Miniature circular connectors handle harsh environments

Paul Boughton

TE Connectivity has launched a new series of its Deutsch AFD Series connectors with bayonet coupling and rear release contacts in a miniature circular connector system with sealing, writes Nick Flaherty.

These connectors are specifically designed to withstand harsh environments and are frequently used in aerospace applications and military ground vehicles, and are MIL-DTL-26482 Series II-qualified for vibration, shock and shielding.

The connectors are triple wire sealed for sealing over a wide range of wire diameters and also have raised moisture barriers around each pin for individual contact sealing. The bayonet coupling allows easy installation and a closed entry socket insert provides positive pin alignment.

The connectors operate in a temperature range of -55° to 200°C (with the class W devices rated to 175°C) and have a durability of 500 mating cycles, with 250 cycles for the parts with EMI fingers. The conductivity is a maximum drop of 5 mV with EMI Shielding, with a 200 mV max. drop without the shielding.

The minimum axial force for contact retention is 20lb (9kg) for the size 20 connectors, rising to 30lb (13.6kg) for size 12.

The connectors are available in four receptacle mounting styles: square flange, wide square flange, cable connecting and single hole mount, and plugs are available with and without EMI fingers. The miniature circular connectors have a shell made of aluminium alloy, and shell plating comes in nickel, black anodised or olive drab cadmium over a nickel base.