The TE 552173-1 is a 50-position IDC plug from the CHAMP.085 series, built for mass-termination to 0.085-inch pitch ribbon cable. It uses center strip contacts arranged in two rows, with a free-hanging (in-line) body that includes a housing/shell flange with 4-40 threaded inserts for panel or bracket mounting. This is the connector you reach for when the harness needs a dense, reliable IDC termination that can be bolted into an enclosure wall or backplane.
Termination and Assembly Notes
The IDC termination means the connector presses onto the ribbon cable conductors without stripping — the insulation-displacing contacts bite through the wire insulation. The 4-40 flange lets you bolt the mated plug to a chassis or bracket, which takes the strain off the IDC joints. Watch pin-one every press: the center strip contact arrangement has a defined keying, and a flipped cable will land the wrong conductor on pin one. The free-hanging body also accepts a backshell or strain relief (not included) if the harness sees flexing after installation.