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Building Better Interconnects for Space-Grade Applications

Designing electronics that leave Earth calls for a more thoughtful approach, from specialized materials to high-reliability form factors to close relationships with space agencies and regulatory organizations. Space-grade connectors can go where no man has gone before. Precision-engineered and specifically qualified, these exceptional interconnects are fit to endure…

New RF Interconnect Designs Address Shortcomings of the SMP Family of Connectors in Today’s Aerospace and Defense Applications

What are MIL-DTL-83526 connectors?

New eBook Covers Connectivity Solutions for Difficult Conditions and Locations

Bayonet Connectors Product Roundup

Listing of Market Articles
Building Better Interconnects for Space-Grade Applications Designing electronics that leave Earth calls for a more thoughtful approach, from specialized materials to high-reliability form factors to close relationships with space agencies and regulatory organizations. Space-grade connectors can go where no man has gone before. Precision-engineered and specifically qualified, these exceptional interconnects are fit to endure…
New RF Interconnect Designs Address Shortcomings of the SMP Family of Connectors in Today’s Aerospace and Defense Applications Innovative RF interconnect designs, address specific needs not fulfilled by standard designs such as the SMP connector. The aerospace and defense industries count on dependable, durable RF systems for mission-critical electronics applications such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) systems, SATCOM and communications systems, electronic warfare (EW), missile guidance,…
What are MIL-DTL-83526 connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-83526 MIL-DTL-83526 (M83526) connectors have consistent and predictable optical performance and are rugged enough to withstand military field applications. MIL-DTL-83526 defines circular, environment-resistant, hermaphroditic interface, fiber-optic connectors. The specification details their characteristics, performance, and testing criteria. As expected, fiber optic connectors perform critical communication functions…
New eBook Covers Connectivity Solutions for Difficult Conditions and Locations Download this free resource to learn more about new solutions. Our latest eBook, 2023 Harsh Environment / Remote Locations, highlights the challenges of developing connectivity solutions for use in severe conditions and hard-to-reach locations. Engineers and designers must account for factors such as shock and vibration, dust, water, chemicals,…
Bayonet Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights bayonet connectors from leading suppliers. Bayonet connectors Teledyne Reynolds’ 1807 high-voltage connectors come in shielded and non-shielded configurations with either bayonet or threaded coupling nuts. Plug kits are available for customer-fabricated cable assemblies using the company’s specified wire. Teledyne Reynolds leads the connector…
March 2023 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. March 2023 Connector Industry News March 2023 Connector Industry News > Award News TTI Inc. named Melanie Pizzey, corporate senior vice president of commercial business…
Hidden Connectors Sleek designs, subtle colors, and hidden locations help connectors blend in when applications need to look good or not be seen at all. While most connectors and electronic circuits are hidden "inside the box" or within the packaging of a device, charging ports and other external connection points…
How to Design Optical Fiber Cables for Interconnect Solutions in Harsh Environments For harsh environments, such as avionics and defense, key issues related to high temperatures, vibration, and shock must be considered to maximize the efficiency of optical technologies. For two decades, the need for ever-increasing capacity and speed to move data through our electronic devices has generated the deployment…
Strong 2022 Sales Lead into Optimistic Start for 2023 But what does 2023 hold for connector sales? Bishop & Associates' Ron Bishop takes a look at the technologies and markets that use connectors to give us some clues about what the year ahead will bring. The final connector industry sales results from 2022 are coming in, and…
What is Hyperboloid Contact Technology? Meet the Connector: Hyperboloid Contact Technology The hyperboloid contact was invented in 1956 by Francois Robert Bonhomme for railway applications. Connections for lighting and ventilation in train cars were not secure due to the high amount of shock and vibration, which caused frequent interruptions. In the 1960s, as…
Fiber Optic Connectors for Military Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights fiber optic connector products for military applications from leading suppliers. Fiber Optic Connector Products for Military Applications Optical fiber cables offered by Axon’ Cable are compatible with a wide range of standardized contacts or connectors, including ARINC801, MIL, ST, FC, and LC connectors.…
