Rugged Interconnects Product Roundup

This week’s Product Roundup highlights rugged interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers.

Rugged Interconnects

The Cinch Dura-Con Micro-D connectors available from PEI-Genesis offer a lightweight solution without compromising performance. Built to stringent MIL-DTL-83513 standards, these rugged, high-performance, and compact rectangular connectors are ideal for harsh environments, including rail applications.

The JK06 Series from JAE is a waterproof circular connector developed for worldwide railway vehicles and related electronic equipment. The JK06 Series is designed in accordance with the VG95234 specification, which includes MIL-DTL-5015 compatibility, and is compliant with NFF61-030 (French standard for rolling stock) and EN50467 (European standard for railway applications, rolling stock). This connector series is also suited for use in other industrial equipment applications that require a rugged and secure connection.

Amphenol Sine Systems’ AT Series connectors available from Heilind Electronics are a high-performance, thermoplastic, cost-effective solution with superior environmental seals and seal retention capabilities (IP68 and IP69K ratings in mated condition). The connector design incorporates an integrated latching system with oversized detents that ensures a definitive electrical and mechanical connection. AT Series connectors offer a wide range of end caps and strain relief options and have been developed to be comparable with all other existing standard products industry-wide. Available in BoardLock, HYPERBUSS, LED, PanelMate and StructurePlus options. AT Series connectors support marine applications including navigation, communications, and propulsion systems.

ATTEND offers a robust range of all-plastic connectors specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of transportation sectors such as railway vehicles, electric vehicles (EV), construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and V2X communication infrastructure. These connectors offer superior sealing protection with IP67 and above ratings, effectively safeguarding against dust, water, and environmental contaminants to ensure reliable operation even in harsh outdoor conditions. The durable design delivers excellent resistance to vibration and mechanical shock, which are typical challenges in transportation applications, thereby maintaining signal integrity and secure power transmission. The lightweight plastic housings reduce overall system weight, extending product lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs.

Omnetics’ Nano Circular Connector Series utilizes Omnetics’ rugged and reliable Flex-Pin contact system, is spaced on .64mm centerlines, has a 9.0 mm mated length, and is specified to MIL-DTL-32139. These ultra miniature circular connectors are ideal for industries that require small size and durable performance.

Lumberg’s new 360° shielded screw-type circular connector features radically simplified mounting in response to assembly requirements in the field as well as those of manufacturers targeting high volumes for pre-assembly. A highly innovative shielding mechanism on the inside of the casing has already received patent approval, making it possible to compose the entire connector from a much smaller number of individual parts. This facilitates a much faster assembly process when soldering or crimping the cable to the connector’s components. The highly time-intensive and elaborate process of stripping, expanding, shortening, and applying a shielding braid that is necessary with comparable connectors becomes completely redundant here. In addition, the quality of the assembly is raised by eliminating frequent assembly errors which impact leak tightness. For example, manufacturing can be completed in half the time currently needed for conventional circular connectors. In addition to resistance to salt, dust, and UV rays, a special vibration protector fitted into the metal casing – also under patent approval – acts as an added security feature by preventing the screwed connection from loosening.

Smiths Interconnect’s KVPX+ Series is an embedded interconnect system that provides unrivaled performance in harsh environments while adapting to the VITA standard design requirements. KVPX+ Series is a shielded, high-density, high-speed, modular interconnect system optimized for differential pair architectures on a 1.8 mm x 1.35 mm grid. KVPX+ is high speed up to 20 Gb/s and compatible with VITA 46/48, 63, and 78 (Space) standards. It features a flexible modular design for standard 3U and 6U as well as custom configurations. A faceplate protects the daughtercard pins.

The SBSX Sealed Connector Series from Anderson Power is available in multiple configurations, delivering up to 140A of power and providing durability for 5,000 mating cycles. Engineered for harsh environments, both the SBSX-75A and SBSXPRO feature an IP68 weatherproof rating to provide exceptional protection from dust, moisture, and debris. The SBSX-75A provides two power contacts and up to six signals or ground, while the SBSXPRO provides three power contacts and up to eight signals for brushless motor applications. The advanced power and signaling delivers enhanced battery monitoring capabilities for engineers designing rugged electric outdoor equipment.

Amphenol LTW’s rugged interconnect solutions deliver reliable power and data transmission, helping keep fleets running and passengers safe. As transportation technologies advance, robust, mission-critical connectivity remains a foundation for innovation on the ground, in the air, and beyond. During Paris 2024, RATP’s Olympic readiness program incorporated Amphenol LTW’s ruggedized connectors in the retrofit of its 5,000-bus fleet. These IP68/69K-rated solutions are built to endure moisture, dust, and mechanical stress. Addressing these critical factors during heightened traffic and inspection demands is a clear demonstration of Amphenol LTW’s commitment to delivering reliable, durable, and future-forward connectivity in the world’s most demanding transit environments.

Greenconn’s GB04 Series automotive wire-to-board connectors combine rugged performance with space efficiency, featuring a unique 3-in-1 plug design that minimizes PCB footprint and lowers manufacturing costs. Engineered for high-current applications, the series supports up to 17A and meets USCAR-2 standards for automotive reliability. Blind-mating capability and a dual-lock TPA mechanism provide secure, error-free assembly even in limited visibility or high-vibration environments. With compact dimensions, robust terminal retention, and durable housing materials, the GB04 Series delivers dependable interconnect solutions for next-generation automotive systems and other mission-critical electronics.

Axon’ Cable designs and manufactures overmolded cable assemblies and complex harnesses that meet the most challenging applications. Depending on the application, cable assemblies designed by Axon’ resist high temperatures, pressure, shocks, torsion, flexion, chemical products, radiation, and sterilization. With extensive experience in designing complex cable harness solutions for harsh, space-constrained and high performing environments, Axon’ engineers can help you design the electronic architecture of your full system.

Chief Enterprises’ rugged interconnects include a weather-resistant ISO relay connector with vented housing and pre-assembled 12-inch, 14-AWG wire leads, plus a weather-sealed ATO/ATC fuse holder with 12-AWG wire leads. Both feature push-to-seat terminals, optional TPAs for reliable retention, and silicone radial seals to block moisture ingress.

Built to endure tough conditions, the ISH connector from I-PEX offers outstanding vibration resistance rated at 10G, making it the perfect choice for transportation infrastructure. Whether in trains, subways, or buses, ISH ensures stable and secure connections even under extreme motion and stress. Additionally, the ISH connector withstands high temperatures up to 125 °C, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments.

CDM Inc. has an extensive selection and inventory of Winchester Xtreme ruggedized cable including the Xtreme-Cat Ruggedized Data/Power series. Xtreme-Cat Cables are designed to maintain their flexibility in harsh and challenging environments. These cables feature a specially formulated “Xtreme-grade” polyurethane jacket for easier payout and better tractor control with an extremely low coefficient of friction. Rated to a maximum depth of 200m, Xtreme-Cat cables are designed for harsh environment and underwater high-speed network data, video, and sensor equipment. Custom variations of Xtreme-Cat cables can be supplied with added breaking strength, steel armor packaging, additional jackets, or neutrally buoyant constructions.

COAX Connectors range of N Type connectors are a rugged screw coupled, mid-sized series of connectors, with versions available for use up to 11 GHz (50 ohm) and 3 GHz (75 ohm). The N Type connector interface is manufactured according to MIL 30912 and is sealed to IP67 when mated. N Type connectors are available from COAX Connectors manufactured using brass or stainless steel in various surface finishes along with a wide range of other rugged IP68 rated waterproof connector types.

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