Interconnects for Soldier Applications Product Roundup  

This week’s Product Roundup highlights interconnects for soldier-worn applications from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers.

Interconnects For Soldier Applications

The Amphenol Ltd. Stingray 7 Series, available from PEI-Genesis, offers compact, low profile, metal shelled connectors that withstand exposure to moisture, dust, dirt, and chemicals commonly encountered by first responders, security, and military personnel. The magnetic technology allows the connector to disconnect quickly, making it ideal for connection between non-tethered equipment, such as helmets and torsos, and therefore protects users from potential injury due to cable snagging.

Amphenol Pcd’s Gladiator is a small, lightweight, flat connector designed for soldier-worn applications with data sharing, battery charging, and peripheral connectivity. Plugs and receptacles fit through MOLLE pack straps. Receptacles are designed for panel mounting, clipped into MOLLE, or sewn into place. Magnetics orient and align connectors for fast, no-look mating. Features include factory adjustable engage/disengage forces to meet customer specific requirements. Spring pins (spring probes) maintain contact through shock and vibration.

Smiths Interconnect’s MIL-spec type, quick release miniature connector features IP67 sealing and EMI shielding. Lightweight and robust, it is available in both circular (7, 13, 19 ways) and rectangular (12, 21, 30 ways) versions equipped with Hyperspring contacts, and is designed to protect the electrical interface against extreme environmental conditions.

SV Microwave has developed a high-density product line tailored to meet the demand for higher frequency RF technologies and increased density in D38999 circular backshell connectors. Our D38999 size 20 pin and socket contacts are compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 Series I, II, III, and IV housings, while the Micro38999 size 20HD pin and socket contacts are designed for MIL-DTL-32689, 2M, and Series 80.

PRECI-DIP has developed high-precision fine-pitch connectors to address the specific requirements of night vision technology. These connectors are exceptionally compact and highly reliable, ensuring durability for challenging military applications. They are available as fully customizable or standard solutions. PRECI-DIP’s fine-pitch connectors excel in handling diverse functions such as signal transmission, power supply, and RF applications. This adaptability makes them the perfect choice for advanced night vision goggles, where dependable and efficient connectivity is essential.

ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior Series offers a reliable interconnect solution that enables critical communication, navigation, and USB data and power for modern soldier applications. Derived from Cannon’s robust MKJ connector family, the MKJ Warrior Series provides a robust breakaway coupling system and is fully qualified to US Nett Warrior and European GOSSRA/NATO STANAG 4695 standard.

Breakaway micro-D circular connectors are part of Axon’ Cable’s miniature circular connectors based on the MIL-DTL-83513 standard. Designed with 360° shield termination, durable twist-pin contacts, and IP67/68 waterproofness, the connectors are suitable for use in many harsh environments. The breakaway connectors have a built-in spring to secure the connection. Quick to connect and disconnect, lightweight and small, this is an ideal solution for soldier systems.

JAE has developed the SG50 Series, an SD card connector with superior harsh environment performance that can be used safely for equipment that is expected to be used for long periods of time and under severe environmental conditions. The two points-of-contact terminal structure allows for a reliable connection in the presence of foreign matter such as dust and debris. It has excellent vibration and shock resistance. This connector can maintain high contact reliability over a long period of time. A UHS-II SD card compatible variant is also available for future high-speed and high-capacity requirements. SG50 Series is a push-push connector for SD cards with excellent environmental resistance. It is ideal for applications that require contact reliability and long service life. While SG50 is mainly for industrial/commercial applications, it may be used in devices worn by soldiers and first responders.

Nicomatic offers a range of high-reliability miniature connectors, specifically designed for defense applications, meeting stringent military requirements for durability, weight reduction, and modularity. Modern soldier systems require compact, rugged, and high-performance connectivity solutions to ensure seamless transmission of communication, power, and data in extreme environments. Nicomatic’s CMM series combines hybrid contacts (signal, power, and RF) and coaxial options in a lightweight, shock- and vibration-resistant format that are compliant with MIL-DTL-55302. The DMM Series is designed to comply with MIL-DTL-83513 and allows for hybrid configurations (signal, power, and RF) within a single modular housing. The EMM Series offers a 20% weight reduction compared to Micro-D connectors while ensuring superior mechanical and electrical performance in limited space. VITA 66 & 67 Optical and RF modules provide the high-speed data transmission and real-time communication that next-generation military applications rely on. With a focus on ruggedness, modularity, and SWaP optimization, Nicomatic’s connectors empower soldiers to stay connected, operational, and protected in the field.

Avnet supplies Snap-Lug quick-disconnect power connectors from TE Connectivity (TE). These ruggedized power disconnects are designed to provide a quick method for interconnecting heavy gauge power cables to bus bars, relays, power panels, and similar applications in Aerospace, Defense, and Marine, and other harsh environment applications. These connectors have been engineered to replace traditional terminal lugs with safe, reliable, quick- disconnect, keyed locking connectors, enabling applied cost savings.

Bernd Richter GmbH offers an extensive range of connector systems that facilitate easier handling due to their compact design and flexible cables that allow for tight bending radii. The 360° shielding ensures low interference and uninterrupted connections. Overmolded connectors provide protection against dust and water, meeting IP68 standards and passing salt spray tests, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.​ Complete headset systems are designed for improved handling. These systems feature small, ultra-light rugged designs that provide tight bend radii and high tensile strength. Custom overmolding of connectors, ferrites, and other components ensures long-lasting performance. Unique military communication cable solutions integrate standard connectors modified to meet military applications, offering rugged custom enclosures. Features like extended housing at the battery connector with EEPROM identification and overmolded bend relief ensure long life cycles.​

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