Top 10 Great Reads From 2022 Check out the Top 10 most popular articles from our 2022 MIL/Aero coverage. Read, learn, and enjoy. Products that begin with the military tend to migrate across the electronics industry, influencing electronic design and introducing powerful strategies to other markets. Our readers enjoy learning about the products, applications,…
Top 10 Supplier of Connectors for the Military/Aerospace Market The military/aerospace market encompasses a wide variety of applications requiring numerous high-speed, rugged, and high-reliability interconnects. Who are the top connector companies that serve this market? The military/aerospace market is among the largest users of interconnect products. In 2021, military spending reached a record $2.1 trillion, a figure…
What are Micro-D connectors? Meet the Connector: Micro-D Connector The tiny but mighty micro-D connector is half the size of a standard D-sub yet delivers rugged and reliable performance in commercial and military applications. Micro-D (and nano-D) connectors were derived from D-sub (D-subminiature) connectors in the 1970s. Their compact design led to…
December 2022 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. December 2022 New Connectivity Products December 2022 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. WAGO’s new open tool slot and push-button TOPJOB S Distribution Terminal Blocks are just 9 mm wide with 1 to 6 distribution. These blocks allow power feed-in…
Hyperboloid Contact Technology is Still Going Strong From transportation to MIL/Aero to medical and more, hyperboloid contacts continue to be vital in the evolving world of electronics. Francois Robert Bonhomme invented the hyperboloid contact in 1956 in response to the need for more reliable connectors used in railway applications. By that time, rail systems had…
Maintaining Signal Integrity in the Era of SWaP 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 are MIL-C-5015/SAE-AS50151 connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-C-5015/SAE-AS50151 Connectors With nearly a century of service in harsh environment equipment, this connector family has proven performance in military and other rugged electronics. MIL-C-5015 connectors, now formally known as SAE-AS50151, are heavy-duty, medium-density circular electrical connectors with soldered or crimped contacts. This military standard…
MIL-Spec-Approved Circular Connectors and Commercial Equivalents This week’s Product Roundup highlights MIL-Spec-approved circular connectors and commercial equivalents from leading suppliers. Mil-Spec-Approved Circular Connectors and Commercial Equivalents Power Connector (PCI), a Trexon company, is a leader in the design and development of standard and custom TacCom connectors. PCI offers an extensive range of products for…
What are N-Type Connectors? Meet the Connector: N-Type Connectors N-Type connector, or simply N connector, is an RF connector used to join coaxial cables. It was invented by Paul Neill of Bell Labs in the 1940s and was subsequently named for him. This medium-size, threaded, waterproof connector was one of the first…
Connectivity Innovations in Aerospace Applications 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…
Planning High-Reliability Aerospace Systems with Hermetic Connectors 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…
Rugged Connectors in Space Environments 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…
What are MIL-DTL-28840 Connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-28840 Connectors MIL-DTL-28840 connectors are high-density circular connectors used for harsh environment military applications. Originally developed for the Navy, they are used in shipboard applications for surface craft of all sizes as well as submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. They are water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and can…
MIL-Spec-Approved Rectangular Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights MIL-Spec-approved rectangular connectors from leading suppliers. MIL-Spec-Approved Rectangular Connectors TE Connectivity's POLAMCO rectangular backshells, including micro-D backshells, support rugged applications. They are supplied to customers across the world, from aerospace to defense, and space to subsea. TE’s design team supports the demands of…
Connector Suppliers Join the Electric Era of Aviation 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…
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…
What are MIL-PRF-28876 connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-PRF-28876 connectors MIL-PRF-28876 connectors, also known as M28876s, are military standard fiber optic circular connectors used in rugged naval applications where reliability, sealing, durability, and a secure latch are essential to performance in harsh environment conditions. They are widely used by the U.S. Navy and…
