By: BuyDeutsch
As electrical systems become more complex, the number of circuits that need to pass through a single connection point often increases. While standard Deutsch DT connectors are ideal for many applications, there are times when you need more cavity positions without moving to a larger high-density connector family.
That's where the Deutsch DTV Series comes in. DTV connectors combine the proven reliability of the DT platform with an 18-cavity configuration, making them an excellent choice for multi-circuit wiring applications in harsh environments.
What Is a Deutsch DTV Connector?
The Deutsch DTV Series is an environmentally sealed rectangular connector designed around an 18-position layout. It uses Size 16 contacts and is built to withstand moisture, dirt, vibration, salt spray, and other challenging operating conditions.
Key features include:
- 18-cavity arrangement
- Size 16 contacts
- Sealed thermoplastic housing
- Secondary wedgelocks for contact retention
- Integrated latching system
- Operating temperatures from -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F)
Use a DTV Connector When You Need More Circuits
The most common reason to choose a DTV connector is circuit count. Standard DT connectors are available in cavity counts ranging from 2 to 12 positions, but sometimes that's not enough. A DTV connector allows you to consolidate numerous circuits into a single connector rather than using multiple smaller connectors. By reducing the number of separate connectors, a DTV design can simplify installation, troubleshooting, and service.
Common examples include:
- Vehicle body harnesses
- Equipment control systems
- Dashboard wiring
- Industrial machine interfaces
- Cab-to-chassis connections
When Connector Space Is Limited
Using several smaller connectors requires additional mounting space, routing room, and service access. If your design needs to accommodate many circuits in a compact area, a DTV connector can help reduce harness clutter while maintaining environmental protection.
This is particularly useful in:
- Equipment control panels
- Vehicle dashboards
- Compact machinery
- Electrical enclosures
When Serviceability Matters
Equipment eventually requires maintenance. A DTV connector allows technicians to disconnect multiple circuits through a single interface, making repairs and component replacement faster and more efficient.
This makes DTV connectors particularly valuable for:
- Removable vehicle components
- Equipment modules
- Control panels
- Serviceable harness assemblies
Choosing Between Connectors
Consider DT When:
- You need 2 to 12 circuits
- Space requirements are minimal
- The application is relatively simple
- Circuit counts exceed the DTV's capacity
- High-density harness interfaces are required
- The application requires a specialized bulkhead design
Consider DTV When:
- You need up to 18 circuits in one connector
- You want to reduce the number of connector interfaces
- Harness organization is important
- Multiple signal and control circuits need to be grouped together
Signs a DTV Connector Is the Right Choice
A DTV connector is often the best solution if:
- You need more than 12 circuits
- You want a single connector instead of multiple DT connectors
- The application operates in harsh conditions
- Serviceability is important
- You're designing a vehicle or equipment harness with numerous control circuits
The Deutsch DTV Series fills the gap between standard DT connectors and larger high-density connector families. Its 18-cavity design allows multiple circuits to be consolidated into a single sealed connection while maintaining the durability and reliability Deutsch connectors are known for.
If your application requires more circuits than a traditional DT connector can provide, but doesn't justify the size and complexity of a DRC or DRB system, the DTV Series is often the perfect middle ground.