Space-Grade Product Roundup
This week’s Product Roundup highlights space-grade connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers.
Space-grade connectors
Omnetics Nano-D Bi-Lobe connectors are now available with a quick latch system. These latches require no tools and offer great ease in handling. Bi-Lobe connectors utilize Omnetics’ rugged and reliable flex pin contact system. Spaced on 25 mil (.64 mm) centerlines, they can carry 1 amp per contact. Extremely small and lightweight, they exceed the shock and vibration requirements of MIL-DTL- 32139. Available in pin counts from 9-65, latching Bi-Lobe can be configured with discrete wires, overmolded cable, panel mount housings, and PCB mounted versions.
Since 1956, Cicoil, a Trexon company, has been enabling space applications, initially starting with body-hugging flat cabling that provided Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin added safety for their walk on the Moon. From supporting the latest Starlink or Kuiper satellites, to developing hypersonic cable, Cicoil technology has been instrumental in successful ground and flight missions for over 60 years. Cicoil’s flat cable and cable assemblies have numerous advantages. They are ultra-flexible and withstand the shock, vibration, and other rigors of supersonic flight. They are extremely compact and lightweight. The withstand extreme temperatures (-104 °C [-155 °F] to +260 °C [+500 °F]), are waterproof, and resistant to saltwater, radiation, UV light, ozone, corona discharge, and sunlight.
The Positronic MACH-D connector family supplied by PEI-Genesis offers high-performance space-grade connector solutions for use in military and spaceflight applications. With three series (MCD, MCDD, and MCBX), MACH-D connectors offer precision-machined shells that provide EMI shielding and protection against shock, vibration, and impact. These D-Sub connectors are available with IP67 waterproof sealing and offer standard and high-density signal contact arrangements as well as hybrid versions that combine power and signal in a single connector body.
Samtec’s mPOWER® series of connectors, supplied by Avnet, feature 2 to 10 contacts and is compatible with several Samtec’s high-speed data products, including Q Strip®, SEARAY™, and Edge Rate® to create a flexible two-piece power and signal solution. The mPOWER® series is also available in power-only configurations.
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.
Amphenol SV Microwave has expanded its popular line of threaded SMPM connectors to include even more PCB connector variations. These threaded SMPM connectors are ideal for high vibration environments while still maintaining superior electrical and mechanical performance. They feature a standard SMPM RF interface with the addition of a threaded coupling nut to ensure low mating and de-mating force.
ept connectors’ high-speed Colibri connectors are already in orbit! Currently configured in active satellite applications, these 0.5 mm pitch SMT connectors offer a compact size with reliable performance. The Colibri series is easily configurable while also having a reduced size and weight for flight. They also offer ultra-high-performance signal integrity and high data transfer rates of up to 25 Gb/s. All Colibri versions come in tape-and-reel packaging, allowing for the ease of fully automatic pick-and-place processing.
AirBorn’s Space-Rated Active Optical Cable (SAOC) is built on the proven high-speed verSI connector platform and exemplifies all the benefits of fiber with the ease and reliability of copper. SAOC operates four channels at 12.5 Gb/s per channel ― 50 Gb/s aggregate. Radiation-hardened and non-outgassing components are used throughout the assembly to assure complete reliability. Optimizing size and weight factors in the design, SAOC is ideal for spaceflight and the extreme conditions of launch activities.
Learn more about space-grade and MIL/Aero connectors.
Fiber Optic Connectors for MIL/Aero Applications Product Roundup
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