July 2022 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. July 2022 New Connectivity Products July 2022 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Smiths Interconnect’s Planar X Series of Thin Film Bandpass Filters for harsh environment applications provides system engineers with a…
Fiber Optic MIL/Aero Cable Assemblies Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights fiber optic MIL/Aero cable assemblies from leading suppliers. Fiber-Optic MIL/Aero Cable Assemblies Amphenol Aerospace offers a comprehensive line of single-mode and multi-mode cable assemblies in a variety of cable configurations, from simplex jumpers to multi-fiber custom assemblies. High quality polishing processes meet and…
How to Specify a Custom Hermetic Connector Solution In equipment destined for the extreme conditions of aerospace, military, medical, and other critical markets, sealing technologies can impact the performance of not just a single connector but an entire system. Sometimes a custom connector with a hermetic seal is the best solution. Commercial aviation and military aircraft…
What are SMP Connectors? Meet the Connector: SMP Connectors Subminiature push-on (SMP) connectors are highly shielded, very small interconnects commonly used in miniaturized high frequency coaxial modules and high data rate applications such as antennas, broadband installations, Test & Measurement, and quantum computing. The product was developed by Gilbert (now Corning Gilbert)…
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…
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…
EDS Showcases Versatility, Creativity Under Pressure The annual distributors’ gathering was back on after a virtual year. Companies reported a great year despite pandemic and supply chain disruptions. After two years of digital presentations in 2020 and 2021, the Electronics Distributors Show (EDS) resumed its annual Las Vegas rituals this year. Meeting in person…
May 2022 New Connectivity Products II New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. May 2022 New Connectivity Products II May 2022 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. TTI Inc. stocks the XW4M and XW4N Series from OMRON. OMRON XW4M and XW4N 3.5 mm pitch push-in pluggable terminal block PCB connectors have a unique…
Mini-Mil-Circular Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights Mini-MIL circular connectors from leading suppliers. Mini-Mil-Circular Connectors ITT Cannon’s innovative MKJ line of miniature circular connectors brings together a unique combination of design, functionality, and flexibility. These reliable and cost-effective interconnect solutions enable critical communication, navigation, and high-speed data transmission at half…
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…
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…
What are MIL-DTL-24308 connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-24308 connectors MIL-DTL-24308 connectors are a high-density rectangular I/O electrical connector in the D-subminiature family (named for its distinctive D-shaped metal shell). Also known as M24308s, these compact, high-reliability connectors feature solid machined contacts and come in a versatile range of classes, mounting options, and…
Mil-Spec Cable and Cable Assemblies Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights Mil-Spec cables and cable assemblies from leading suppliers. Mil-Spec Cable and Cable Assemblies EZ Form Cable, a Trexon Company, has 27 active semi-rigid cables that are qualified to MIL-DTL-17 and listed on the Qualified Products List (QPL) of the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency…
New Variation on Single-Pair Ethernet Puts M8s and M12s in the Mix Do we need yet another single-pair Ethernet interface? Advocates say twisted-pair technology in an M8 or M12 interface would bring huge benefits to autonomous systems. Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) will greatly improve the flexibility of automation within the connected industrial environment. Previously, Ethernet connections allowed the cloud to talk to the main control room (where software…
High-Density MT-Based Optical Solution Brings Big Bandwidth Boost A new high-density MT-based optical interconnect is coming soon. With up to four MT ferrules accommodating up to 96 optical channels, VITA 87 brings big bandwidth in a small footprint. The addition of complex embedded systems to the next generation of multi-functional military equipment is driving a new wave of development in associated components.…
What are MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors MIL-DTL-38999 connectors, also called D38999s, are a subminiature high-speed circular connector used for military, aerospace, and other rugged, high-reliability applications. They are rugged and environmentally resistant and feature removable crimp or fixed solder contacts. The 38999 is one of the best-selling connectors in…
Circular Mil-spec Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights circular Mil-spec connectors from leading suppliers. Circular MIL-Spec Connectors CDM Electronics supplies Amphenol PCD MIL-DTL-55181-spec QPL’d Tactical Communications Power Connectors, qualified to MIL-C-55181. MW Series Power Connectors have a center lock coupling screw to ensure the connector can withstand high shock and vibration,…
