Aerospace Connectors from OCETA

Interfaces that maintain the power and communication of aircraft and spacecraft systems are provided by aerospace connectors. They have to endure a variety of harsh circumstances, such as shock, vibration, temperature fluctuations, dampness, and more. With an emphasis on avionics, power distribution, and other equipment operating under challenging conditions, this article discusses six major connector families used in aerospace and their usual applications.

High vibration, temperature fluctuations, and high-altitude, non-outgassing environments are just a few of the harsh circumstances that aerospace connectors are made to withstand.

MIL-DTL-38999 circular connectors, ARINC 600 rack-and-panel connectors, and fiber optic solutions are important types that frequently use MIL-SPEC specifications for durability in data, power, and avionics systems.

Key Types and Standards:

• MIL-DTL-38999 (8D Series): High-density, signal, power, coax, and fiber optic connectors are the most often used circular connectors in the aerospace industry. The aerospace and defense sectors make extensive use of MIL-DTL-38999 connections, which are high-performance circular aerospace connectors. They are designed to withstand harsh environments, including vibration, shock, and dampness, and they connect cable harnesses in military vehicles, airplanes, and satellites. They are perfect for radar, communications systems, and flight controls because of their large pin counts and power connectors.
• ARINC 600 & 400 Series: Standard rectangular, blind-mate rack-and-panel connectors for communication, avionics, and in-flight entertainment. The typical rectangular rack-and-panel connectors for aviation avionics are called ARINC 600 connectors. They connect avionics line-replaceable units (LRUs) to the aircraft wire harness, including navigation modules and flight computers. Modular avionics systems with simple equipment replacement and hot-swappable components are made possible by these huge connectors, which allow extremely high pin counts (hundreds of signal contacts).
• D-Subminiature (HD/DD Series): High-performance rectangular connectors that frequently satisfy Goddard Space Flight Center S-311 requirements for use in space travel and aviation. Compact rectangular connectors for data and signal connections are known as D-Subminiature (D-Sub) connectors. They are utilized in ground-support electronics, military vehicles, and avionics equipment and are qualified to MIL-DTL-24308.
• RF/Coaxial Connectors: High-voltage, high-frequency systems and secure antenna connections use TNC (threaded), BNC, and HN connectors. Offering the largest selection of RF coaxial connectors in the market makes OCETA proud. We provide 55 product series, including AEP and Mil QPL connections, and more than 13,000 part numbers.
• Specialized Connectors: Fiber optic and hermetically sealed connectors, as well as Nano-D and Micro-D connectors for smaller applications. They are frequently made with hermetic sealing, which offers safe protection in controlled settings and glovebox feed-thru assemblies. Some types can operate at temperatures as low as -75 °C and as high as almost +1000 °C.

Key Characteristics and Applications

• Environmental Resistance: designed to withstand heavy vibration, corrosion, EMI shielding, and temperature extremes (such as −55°C to 125°C).
• Materials: built from composites, stainless steel, or 6061-T6 aluminum.
• Applications: UAVs, defense, cabin systems, avionics, and cockpit systems.
• Manufacturers: OCETA, ITT Cannon, Positronic, and Radiall are some of the major vendors.

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