Interconnection Space grade connectors
From extreme temperatures, hot and cold, to pressure bordering on a vacuum, equipment used in space has a lot to deal with. And, to add to the scale of the challenge, any equipment put into space is completely inaccessible for maintenance. So, if something breaks or disconnects, it can put the entire mission at risk. Here Sean Fitall, senior product manager at space-grade electrical connector specialist PEI-Genesis, discusses the special considerations that go into designing space-worthy electrical connectors
W Outgassing
Outgassing is a major concern for space grade connectors. Materials like elastomers and plastics can slowly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of gas or vapour over time. These VOCs result in contamination that can negatively impact the
34 March 2023
hen an electrical connector is needed for applications beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, it often needs to be
space qualified. These are high-performance connectors that undergo rigorous testing for issues, such as outgassing and residual magnetism, and offer superior performance and reliability in harsh service conditions. Furthermore, space qualified connectors must be lightweight, compact and able to withstand harsh environments, such as the extreme temperatures and vibrations experienced during lift-off.
performance of mission-critical equipment. For example, it can strip plastic of some of the particles that help hold it together, causing components to become brittle and directly reducing their expected lifespan. Furthermore, it can cause condensation to build up on surfaces inside the space vehicle, such as sensors and camera lenses.
Because replacing embrittled connectors and cleaning these laminated sensors would require another multi-million-dollar rocket, avoiding outgassing is crucial. The way around this is to extract the VOCs prior to launch. This is typically accomplished by baking the connectors at an elevated temperature in a vacuum-sealed oven. After this process is complete, the connectors are tested to verify that they meet the strict requirements of space, aerospace and military applications.
Residual magnetism
Residual magnetism can interfere with the performance of nearby equipment
Components in Electronics
and result in false readings, which could be catastrophic depending on the equipment and sensors involved. For that reason, space grade connectors must meet requirements involving residual magnetism.
Metallic connectors constructed specifically with low residual magnetism include the Positronic Space D-Subs. These conform to contact specifications outlined by NASA, as well as MIL-DTL-24308 class M specifications for D-Subs, and NASA- RP-1124 outgassing standard tests. Testing is carried out using a fluxmeter following NASA space grade requirements for electric components.
Space grade connectors must meet some of the most stringent requirements for critical characteristics such as connector outgassing, residual magnetism, EMI- RFI shielding, ability to seal out the environment, compact size and, most of all, reliable performance. Product lines such
as Positronic and Hermetic brands are excellent options, not just for spacecraft but aerospace, military, and medical applications too.
PEI-Genesis provides solutions to meet space qualified connector design needs. In addition to industry standard products, PEI-Genesis can outgas electroless nickel-plated versions of MIL-DTL-38999s to convert them into space grade Class G D38999 connectors. Its manufacturing facilities have state-of-the-art equipment, allowing it to successfully outgas a connector in a matter of hours, rather than weeks. The requirements for space grade connectors are critical, along with having a trusted partner so performance is always guaranteed.
https://www.peigenesis.com/en/ connectors/by-series-type/space-grade-
connectors.html
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