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,…
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…
Fiber Optic Connectors for MIL/Aero Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights MIL/Aero fiber optic connectors from leading suppliers. Fiber Optic Connectors for MIL/Aero Applications Interstate Connecting Components (ICC) supplies Amphenol’s new M28876 connectors. Amphenol Fiber 28876 connectors are qualified to MIL-PRF-28876, Rev. F., and feature black hard anodized (BHA) PTFE plating for superior performance…
Green Energy Projects, EVs, & MIL-Aero Programs Set to Expand in 2022 Evolving technologies in the energy, automotive, military, and datacom markets will continue to drive innovation in connectivity. The pace of technological advancement continues in the COVID era. The mRNA vaccines produced to combat COVID-19 are the result of years of development to create other anti-virus mRNA vaccines. Processes now have been optimized so…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Circular Connector Market Continues to Expand Led by strong growth in the military/aerospace and commercial/industrial markets, circular connectors see continued strength even amid the disruptions of the pandemic. While some industries suffered huge declines last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the connector industry briefly slowed and then recovered with unexpected strength, declining only…
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,…
DFA Reduces the Cost Impact of High-Reliability Connectors in Military and Aerospace Applications The precision and performance benefits of custom connectors are brought within reach through design for assembly principles. By Advanced Interconnections Corp. Military and aerospace applications specify high-reliability connectors to meet performance requirements that lower-cost commodity connectors cannot provide. One of the ways to offset the additional expense of…
Testing Integrated Circuits using High-Frequency Interconnect When an interconnection network is inserted within a transmission line between an IC device and the attaching PCB, the connectors used must provide superior electrical performance while also meeting a range of mechanical requirements. Integrated circuits have transformed electronic device design. Integrated circuits, also called ICs or semiconductor…
Outgassing Components Pose Risk to Sensitive Electronics Careful materials selection and specialty outgassing processes help reduce volatile gases present in connected systems. On Earth, our concerns about outgassing center on the impact of particulate chemicals on human health. The synthetic materials in petroleum- and chemical-based products such as plastics, furniture, carpet, paint, and adhesives release…
Design Evolution in Today’s Orbital Satellite Systems The ability of satellites to quickly collect large amounts of data has made them invaluable for communications, GPS, weather applications, and more. Like space technologies, new satellite designs are becoming smaller, even as they provide greater functionality. The world has benefited from the development of orbiting satellites. The…
Wearable Military Technologies Keep Troops Agile and Informed Maintaining a clear line of communication in challenging environments and unpredictable situations requires innovative military technologies. Wearable devices rise to the challenge. Battlefield communications go beyond exchanging voice messages. Video and data must be relayed and processed quickly, possibly in high-pressure situations. Military technologies must be multi-functional and portable. Instead of adding more devices and bulking out the…
When is a Custom Connector the Best Option? With millions of connector products ready for order from trusted suppliers and distributors, designers should be able to find a suitable solution for their project. But sometimes, they can’t. That’s when customization comes in. A quick search of any major distributor’s inventory turns up millions of connector products.…
Top 12 Technology Trends: The Evolution of Proprietary to Open Source Connectors Sometimes a custom connector design will remain a limited-use product. Other times, it may become a popular proprietary connector. In some instances, the evolution continues and the connector experiences widespread use as a commercial or open-source product. This is the eighth installment in the Technology Trends series by…
2021 High-Reliability, Harsh-Environment Connectivity eBook Our first 2021 eBook features 13 technical articles and 40+ product features that address connectivity trends and specification tips for high-reliability connectors, cables, and sensors deployed in harsh-environment applications spanning land, sea, air, and space. Learn from experts at more than 20 leading connectivity companies. Our new 2021…
