What This Backshell Covers and Why It Matters
The TE Connectivity AMPLIMITE 5745173-2 is a two-piece shielded backshell designed for 25-position D-sub connectors (shell size B) and also fits high-density 44-position D-subs. The zinc alloy die-cast shell with nickel over copper plating provides the RF shield path from the cable braid to the connector shell, and the included 4-40 mating screws and strain relief hardware mean you don't need to source those separately.
Cable Exit and Strain Relief — What the Hardware Does
The 180° cable exit is the straight-through path — the cable jacket enters the backshell and exits aligned with the connector axis. The included strain relief clamps the cable jacket so that pull forces on the cable are transferred to the backshell, not to the solder terminations or crimp contacts inside the D-sub. The two-piece clamshell design lets you assemble the backshell around the cable and connector after termination, then screw the halves together. The 4-40 mating screws are the standard thread for D-sub backshell attachment — they thread into the D-sub connector's threaded inserts to hold the assembly together.
Shielding and Material — Why the Shell Construction Matters
The zinc alloy die-cast shell with nickel over copper plating is the standard construction for a shielded D-sub backshell. The metal shell provides the conductive path that completes the shield from the cable braid (clamped under the strain relief) to the D-sub connector's metal shell. The nickel over copper plating gives corrosion resistance and maintains low contact resistance across the shield path over time. The silver color is the natural appearance of the nickel plating — it matches the look of standard D-sub connectors and panel hardware.
Compatibility — Which Connectors This Backshell Fits
This backshell is listed as compatible with 25-position standard-density D-sub connectors (shell size B) and also with high-density 44-position D-subs. The shell size B footprint is the same for both — the difference is the pin layout inside the connector.