Minimizing size, weight, and power (SWaP) while maintaining performance and reliability is a major challenge for designers tasked with the development of modern-day electrical and computer equipment for the military market. The shift from analog to digital electronics has brought new and improved capabilities in smaller package sizes. What once required a computer, camera, faxRead More
Learn about interconnects for tanks and other military ground vehicles in Bishop & Associates’ new comprehensive market research report. Although the concept dates back to the ancient world, the military battle tank as we know it has been used since World War I, when Britain introduced the Mark I tracked armored fighting vehicle to aidRead More
The unique connectivity requirements of the aerospace market continue to motivate ongoing innovation. Minimal size and weight, resistance to shock and vibration, high data rate speeds, and high reliability are critical attributes for even the smallest components in aircraft. The MIL-DTL-38999 series of connectors has been around since the 1960s. Its smaller contacts and higherRead More
Hermetic connectors protect critical electronic systems from harsh environments. Designing in these specialized components requires strategic planning to reduce costs, mitigate risks, increase performance, and maximize longevity. Look up. Millions of hermetic connectors are in the skies above us, creating essential links between cables and electronic circuits in aerospace and defense systems. Found in satellites,Read More
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