Small Robotic Military Devices Go Where Soldiers Can’t Throwbots, insectoid robots, and other small tactical robotic devices can act as advance teams on missions. These micro-machines can reach hazardous or inaccessible areas to collect and transmit vital information. A soldier with a good throwing arm is a valuable asset in battle. Hand grenades — first invented…
How to Choose a Screw-Machined Parts Supplier for Mil/Aero Product Development Reliable, screw-machined parts help ensure the optimal operation of connectors employed in mission-critical applications. It’s important to select a supplier that understands the unique requirements of this market. High-precision screw-machined parts are critical components of advanced interconnect products. Screw-machined parts include PCB tail pins and sockets, crimp barrel…
UAS and Drone Technologies Help Fight Fires From Above The use of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies in wildland and municipal firefighting operations is rapidly expanding, and making fire management safer and more effective for teams on the ground. Firefighters on the ground level have an incomplete picture of the challenge they face. In a wildland fire…
Mil-Spec Pins and Sockets Directly Contribute to Rugged, Reliable Defense Connectors Precision-manufactured pins and sockets designed with both MIL specs and applications in mind provide superior reliability and durability in harsh-environment defense applications. These contacts are critical building blocks for military connectors that must perform under pressure on land, at sea, and in the skies above. By Steve Smashey,…
The Need for Adaptability in Aerospace Markets is Driving Interconnect Innovation New connectors, new materials, new customers, and new technologies are making big impacts in the military and aerospace markets. We spoke to an expert at Amphenol Aerospace to learn more. The events of 2020 provided a sneak preview of the way the connector industry can adapt to serve…
New High-Speed Information and Communication Technologies Will Affect Our Lives and Businesses in 2021 In the year ahead, we’ll see AI, IoT and IIoT technologies, cloud computing, 5G communications, blockchain, UAVs, and robotics impact nearly every market. These transformative technologies are becoming more pervasive and more proficient. As we move into 2021, multiple breakthrough technologies are being implemented that will affect our…
2020 Interconnect Innovations eBook In this eBook, 29 suppliers with decades of proven experience developing innovative interconnect solutions share in-depth engineering insights and product highlights for our increasingly interconnected world. The articles and products collected here are all aimed at helping designer engineers overcome obstacles and satisfy the unique connectivity demands of…
Underwater Connectors Get Smaller and Tougher for Submarines and UUVs Undersea applications for connectors used by the U.S. Navy are expanding. Not only are submarines now joined by unmanned underwater vehicles, but a third emerging category includes devices used in seabed warfare and communications. The undersea environment is one of the harshest that military electronics systems must withstand.…
The Importance of Manufacturability in New Connector Product Designs When new or custom connectivity products are the right solution for a design challenge, connector suppliers must meet complex design requirements and develop efficient manufacturing processes to produce high-quality products at a reasonable cost. Manufacturability is a critical consideration in the design of a new connector product. In…
Small, Lightweight Connectors Enable Today’s Powerful Optical Electronics The latest generation of high-tech digital cameras has been sized down for small, lightweight military, medical, and surveillance equipment. High-speed miniature interconnect products make it possible to capture and send images in even the most rigorous operating conditions. High-speed cameras, machine learning, and robotics are changing the world…
Military Programs Use Multi-Port and Cluster Connectors for State-of-the-Art RF Performance Multi-port connectors reduce system cost, speed installation time, and improve reliability. As 5G technologies continue to develop for commercial and military use, these important connectivity solutions will have greatly increased utilization. The concept of multi-port connectors has evolved from arrays of discrete coaxes to complex assemblies with multiple…
Choosing the Right PCB Mounting Method for High Shock and Vibration Electronics that are subject to harsh military and aerospace operating environments require secure mounting. Several popular specifications give designers options. A few weeks ago, I was discussing work with an engineer friend, and we got onto the subject of connectors that are subjected to high shock and vibration…
Irregular PCB Configurations Require Small Connectors and Creative Solutions When a traditional rectangular connector isn’t the right fit for a unique PCB shape, engineers must look for a creative solution. Sometimes that solution is a custom connector that can deliver the needed space savings and the reliability required for mission-critical military applications. By Jim Murphy, International Sales Manager, Advanced…
