You have an application that needs a high-voltage connector or cable assembly. You may already have drawings and specifications, or you may still be working through the requirements.
Either way, you can start a conversation with Caton. You do not need to have every detail resolved before contacting us.
Here is what to expect as we learn about your application and determine the next steps.
First, we learn about your project
The initial conversation helps us understand what you need and whether Caton is a potential fit.
We will ask about the equipment or application, the problem you are trying to solve, your expected quantities, and your schedule. We will also want to understand whether you have an existing design, need changes to an existing product, or require custom development.
This first discussion helps establish what information is available and what needs further review.
What information should you have ready?
Share what you know. Depending on your application, useful information may include:
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Electrical requirements: Operating voltage, current, channel configuration, shielding, and testing requirements.
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Mechanical requirements: Available space, mating arrangement, cable length, and bending or flexing conditions.
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Operating environment: Temperature, altitude, pressure, and exposure to chemicals, gases, or fluids.
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Compliance and documentation: Applicable specifications, material requirements, required records, and export-control considerations.
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Program expectations: Prototype needs, anticipated production quantities, desired dates, and any established budget or target pricing.
Drawings, specifications, and application descriptions can help us understand the project. We will address any applicable confidentiality and export-control prerequisites before reviewing technical data.
If some requirements are unknown, tell us. Identifying those gaps is part of the discussion.
Why do we ask so many questions?
A voltage rating alone does not describe the complete application. We also need to understand how the connection will function, fit into the equipment, and operate in its intended environment.
Caton uses an application review process to organize this information and identify open questions. You may hear follow-up questions as our sales and engineering teams review the project.
The purpose is to establish a clear basis for evaluating the work, defining the development scope, and preparing a meaningful quotation.
What happens if custom development is needed?
For projects requiring custom development, the next steps include reviewing technical information and defining the proposed work.
This leads to a statement of work, or SOW, covering the scope, deliverables, assumptions, and timeline, along with the non-recurring engineering, or NRE, effort. Review meetings may be used to clarify requirements and confirm expectations before a formal quotation is issued.
After purchase-order authorization, engineering proceeds through four phases:
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Kickoff: Establish the development plan and align the team on milestones.
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Feasibility: Develop the design, assess risks, and develop the necessary processes.
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Verification: Verify the design and processes against the requirements.
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Manufacturing transfer: Review production readiness, transfer the work, and train operators.
How much time should you allow?
Contact us early, particularly if your project has a fixed prototype or production deadline.
Caton’s custom-development guide provides typical planning estimates of approximately 6–9 weeks for engagement and setup, followed by 13 or more weeks for NRE execution.
These estimates depend on the scope. Engagement and setup also depend on customer participation, including providing information, reviewing the proposed work, and issuing authorization.
These are custom-development estimates. They should not be used as the lead time for an existing product or as a commitment for a specific project. Your project quotation and statement of work establish the applicable scope and schedule.
Start with what you know
To begin, send a brief description of your application, the connector or assembly you need, your expected quantities, and your desired timing.
If requirements are still taking shape, explain where you are in the process. We can start by understanding the application and identifying what needs to be clarified.
Contact Caton at sales@caton.com or call 781-585-4315 to discuss your project.