About ODU GmbH & Co. KG

Challenging applications – our expertise

ODU develops and manufactures electrical connection technology for challenging applications worldwide

From magnetic resonance imagery to kitchen appliances to use in submarines, the premium products provided by ODU create perfect electrical connections for technologically challenging applications. For more than 70 years, the ODU specialists have been designing premium standard connectors as well as customized solutions. The ODU Group is one of the world’s leading connector systems suppliers and continues to reinvent itself.

The twig broom – the idea behind a great invention

The demand for a specific connector solution was the starting point of the company's history: In autumn 1937, Otto Dunkel was focusing on the construction of the first ionospheric transmitters. They broadcast messages into the atmosphere that were reflected and received at a different location. The long-distance transmission of messages was not without its problems. However, there were major issues with the plug contacts of the broadcasting systems. One day, when looking out his window, Otto Dunkel noticed a man sweeping up leaves with a twig broom. This was the moment of inspiration that gave him the idea for an entirely new type of contact, the springwire contact. This visionary idea solved the plug contact problem. On November 12, 1938, Otto Dunkel filed for a patent for the invention of a "resilient pin". In 1942, he founded his first operation in Berlin: The physical and production-technical research lab – Otto Dunkel (ODL). Otto Dunkel's idea of the resilient pin is now used around the world as the ODU SPRINGTAC, offering dependable connector technology at the highest technical level. Otto Dunkel's values live on. ODU was founded on Dunkel’s innovative nature, the consistent implementation of new solutions and the development of application-specific connectors. For more than 70 years now, ODU has been promoting innovative concepts and sustainable technical progress for the benefit of its customers.

A new start in Mühldorf

In 1947, the company moved to its current site in Mühldorf am Inn. 15 years later, ODU had 140 employees and an annual turnover exceeding half a million DM. Ever since, Otto Dunkel GmbH (ODU) – the company’s name as of 1953 – has been a financially independent business. The company had a turnover of roughly 146 million euros in 2015 and currently employs more than 1,650 people around the world and has many sales partners. From its five production sites, ODU provides customers with perfect connections. On-site reinvestments have secured state-of-the-art standards in development and production. With its new and creative connection solutions, ODU continues to strengthen its company legacy as an innovative trailblazer.

ODU-MAC® – the modular all-rounder now available in three product lines

Launched in 1986, the ODU-MAC modular rectangular connector system is still state of the art thanks to its numerous updates. It has almost limitless configuration options thanks to its flexible modular design. Customers can make use of an internal configurator and ODU technical consulting services to add customized modules to meet their specific requirements. The result is one of the most modern modular interfaces on the market, both for manual mating and automatic docking. Starting in November 2016, the ODU-MAC portfolio has been divided into three product lines. The ODU-MAC Silver-Line for automatic docking is characterized by a particularly high number of mating cycles, far beyond 100,000. It is a rugged, vibration-resistant hybrid interface particularly suited to industrial applications. The ODU-MAC White-Line for manual mating is available in three different locking varieties. It stands out thanks to its rugged design, excellent contact security and high packing density. Its application areas include MRI, testing equipment and interface cables for railway technology. The ODU-MAC Blue-Line is the new performance class in the ODU-MAC portfolio: an efficient solution for a wide range of applications. The hybrid manual mating solution is easy to handle and flexible. It can be configured quickly and effectively even at the smallest construction space and is exceptionally user-friendly in its handling. The assembling and disassembling of the modules can be done without any tools or special knowledge. The crimp-clip contacts also ensure a simple disassembling. Moreover, ODU is the first manufacturer to offer a standard plastic housing with ODU spindle locking. All three lines ensure the exact transmission of power, signals, data and media – and reliable connections.

ODU MINI-SNAP®, ODU MEDI-SNAP® and ODU MINI-MED® – perfectly secure

Cars are subjected to various types of stress through crash tests. The same is true of the ODU MINI-SNAP connector that connects mobile measuring boxes to the stationary measuring system. Once mated, the rugged circular connector locks on its own. Thanks to its Push-Pull feature, the connection does not release even in the event of a crash. It can only be opened by removing the outer housing. Three basic codes and multiple top-quality sizes and designs ensure the easy integration of the ODU MINI-SNAP into the customer's application. Like every other connector solution, the ODU MINI-SNAP is also subject to continuous development and various adjustments in order to respond to all customer requirements. In the medical technology area, these features are essential as the reliable transmission of signals and data in diagnostic and therapeutic methods can be of life-and-death importance.

The ODU MEDI-SNAP, a sterilizable plastic Push-Pull connector, is another connector solution designed for everyday medical practice. Lightweight thanks to its plastic housing, the connector boasts diverse encoding options and high chemical resistance and is very simple to assemble. Visual uniqueness is guaranteed through color coding, thereby simplifying handling and integration into the system. The secure transmission of data for medical use is supported by numerous certifications.

The ODU MINI-MED can also be used in hygienic sensitive applications in medical technology. This circular connector is a compact solution and all-round talent used whenever a space-saving, lightweight, and tight cable assembly is desired: in medical technology as well as in industrial electronics and measurement and testing technology.

ODU AMC® – extremely resistant even under harsh conditions

ODU designed the highly rugged ODU AMC metal circular connector series for the military and security technology areas where, for example, they are used in Future Soldier Radios. Resilience, water-tightness, low-reflection surfaces, lightweight: Field use requires the highest level of safety and ruggedness. Thanks to Push-Pull locking and the Break-Away function, ODU AMC connections can be opened or closed quickly and easily. The practice-oriented design of the ODU AMC Easy-Clean, which completes the AMC series in three sizes, ensures easy cleaning even under the most unfavorable conditions. The innovative ODU AMC High-Density miniature connector series has been a part of the portfolio since the end of 2014. With a diameter of less than 10 to 18.5 mm and a pole density of up to 40 contacts, this top-of-the-line connector proves that outstanding functionality and premium quality do not require a great deal of space. Whether used in military helmet technology or soldiers audio headsets, it guarantees the reliable, disturbance-free transmission of signals and data. The ODU AMC High-Density is also a reliable connector solution for the areas of medical technology, measurement and testing, sensor technology and civil communication systems.

Customized connector solutions

In close collaboration with its clients, ODU provides both standard premium-quality products from its portfolio as well as custom connector solutions. This is one of ODU’s specialties. From connector components for ultra-high vacuum applications or contact systems for eMobility to extremely tight glass-sealed connections, ODU creates the ideal solution to meet its customers’ requirements for applications which must often be used in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, upon customer request, the mid-sized connector company can also provide complete solutions, such as cable assemblies.

ODU – perfect connections around the world

For more than 70 years, ODU has been providing innovative application-specific connector solutions from a single source – both with its high-quality serial products and its customer and application-specific solutions. "Trust and reliability are the foundation of any successful connection. Along with creativity, they are also the foundation of our company," emphasizes Dr. Joachim Belz, managing director at ODU. "Our strategic goal is to achieve stable, revenue-oriented growth, particularly in our core markets: Europe, Asia and North America. ODU will continue to focus on its core expertise as the specialist for high-quality electrical connector technology." ODU – for perfect connections. Worldwide.

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