The Future of Military Interconnects: Migrate Away From the “Golden Hammer” Old solutions and ways of thinking get in the way of truly innovative solutions. As designers of military interconnects look for ways to shrink down products while adding functionality, many are turning to the semiconductor test industry for the new approaches needed to create optimal solutions. “The Psychology…
Small Military UAVs Demand Smaller, Lighter Connectors A new generation of more powerful unmanned aerial vehicles carry a payload that includes sensors, cameras, processors, and other electronics. Small, lightweight connectors help make their missions possible. Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military use are getting even smaller and more powerful as trends toward miniaturization in…
New Combat Systems Set to Conquer the Future with New Connectivity Options New battlefield strategies that network dismounted soldiers for “any-sensor, any-shooter” tactics are driving technological changes in digital gear enabled in part by advanced interconnects. By Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace Defense and Marine, TE Connectivity, and Franck Kolczak, Senior Business Development Manager-Defense Market, TE Connectivity combat Today’s entertaining…
Military Wearables Trends Require Connectors to Scale Down The demand for micro- and nano-miniature military connectors is increasing as the military adopts Nett Warrior and future soldier technologies. The military wearables market is expanding rapidly, driven by continuous innovation in small, lightweight products that can be used for navigation, communication, and computing systems, vision and surveillance, and…
Commercial Connectors Toughen Up for the Harshest Environments in the Universe As priorities for deep-space applications change, demand is increasing for low-cost, commercial off-the-shelf connectors that can endure the rigors of space. Deep-space exploration keeps bringing us new information about the sun, the moon, and the planets. For example, data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recently helped researchers determine…
Testing Microwave Coaxial Cable Assemblies for Deep Space Missions A comprehensive test regimen can help determine the suitability of microwave coaxial cable assemblies for the final frontier. By Aidan Doran, Senior Product Manager, Space, and John Lewis, Director of Product Management, Defense and Space, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies test Reliability can be defined as performance over time, and…
CIMON Says: Design Lessons from a Robot Assistant in Space Designing a service bot to function in microgravity is a unique challenge. Engineers at Airbus developed an autonomous robot assistant for the International Space Station using commercially available interconnects. By Traci Browne and Paul Golata for Mouser Electronics robot Of the more than 225 visitors to the International…
Fiber Optics Move into Military Backplanes The recent Embedded Tech Trends conference highlighted a trend: Boards and subsystems for military applications are increasingly employing optical cable. Fiber optic technology is continuing its push into high-end military systems as engineers increasingly choose it to meet accelerating speed demands. This marks a change from its traditional…
Shielded, Twisted-Pair Cable Assemblies Provide Critical Support for the Secure Networking of Classified Data Fiber optic, shielded copper, and foil-shielded, unshielded-twisted-pair (UTP) cables are among the hardware solutions implemented to meet stringent data security networking protocols. Critical computer networks dedicated to the storage and transmission of sensitive government, military, and national security data safeguard such information with robust security parameters and processes…
Three Key Considerations When Selecting EMI/RFI Shielding Solutions for Aerospace and Defense Applications Proper shielding is necessary to protect mission-critical systems and components from interference in increasingly busy electronics environments. By Lesa Smith, Marketing Communications Manager, and Neil Mahaffy, Senior Product Engineer, ITT Cannon EMI/RFI shielding As aerospace and defense platforms and environments continue to evolve digitally, the proliferation of embedded…
Electronics are Helping to Solve the Pilot Shortage Advanced aviation-specific components for commercial and military aircraft are producing increasingly powerful and connected hardware that can help keep aviation technology accessible to pilots. Today, there is a critical problem in military and civil aviation: a distinct shortage of pilots. In June 2019, Boeing's then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg called…
