Radiation-resistant interconnects Product Roundup
This week’s Product Roundup highlights radiation-resistant interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers.
Radiation-resistant interconnects
The formulation of the patented Flexx-Sil from Cicoil, a Trexon company, enables ultraviolet-resistant cables that withstand exposure to high levels of radiation and ozone with no adverse effects. Cicoil flat cables and flat cable assemblies will perform well even after 50+ years in direct sunlight. With Flexx-Sil jacketing, cables are ultra-flexible and withstand the shock, vibration, and other rigors of supersonic flight. They allow for extremely compact, lightweight cable designs for weight- and space-sensitive applications. Low outgassing materials are Space Flight approved by NASA. They are also resistant to UV light, corona discharge, sunlight, and extreme temperatures (-65 °C to +260 °C).
The Souriau Trim Trio connectors line from PEI-Genesis is based on a unique feature of contacts which can be used in several connector shapes. This trio of contacts (machined, stamped & formed, high speed) can be used in a wide range of connectors from plastic to metal shells, from bayonet to push-pull coupling mechanisms, from rectangular to circular connector shells. Built using zinc and aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and brass, the Souriau UTO TRIM TRIO series attains an IP68/69K rating for fluid resistance when mated. These durable connectors will maintain a reliable signal even in electromagnetic radiation areas.
JAE FO-BD7 Series is an environmentally resistant optical module incorporated plug connector for outdoor use. The FO-BD7 series is an active optical cable. The optical cable is inherently radiation-resistant, and the electrical connection area is fully shielded.
Powell Electronics supplies Glenair’s Mighty Mouse NG (nuclear-grade) connectors. These high-pressure small form-factor connectors are designed to meet the latest, most stringent global Zone 1E qualification standards including those requiring long-term submersion, radiation, and 60-year thermal cycle simulation. Mighty Mouse NG ultraminiature connectors are half the size and weight of standard nuclear-grade connectors. They feature high density inserts, 316 stainless steel shells, and a piston O-ring for high-pressure, 3500 psi sealing.
Made of premium-grade stainless steel (316L), the highly configurable Fischer Core Series Stainless Steel connectors offer outstanding chemical, temperature, and radiation resistance. They have been specially designed for areas where long-term, reliable solutions in extreme environments are required, such as nuclear and energy, medical, and food processing applications. Tasks in nuclear or contaminated environments include handling heavy radioactive loads, performing inspections, and repairing equipment. Fischer Connectors’ stainless steel connectors are not only safe, but also easy to clean, easy to handle, and highly versatile. The materials used in these connectors are polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These offer the best radiation and corrosion resistance, while ensuring consistently high performance even in high temperatures. The connectors also allow radioactive decontamination. Customers can choose the size, body style, plugs, and contact block (PCB, solder, or crimp contacts, 2 to 15 pins). Sealed or unsealed options are available, including IP68, and 360° EMC shielding. The connectors can be handled easily with gloves, allowing simple movements for mating, unmating, and fully controlling the operations, thanks to the patented industry standard push-pull locking system. The user can also operate the connecting solution remotely, for example in a glass box, using a teleoperator or robot in hazardous or contaminated environments.
Smiths Interconnect’s SpaceABLE 28G SL Series radiation resistant transceivers are engineered to withstand radiation doses >100 krad (Si). The low profile screw-in module mounts to the board via an LGA connector (interposer). It is offered as either a (4+4)-lane transceiver (100G full-duplex) or as separate 12-channel transmitter and 12-channel receiver modules (300G half-duplex, as a pair) that operate at up to 28 Gb/s per channel over a recommended operating temperature range of -40 ºC to 85 ºC at an ultra-low bit error rates of 10-9.
Axon’ Cable’s Axorad range of radiation-resistant interconnect solutions can be used as power cable cables, instrumentation cables, control or sensor cables in nuclear plants, particle detectors, accelerators or scientific devices. They are also used in satellites and defence systems. One example is the flexible 1 kV Poliax insulated cable assembly terminated with an Axon’ Cable round connector designed to resist 6 MGy radiation in a particle collider. The confined installation area requires flexible cable assemblies with compact connectors. Radiation resistance combined with high or low temperatures, extreme mechanical stress, and miniaturization, in standard or inert atmosphere are challenges for which Axon’ radiation resistant wires and cable assemblies are designed.
Learn more about harsh environment interconnects.
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