Page 60 - ConnectorSupplier.com 2019 Mil/Aero eBook
P. 60

Expanded beam technology has evolved since its introduction and now offers many variations for harsh- environment connectivity. New designs not only overcome the challenges involved with contamination sensitivity, environmental protection, and cleaning, but also surmount other harsh-environment hazards, such as temperature variation, moisture, and vibration. This class of optical connectors can withstand corrosive, explosive, and noxious atmospheres.
 Cinch offers an array of expanded beam technology for harsh environments, including its Fibreco Geo-BeamTM EX Expanded Beam Connectors (left), Fibreco Dura-ConTM Expanded Beam Connectors (right), Dura-Con MIL-DTL-83513 Micro-D, Fibreco MIL-DTL-38999, and Fibreco MIL-DTL-83526 connectors. The Fibreco Geo-Beam EX range (left) is ATEX/IECEx certified and includes an electrical/optical connector option that can accommodate a combination of signal and power using size
16 MIL-PRF-29504 optical termini with up to eight channels.
Protecting Sensitive Electrical Signals
Signal and power density and data rate capabilities continue to increase to support new and emerging applications in the military and aerospace sector, including head-up displays for pilots and navigation systems in both piloted and unmanned vehicles. These subsystems typically utilize high-speed signals that are especially susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is causing connector manufacturers to reassess the way they provide protection from EMI and minimize the amount of stray interference that can escape from connectors.
    Cinch Mil/Aero Circular EMI Filtered Connectors use in-line circuitry to remove EMI and unwanted RF noise.
The constantly increasing demand for ever-higher signal and power density and data rates is coupled with the ever-present need to protect systems against static discharge. Historically, connector shells have been an important element for delivering protection from both EMI and static discharge. Expanded capabilities require heightened protection, though, so many manufacturers are increasingly turning towards optical interconnects to meet these demands, due to their inherent immunity to EMI, static discharge, and intentional electromagnetic pulses.
Another significant development in this area is the adoption of modular connector systems. The regular, rectangular format of modular connectors contrasts with the conventional circular connectors often used in military and aerospace applications, but are encouraging changeovers due to their efficient use of space and weight. At present, many target applications in nearly every market are desperately looking for reliable ways to increase signal density while achieving higher levels of connectivity and continued EMI protection, and modular connector solutions can provide just that.
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