Miniaturized Circular Connectors Drive New Developments in Portable Electronics Fast-turn, application-specific connectors can be produced quickly and can even meet stringent military standards when based on existing, standardized connector designs with proven reliability. Electronic modules in many of today’s application areas must prioritize size and weight reductions and simultaneously provide high-speed transmissions with reliable signal integrity, even…
Micro- and Nano-Pitch Rectangular I/O Connectors This week’s Product Roundup highlights micro- and nano-pitch (≤1.28mm- and ≤0.64mm-pitch) rectangular I/O connectors from leading suppliers for industrial, military and aerospace, and datacom and telecom applications. Micro- and Nano-Pitch Rectangular Connector Products QA Technology Company’s ICS40 integraMate hyperboloid contacts are designed to mate with industry-standard 0.40mm-diameter pins in high-performance…
Connectors Fly High on Commercial Aircraft Thousands of new commercial aircraft are currently in production. They will contain lightweight, powerful, high-speed electronics systems that will enable connectivity on a level the skies have never seen. Commercial aircraft come in many shapes and sizes, from small executive jets to large, long-haul, wide-body planes that carry…
Soldier Wearables and Heads-Up Displays Challenge Connectors US Army leaders and their industrial partners are looking at new ways to equip dismounted soldiers with lighter weight, wireless, more capable, and more integrated electronic systems. The goal of a major revamp of the Adaptive Squad Architecture (ASA) is to harmonize both the individual dismounted soldier and…
Four Factors to Consider When Specifying Connectors for Military Wearables Choosing the right connectors for soldier-worn electronics can help improve soldier effectiveness and safety in the field. The average soldier in the field today carries between 87 and 121 pounds (39 to 59 kilograms) of gear and equipment, including an increasing amount of soldier-worn electronics. Improving battlefield effectiveness…
New VITA 46 Updates for High-Speed Interconnects ANSI has ratified updates to an embedded computing standard that has important ramifications for military electronics. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recently ratified the VITA 46.0 (commonly known as VPX) baseline standard for critical embedded computing. VITA 46, or VPX, provides Versa Module Europa bus (VMEbus) based systems with…
Increased In-Flight Connectivity Drives Demand for Lightweight Connector Products Air travelers and crew increasingly rely on in-flight connectivity. An expanding array of advanced products and design strategies gives airlines options for how to deliver both in-flight entertainment and critical communications.t connectivity Over the five-year period spanning 2018 to 2023, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems are projected to grow…
The Differences Between MIL-DTL-38999 Series I, II, and III Connectors These circular connectors were originally designed to meet requirements for cable-to-panel applications in the military and aerospace market. Now they are used across a wide range of industries that benefit from their high-performance qualities. By Air Electro, Inc. The engineers and procurement professionals in both the civil and…
Rugged Mil-Spec Connectors Strengthen Military System Deployment A tour of the West 2019 conference turns up new mil-spec connectivity products that meet size, weight, and power goals, and deliver peak performance under pressure. For military and aerospace applications, the consequences of system failures are unthinkable. To accomplish mission-critical tasks, these systems depend on the high-reliability…
The Internet of Battlefield Things is Changing Connector Designs Interconnects directly contribute to the size, weight, reliability, ruggedness, and overall performance of modern military equipment, which is increasingly interconnected via the Internet of Battlefield Things or IoBT. As Admiral John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, put it during the Navy’s Future Force Expo in Washington, DC, in…
Today’s Electronics Call for Rapid New Connector Development We are in a period of rapid technology development, as designers create new products and instruments with high-speed circuit chips that run faster, last longer, and go places we could not imagine just a few years ago. Often, these products call for original connector designs. Today’s electronics —…
Strike Counterfeit Mil-Spec Components From the Supply Chain Special mil-spec marking, DNA tagging, and other advanced authentication technologies are helping to root out counterfeit connectors and cable. Are 40% of mil-spec connectors counterfeit? We’ve heard the statistic and it’s alarming — but not necessarily true. “The 40% is an average and varies wildly — from 15%…
Eight Things to Know About M39029 Contacts Commonly used in military, defense, industrial, and other harsh-environment applications, M39029 contacts are available in a variety of options. As a result, not every M39029 contact is created equal. By Steve Smashey, President, and Mike Conte, General Manager, SOS Engineering, Inc. M39029 To manufacture a reliable, high-performance connector…