Connector features lightweight aluminium housing

Paul Boughton
Design engineers in defence, space, aviation, and other industries, where light weight and superior hermetic performance are key considerations, have a new option following PA&E's release of its new aluminium circular 38999 DC connector.

Built to the same rugged standards as the company's other robust, MIL-spec compliant interconnect products, this new connector combines PA&E's patented Kryoflex ceramic-to-metal sealing technology with beryllium copper CDA alloy 172/173 contacts for superior electrical performance in a weight-saving, all-aluminium shell.

Shaun McGuire, vice president of engineering at PA&E, comments: "This new aluminium 38999 DC connector is unique in the market. We can now offer our customers a 38999 connector that is up to 60 per cent lighter than our standard stainless steel version and still provides the reliable hermetic performance we are known for."

PA&E's new 38999 DC connector has an operating temperature range of -65 to 155 degrees C and a leak rate of less than 1x10-9cc/s helium at one atmospheric differential pressure. It provides insulation resistance of more than 5000megohms at 500V DC during dielectric withstanding voltage testing and exhibits no evidence of breakdown or flashover when tested to IAW MIL-STD-1344, Method 3003. The connector accepts 24 to 30 AWG solid or stranded wires.

The new 38999 connector can be designed to be laser welded into aluminum housings. It is also available in a jam-nut style.

For more information, visit www.pacaero.com

Recent Issues