoyancy budget is critical.
Installation, Mating & Maintenance Guidelines
Pre-Deployment Inspection
(1) Inspect all contacts for corrosion, bending, or debris — clean with a dry lint-free cloth. (2) Check O-rings for cuts or permanent set — replace immediately if any damage found. (3) Apply a thin film of silicone grease to O-ring surfaces only — do not apply to contact faces. (4) Verify locking sleeve slides freely on coupling nut. (5) Remove protective caps or dummy connectors immediately before mating — do not leave contacts exposed to ambient air for more than 60 seconds offshore. (6) Confirm the locking sleeve is available and will be installed immediately after mating.
Mating Procedure
(1) Align the key/guide feature and insert the plug into the socket with a single smooth linear stroke — do not rotate the connector body during insertion. (2) Thread coupling nut clockwise until finger-tight. (3) Slide locking sleeve forward over coupling nut until the snap-lock engages (audible click or positive tactile stop). (4) Verify engagement by attempting to pull the locking sleeve rearward — it must not move. (5) On instrument systems, conduct a pre-dive electrical continuity and insulation resistance check (≥200 MΩ at 250 V) before deployment.
Storage & Maintenance
Rinse with fresh water immediately after seawater exposure — salt crystallisation on the chloroprene body accelerates degradation. Store with dummy connectors installed; remove locking sleeves during storage to avoid permanent deformation of the snap-lock mechanism. Inspect annually — replace body if chloroprene shows cracks or surface hardening. Replace O-rings every 2–3 years. Log all mating cycles and inspection dates for programme traceability.
For pricing, matched sets, factory-terminated cable assemblies, and technical support for the LPBH9F and the complete LP connector range, contact [email protected]. Our subsea engineering team responds within one business day.