What are EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors?

By AJ Born

What are EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors?

Meet the Connector: EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors

EN3645 and EN3646 connectors are named for European technical standards (EN). They are similar to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III and MIL-DTL-26482, respectively. They have additional requirements, specifically in terms of performance under lightning strikes and resistance to fluids.

Scoop-proof EN3645 connectors were created for broad use in a wide range of challenging applications and rugged environments. The EN3646 connector, designed for commercial aerospace applications, is a bayonet-style, quick release connector and a low-profile, lightweight version of its MIL-DTL counterpart. EN3646 connectors guarantee a proper and effective sealing at the connector interface and between the connector and cables due to its front and rear silicone elastomers parts. A variety of keying options are available based on shell size and EN selection.

RS supplies the Souriau-Sunbank EN3645 D38999 connector. Features include very high resistance to harsh environmental factors such as shock and temperature extremes.

Design Notes

Lightning strikes requirements: An EN3645 connector can handle up to 15kA E compared to up to 10kA for a MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector.

Styles: Threaded or bayonet

Standards: EN3645 & EN3646, MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-26482, ASNE (American Society of Naval Engineers). Variations of the EN3646 are Airbus approved. EN3646 connectors are also compliant with HE302 and VG95328 specifications.

Mounting types: Cable, wall-front mount-thru holes

Shell type: Jam nut or square (standard and large) flange receptacle, plug, and dummy receptacle. Solder mount receptacle is available in hermetic version.

Deutsch DTS series EN3645 aluminum connectors from TE Connectivity

Mating cycles: 500

Contacts: Gold plated crimp, quadrax, and PC tail

Shell material specifications: Several shell materials are available including passivated stainless steel for harsh environments, lightweight aluminum shells for environmentally sealed versions. Composite shells offer light weight and corrosion resistance. Plating materials include black anodized, nickel, olive drab, and cadmium.

Mouser Electronics supplies EN3645 connectors from the Amphenol Socapex 38999 series.

Shielding: Grounding fingers and 100% metal-to-metal bottoming provide excellent EMI shielding and electrostatic discharge protection (EDP)

Locking mechanism: Threaded (self-locking) or bayonet

Sealing: Silicone elastomer seal O-ring

Temperature range: -65 °C to 125 °C (-85 °F to 257 °F)

Markets and Applications

Military and Aerospace, Transportation, Industrial

Commercial aviation, military avionics, ground vehicles, battlefield communication C5ISR, marine and offshore equipment, medical instrumentation, defense and military ground personnel, and industrial connector applications

Suppliers

Amphenol Socapex (available from Mouser Electronics), TE Connectivity (Deutsch), Souriau-Sunbank by Eaton (available from RS), Air Electro Inc., Conesys

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Author
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AJ Born

Associate Editor at ConnectorSupplier.com

AJ (Amy J.) Born first landed in the engineering space writing and editing for IEEE GlobalSpec (Engineering360.com). In addition to engineering, her published articles cover topics as diverse as HVAC, small business, mental health, and spirituality/personal growth. At Connector Supplier AJ combines her writing and marketing expertise as associate editor. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder. AJ can be reached at [email protected].

What are EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors?