Feature: Connectors


With nearly 60 years in the supply of high-performance, high-


reliability connectors, Lane Electronics has a wealth of experience and is pleased to provide this guide to some of the most common Mil-Spec connectors and the equally high-performance/high-reliability COTS options that exist: MIL-DTL-38999 connectors are a series of four connectors featuring


either Bayonet, Treaded or Breech Lok coupling mechanisms. Now probably the most popular circular Mil-Spec connector series for high performance applications, they are high-density, quick-connect, environmentally resistant connectors that use removable contacts and have an operating temperature range of -65°C up to +200°C. Series I connectors have bayonet coupling, Series II connectors are


low-profile versions of Series I for when weight or space is limited, Series III connectors are coupled by a quick tri-start screw thread and a less common Series IV Breech Lok version. COTS alternatives add to the shell styles and contact options and


introduce popular derivatives such as high-power, enhanced sealing, EMC filtering and high-speed data transmission via copper and fibre- optics for advanced technologies. MIL-DTL-26482 connectors are space-efficient bayonet lock


connectors. Tey are high-density, quick-connect, environmentally resistant connectors using fixed solder and PCB contacts or removable crimp contacts and have an operating temperature range of -55°C up to +125°C. Series I connectors offer solder and PCB contacts; series 2 connectors


offer removable crimp contacts and are intermateable with equivalent series 1 connectors. COTS equivalents introduce different material options, contact styles


and EMC filtering and provide very cost-effective solutions for many different applications and industries. A number of derivatives extend the appeal further still with ‘hybrid’ metal/plastic shells, all-plastic shells and


reeled contact options for high-volume termination. MIL-DTL-5015 connectors represents one of the original circular


connectors for military applications. Tey are medium-density, environmentally resistant connectors that provide fixed solder and PCB contacts and removable crimp contacts and have an operating temperature range of -55°C up to +125°C. Te specification defines a screw-thread coupling while a popular variant, utilising the same materials and contact arrangements, provides a secure quick-connect ‘reverse’ bayonet-coupling. Tere is an extensive array of cost-effective COTS derivatives readily


available, making this family of connectors extremely popular across a wide variety of applications including defence, transportation, off- highway vehicles, geophysical and industrial measurement equipment. MIL-DTL-24308 connectors have non-environmental, D-shaped


polarised shells and solder (non-removable), insulation displacement (non-removable) or crimp (removable) contacts. Tey have an operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C. Tese Mil-spec connectors and a vast array of COTS equivalents


are known as D Sub miniature or D-type connectors and are probably the most frequently specified connector style in electronics equipment, being used in environments where weight and space are a consideration while accommodating a lot of circuits in relation to their size. Lane Electronics, an assembling distributor and QPL site for MIL-


DTL-38999 series I and series III connectors, is an ideal source for all of the above Mil-Spec and COTS connector types including filtered, RF and fibre-optic derivatives as well as accessories such as, EMC and strain-relief backshells, dust caps, heatshrink boots and gaskets. Key markets served include defence, avionics, marine, communications, medical, motorsport, test and measurement, general industrial, geophysical and emerging technologies. www.fclane.com


www.electronicsworld.co.uk October 2024 41


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