New ruggedized connector solutions reach for the stars with materials and designs that deliver high reliability, flexibility, cost-savings, and meet the strict qualifications for top performance in space. From high vibration and shock during launch, to extreme temperatures, radiation, and electrostatic discharge (ESD), equipment leaving Earth’s atmosphere must endure exceptional rigors, making ultra-high reliability theRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights MIL-Spec-approved rectangular connectors from leading suppliers. MIL-Spec-Approved Rectangular Connectors   Cinch Dura-Con MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D Connectors are designed for applications that require a rugged, high-performance, densely compacted connector and shorter signal paths. They are widely specified for satellites, miniaturized military and aerospace electronics, and data processing equipment. Dura-Con uses highly durableRead More

EV technologies now extend to electric aircraft. Connector designers are developing the lightweight, powerful, and rugged interconnects needed for this new industry to take flight. Canada’s Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, and Australian engineering firm magniX, specializing in all-electric propulsion, have developed the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft. The plane, a six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland BeaverRead More

New locking miniature push-on (TLMP) and locking miniature blind mate (TLMB) connectors overcome SMP connectors’ susceptibility to EMI and EMC interference, and liquid and salt ingress. These rugged connectors are suitable for use in harsh mil/aero environments.  RF reliability and performance depend on a perfect fit between the system design and specific application needs. OneRead More

Drones and other unmanned aircraft play a critical role in military operations. Five key attributes guide military and aerospace designers as they specify interconnects for these systems. The U.S. Army’s vision statement in its 2010–2035 roadmap for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) begins, “Army UAS employed across all tactical echelons supporting Army and Joint operations provideRead More

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market landscape is pushing the technological boundaries of the old tried-and-true methodologies, including new aircraft certification. However, they must still adhere to fundamental safety regulations. The aerospace industry has historically been one of tried-and-true technology and processes. However, with the explosion of markets within the industry, including the Advanced AirRead More

When designing and implementing connectivity solutions for use in space applications, one crucial consideration is the effect radiation will have on electronic connectors and cables. Three separate but interrelated aspects of this come into play: the radiation itself, atomic oxygen, and outgassing. Space is a unique type of harsh environment. Not only is the combinationRead More

As we place sensors in more rugged environments and extend their uses beyond flat mounting applications, nano-circular connectors and round cable rise to lead in solution-based design strategies. New data-acquisition and information-monitoring technologies have given rise to a completely new field of high-speed image detectors, material sensors, pressure monitors, and even inertia monitors. Today, drones,Read More

These interposers are a great alternative to traditional pin-and-socket interconnects in harsh-environment board-to-board or board-to-flex circuit applications. For the vast majority of applications, the pin-and-socket interface remains the contact of choice. Pin-and-socket contacts can be found in just about every application imaginable. But there is another option that should be considered and, in some instances,Read More

The VITA 67 standards define the RF connector modules used in VPX architectures. Learn more about these important standards, including the latest, VITA 67.3. Embedded computing is a critical part of many military and aerospace applications. Along with the proliferation of these applications, the VITA OpenVPX standards have also enjoyed growing popularity with increasing numbersRead More

Rectangular connectors offer significant size and weight reductions, effective EMI protection, and meet military and aerospace qualifications. They offer valuable cost and performance benefits compared to traditional circular connectors.  Connectivity solutions for military and aerospace projects often need to be optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP) to satisfy the stringent physical and performance requirementsRead More

The SMP connector came on the scene as a smaller alternative to SMA connectors. Now a new generation of LMP connectors are available for high-reliability, high-vibration, and high-power applications. By Times Microwave Systems The RF industry has been using sub-miniature push-on connectors (SMPs) for decades. Originally marketed by Gilbert (now part of Corning) in the lateRead More