Interconnection
Why can’t I specify a “normal” connector for space?
CIE talks with Sebastien Charbonnel of Nicomatic about space connectors “
Normal” or standard connector series all have different features and characteristics and selecting a connector depends on specifying a solution that will fit the available size and weight requirements of that application; deliver the correct data/signal transmission speeds; have the required number of pins; withstand the number of times the connector is expected to be mated/unmated; and withstand environmental factors including temperature, humidity, spray, vibration and shock.
So clearly the demands placed on a connector used in consumer appliances, which we also market into, will be different from those of space. Space is literally a different environment and presents specific and unique challenges and operating in that environment requires solutions that are not really standard. At Nicomatic, we have a lot of experience on space applications – Nicomatic’s DMM, CMM and EMM series connectors have all been specified in recent space applications, including the ExoMars programme (CMM Series in the TGO space module); Jade Rabbit Chinese Space Programme (custom connector in the Jade Rabbit rover) and multiple other international space and satellite programmes.
Our components are highly specialised to perform without compromise or failure in the extreme conditions seen in space environments. They are resistant to shock and vibration (critical at take-off and landing), they function in an oxygen-free environment, are radiation-resistant and can support temperature cycles between -60°C to +250°C.
How do space connectors differ? The specific and unique character of some of our solutions make them successful in space and this is a very strong sector for
40 December/January 2023
In February 2021, Nicomatic connectors reached Mars for the second time aboard the Hope Probe, the United Arab Emirates’ first-ever mission to Mars.
(ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C) specification for thermal vacuum outgassing. The robustness, oxygen-free and radiation-resistance of our 2mm lightweight CMM signal, power and coax connectors has led to them being successfully used in several space applications, including the TGO space module on the ExoMars. This series offers more than 20 million possible arrangements, so an almost infinite amount of flexibility. If one of our modular series doesn’t suit, a Nicomatic creative custom solution often does, which brings us on to how those get developed.
What are the development challenges for space components?
Several questions need to be answered when developing for space. The basic ones include: ● Which criteria are most crucial for this project - space saving, weight saving, performance, all three together?
● Any other crucial factors? ● For satellites - Is the design in a GEO or LEO application? ● What part of a satellite are you in? ● Are you in a nano-satellite testing new materials and looking for feedback from innovative approaches?
Nicomatic. Our interconnect solutions are extremely compact and lightweight as well as highly modular in design to enable a vast number of different combinations. For example, standard EMM 1.27mm pitch MIL- DTL-83513-G micro connectors offer any pin selection from 04 to 60 signal contacts
Components in Electronics
in both board-to-board and board-to- wire configurations, plus interchangeable hardware, reversed contacts and 90° back protection. EMM interconnects withstand vibration, shock and extreme temperature cycling – all of which happen in space – and are qualified to meet the ASTM E595
Harsh-environment electronic space systems require highly specialised interconnect components to enable peak technical performance and secure data transmission in the extreme conditions encountered in space, such as shock, vibration, G forces, extremes of temperature and operating in a vacuum.
www.cieonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63
