Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/17128-multiport-connectors-for-harsh-environments

Multiport Connectors for Harsh Environments

March 15, 2012

Multiport Connectors for Harsh Environments

Durability and high performance of components are key factors that determine the functionality of the overall installation. Often, connectors, cables and harnessing are mounted in hard to reach areas, making replacement or troubleshooting difficult and costly. Also, in rough and harsh environments connectors and cables will be charged to the limit, so any unwanted signal interruption will result in high repair costs. To address these issues HUBER+SUHNER is able to design and produce customized RF cable assemblies.

Multiconnections

The series offers the facility to connect and disconnect microwave cables in one single activity rather than mating every single contact individually. Thus, these robust, compact, lightweight multiport connectors not only provide a high performance connection but also save space and time, resulting in reduced costs.

Figure 1

Fig. 1 MULTIPORT MIL-DTL-38999 connectors are suited to confined spaces such as this communication center of sensors.

Due to its design and size, the series is particularly suitable for use in confined spaces; Figure 1 shows the connectors used in a communication center of sensors. Installation is also simplified by the fact that intelligent mechanical coding on the MIL-DTL-38999 connectors eliminates any confusion.

Harsh Environments

The multiconnectors have an aluminum alloy shell and olive green cadmium plating, and can withstand 500 mating/demating operations. Their durability and high performance means that they are particularly suitable for harsh environments. They are moisture proof, waterproof and robust enough to withstand a high level of vibration.

The MIL-DTL-38999 connectors are available with either four or eight coaxial connections and are particularly equipped for heavy and long usage. They are designed for communication terminals and testing systems in dirty, oily and dynamic environments with significant temperature changes. The multiport connectors address a temperature range of -65° to 175°C, with mated connectors meeting the altitude immersion requirements of MIL-C-38999.


Figure 2

Fig. 2 The multiport connectors can withstand harsh environments and vibrations enabling them to be used for landing gear.

They can be used for railway, aviation, defence, industrial technologies, onboard communications and radar for the transmission of RF signals for fast analog and digital signals. They are suitable for all types of rail and road vehicles, aircraft (Figure 2 shows their use for landing gear), ships, tanks and industrial applications.

The MULTIPORT MIL-DTL-38999 series of connectors offers easy quick and safe connection via one compact, robust multiport connector that can be fitted into confined spaces. The series is particularly suitable for harsh environments and for a wide range of applications.

They are compact, lightweight, robust and resistant to vibration. The connectors can operate over a wide temperature change and exhibit a high resistance to dust, water and high humidity. All of which make the series a cost-effective, time-saving option for installation engineers.

Huber+Suhner AG,
Herisau, Switzerland
+41 71 353 4111,
info@hubersuhner.com,
www.hubersuhner.com.