Cryogenic Feedthroughs

A cryogenic feedthrough is a specialized type of electrical connector that is used to transmit electrical signals or power through a cryogenic environment. A cryogenic environment is a type of low-temperature environment, typically at temperatures below -100°C, and is commonly used in scientific and industrial applications. Cryogenic feedthroughs are designed to maintain a reliable electrical connection between two devices or components while operating in a cryogenic environment. Devices operating in a cryogenic environment could include sensors, processors, and communication systems.

Douglas Electrical Components manufactures customized electrical feedthroughs for various types of cryogenic equipment and systems, from land-based to off-shore. Our hermetic epoxy ensures wires, terminals, cables, connectors, and fibers are hermetically sealed in the cryogenic environment. Hermetic epoxy allows for both design flexibility and high-density electrical connection points to minimize the number of feedthroughs in the cryogenic environment and thus potential leak paths. Our epoxy is rated for cryogenic temperatures.

Our design team has performed various tests under pressure and temperature cycles to ensure a hermetic bond between the electrical interface and mechanical housing, both in-house as well as third-party testing. A recent example tested a custom cryogenic feedthrough down to -320°F with 300 PSI for a 30 minute duration.

Flanges and housings are customizable to our customers’ exact specifications. From large diameter bolt-on flanges to threaded connections, our hermetic cryogenic feedthroughs can directly integrate into existing mechanical interfaces.

Our Technology

Hermetic sealing combines epoxy resin and a housing material such as stainless steel to encapsulate an electrical conductor such as a pin, stranded wire, or threaded stud. The conductor feeds through the opening with the epoxy curing to create a hermetic seal. Various types of epoxies can be used, which can yield varying results in hermetic performance, chemical compatibility, and outgassing. Our designs enable customers to increase signal density, mix conductor types, and integrate connectors and terminals for a hermetically sealed connection for power or signal.

Featured Design