BY STEVE SMITH
Two recent studies indicate that while the faltering economy will also impact opportunities in the U.S. military electronics market, connectivity solutions for sophisticated communications and RF/microwave applications will remain in demand as the government wages two overseas wars, an ongoing war on terror, and increased surveillance along the world’s major waterways.
Forecast International’s study, “The Market for Electronic Warfare Systems” (www.forecastinternational.com), projects that nearly $27.8 billion will be spent over the next 10 years on development and production of major systems for these communications demands. The report adds that about 46,000 electronic warfare units will be produced over the period, impacting connectivity for electronic countermeasures systems, radar warning receivers, and electronic support measure systems.
Another study, by U.K.-based research firm Visiongain (www.visiongain.com), notes that the military’s joint tactical radio system (JTRS), which promises improved, programmable communications links in the field, calls for more than voice-only communications capability–it includes the exchange of data and video messaging during battle and security operations.
“For linking all these systems in reliable, high-performing, and secure networks, satellite and high-bandwidth terrestrial communications will exert an increasingly sophisticated and important role in military operations,” says the report.
Accordingly, several connectivity solution providers have introduced products specifically targeted at meeting the military market’s growing communications as well as harshenvironment requirements:
- RF/microwave cable, assemblies, connectors and components developer MegaPhase LLC (www.megaphase.com) has launched the Oasis Universal Cable & Adapter Kit, which has been designed to meet the needs of field installers and engineers who repair and maintain RF and microwave systems in extreme environments. MegaPhase says it invested years of development perfecting the tools and adapters in the universal kit to meet demanding applications of both the defense and telecommunications industries.
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Initially designed to support the U.S. Marine Corps’ Testing Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE), technicians supporting the Warfighter can now test and connect antenna farms for anti-artillery and communications. The MIL-PRF-28800F Oasis Kit is designed to provide a wide spectrum of adapters to meet any contingency in the field, and includes a common set of interchangeable adapters.
“Field installers often work under harsh conditions, and the Marine Corps struggled to keep their antennae farms functioning, especially when original components came from several sources all over the world,” recalls William Pote, president of MegaPhase. “We were able to design a kit that contained the full spectrum of cables and adapters to solve their problem.”
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The MegaPhase cables are low-loss, flexible, non-kinking RF transmission lines featuring GrooveTube Technology. Adapters are suitable for use with antenna feeders, system jumpers, and interconnects.
- RF coaxial connector and cable assemblies maker San-tron Inc. (www.santron.com) has unveiled a line of field-replaceable SMAs for military as well as commercial applications from DC to 26.5 GHz. The connectors, which meet the mechanical interface requirements of MIL-STD-348, feature passivated 303 stainless steel bodies with gold-plated center contacts and PTFE insulators designed for enhanced voltage handling.
These RF solutions include models for mating with 0.012-, 0.015-, 0.018-, and 0.020-inch center pins designed to accommodate a wide range ofRF/microwave circuit dimensions. The smallest center pins, the company says, offer the best high-frequency performance. For example, connectors designed to accept 0.012-inch center pins are rated for operating voltages to 335 volts RMS at sea level, while connectors designed to accept 0.020-inch center pins are rated up to 500 volts RMS. All models are rated for maximum dielectric withstanding voltage (DWV) of 1000 volts RMS at 60 Hz at sea level.
“Especially when using the connectors for 0.012-inch center pins, these connectors can provide additional mode-free operation–out to 31 GHz–for many applications,” says Fred Hull, San-tron’s director of engineering.
The SMAs are available with EMI gaskets and for ground-plane mounting (without EMI gaskets), and are designed for operating temperature ranges from -65° to 165° C.
- High-reliability interconnect developer Harwin (www.harwin.com) has introduced a new size within its commercial MIL-C-5015 connector range, as well as added end caps and rubber bushing attachments.
The new size 12S MIL-C-5015 connector is designed for increased flexibility–devices can be terminated as cable connectors, straight plug, or panel-mount products. Military applications include COTS where MIL C qualification is not mandatory. RoHS-compliant aluminum alloy end caps are available in two different versions. One style has an inner thread, while the other has an exterior thread, so it is possible to either screw the cap into or onto the connector. Rubber bushings enable IP67 sealing.
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Harwin has also added a Reverse Fix option for its Datamate connector series (see photo, page 1), allowing designers to consider PCB access and component selection to match, early in the process. The Datamate J-Tek Reverse Fix connector range offers cable-to-cable or cable-to-board options, and features a high reliability 4-finger beryllium copper contact clip as well as jackscrew fixing for additional security of connection. In addition to military and aerospace applications, the Datamate Reverse Fix is suited for use in environments where highvibration, shock, and extreme temperature sare a consideration.
In addition, Harwin is offering male and female crimp jackscrew connectors with an extended rear wall, designed to enable Datamate users to terminate the cables as an alternative to over-moulding. The deeper connector shell means that users can fill terminated connectors with potting material, which also resists the ingress of dust and moisture. The Datamate range is designed to conform to the requirements of BS 9525-F00033, and features high reliability 4-finger beryllium copper contacts. Products have been used in the Bowman military radio system, the MBDA Seawolf air-to-air missile, and the A380 airbus.
- Featuring a military-quality contact system, micro series circular connectors from high-rel connectivity developer Omnetics Connector Corp. (www.omnetics.com) now include twist-lock metal shells. When combined with a jacketed cable, these high-density connectors can be sealed to IP67 ratings.
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The micro circulars are available in sizes ranging from 2 to 27 positions, and have contacts arranged on a 0.050-in (.635-mm) pitch. Options include bulkhead mounts, cable harnesses, specialty metals, and plating. Current-carrying capability is 3A per contact, and dielectric withstand voltage is 600 volts AC RMS. Insulation resistance is 5,000 MW (min) at500 volts DC; contact resistance is 26mW (65mV) (max) at 2.5A. Operating temperature range is -25° to 105° C, and the connectors can withstand vibration forces of 20G and 30G shock without suffering discontinuities of greater than 10 µs.
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- ITT Interconnect Solutions (www.ittcannon.com) has developed protection caps for its PT/m6482 connectors, making them suitable for military communications and vehicles, as well as commercial electronics in exposed environments and off-road vehicles. Ribbed PT connector caps feature an arctic coupling nut to provide a firm grip, as well as a quarter-turnlocking with audible click. The caps meet all M26482-style connectors and layouts, and are compatible with panel-mount, jam nut receptacles, and plug variants. CS
