Mil/Aero Articles

One Size Does Not Fit All: Optimized RF Connectors are Crucial to System Performance

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

Strategic Connector Selection for Unmanned Military Systems

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

Advanced Air Mobility Certification Pitfalls: The Cost-Saving Benefits of Bringing in Certification Experts Early

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

Connectors for Space Applications Require Radiation-Resistance

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

Nano-Circular Connectors for Sensor Designs in Rugged Applications 

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

Utilizing Solderless Compression Interposers in Harsh-Environment Applications

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

VITA Standards Support RF/Microwave Backplane Solutions

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

SWaP-Optimized Rectangular Connectors for Harsh-Environment Mil/Aero Connectivity

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

New Connector Design Addresses Significant SMP Shortcomings

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

Connectors in Space

The space market is booming and connector suppliers are finding more and more opportunities to be a part of it. However, strict regulations and extreme environmental conditions add to the challenges suppliers face as they launch their space-grade connectors into what is quickly becoming a growth industry. Because of the high cost of deployment andRead More

Miniature Connectors Empower Military Robotics

Robotics have become essential tools for the military. Miniature connector and cable interconnections specified for military robotic applications can be selected or designed to create a system that can endure unique conditions and hazards while providing reliable performance. Robotics are increasingly essential to military operations. They provide early surveillance information to help commanders plan strategies.Read More

The Race to Smaller, Lighter, Faster Aircraft

The small aircraft marketplace is booming and the push to develop fully electric vehicles is driving design changes that are even trickling back to traditional aircraft. Smaller, lighter, faster — a mantra throughout the electronics industry — certainly applies to the small aircraft market. Growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient, less-polluting aircraft is propelling the increasedRead More

2026 World Connector Market Handbook 2025-2031F
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