Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2022 - 14

INSIDE STORY
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Small connectors play a key role in the design process of electronic systems for aerospace and
defense equipment. Because of the harsh environments these types of equipment must operate
in, connectors that are rugged and reliable are therefore critical. Omnetics Connector Corporation
develops micro-miniature and nano-miniature electronic connectors and interconnect solutions for
the defense and aerospace sectors. In this interview, Scott Unzen, Director of Marketing and Market
Development at Omnetics, discusses current trends and future outlook of small connectors.
Tech Briefs: Electronic connectors that
can function in all environmental conditions
are crucial for aerospace and
defense equipment. What are some of
the factors equipment designers must
consider when selecting a connector?
Scott Unzen: Designers are encouraged
to share a list of the potential environment
their applications will be exposed
to. Most often, we must design for physically rugged performance
in high shock and vibration experienced on surface devices such
as autonomous surveillance and weapons that are controlled
remotely and or in flight on UAVs and drones. These devices
protect warriors from personal exposure to severe environments.
Surveillance devices are exposed to radiation and chemical degradation
and must be designed to resist ion penetration and breakdown
of the connector and cable within the devices. Connectors
designed for use on helicopter launched devices, and or included
in missile seeker heads, must also continue to function well during
supersonic speeds that experience high inertia.
Tech Briefs: Amongst the many connectors designs out there,
why are miniature and nano-miniature connectors so popular in
aerospace applications?
Unzen: Size and weight of connectors for aerospace is critical
for multiple reasons and is a result of changing electronics in the
defense and aerospace applications. Flight and space equipment
are often constrained by how much physical room is available for
electronic module and how much it weighs. Fuel and lift costs are
high, and reduced weight allows extended flight time in aircraft
and can significantly reduce costs in rock lift-off during launch of
defense satellite devices. Defense items such as aircraft cameras
and surveillance devices can collect significant amounts of data and
must process volumes of digital information. Constant data flow
from satellites such as GPS ensure accurate position information to
ground based defense systems below. Fortunately, as high-volume
digitization increases, our electronics are using much lower voltages
and current levels to handle the digital data. These new circuits do
not require large connector pins and sockets to carry the signals.
Micro- and nano-connectors can handle the digital signals very well
and are in demand to serve the new digitization of defense data.
Tech Briefs: How have miniature ruggedized connectors enabled
the evolution of new technologies for satellite designs?
Unzen: Satellite designs have evolved rapidly in their miniaturization
with digitization and low current data processing and highly
effective surveillance chip designs. Miniature connectors are capa14
ble
of handling the signals, they are built with space qualified materials
and use strong beryllium spring pin connections to operate
extensively in space orbit. Connectors of low mass using rugged
material do better during any force or acceleration during use as
well and leave room for additional circuits. One key element is that
small connectors allow stacking many circuit boards into small SAT
modules and are the key connection from circuit to circuit.
Tech Briefs: What are some of the innovations Omnetics has
applied to this technology?
Unzen: Innovations offered by Omnetics begin with extensive history
in building rugged defense and space related connectors. As
military standards are needed, Omnetics has designed and qualified
to fit within that industry system for use. Quality control systems
employed ensure that steps like gold plating and sealed connector
assemblies pass every assembly run and batch of connectors. New
designs include easy latching systems for micro- and nano-sized
connectors for quick connection and disconnection on items, such
as cameras on drones or power charging remote systems when
they are back at the control center. Ultra-low-profile connectors and
cable are leading items with the Omnetics strip and flat connectors
that are frequently specified for low weight and space.
Tech Briefs: Military devices are also often required to be
small and lightweight. What kind of solutions does Omnetics
have for portable military and high-density LIDAR range and
detection systems?
Unzen: Military LIDAR and ranging devices use miniature connectors.
Much of our military definition and ranging data comes from satellites.
Space-mounted LIDAR systems can see and define items through forest
canopies. By using multi-spectral light systems, such as infrared
images overlaid on the visual or higher frequency spectrum, the
command center below can identify key target images and even track
them as they move. In combination with GPS data, the key image
direction, rate of travel, and even possible destination can be plotted.
Rugged, low weight, and small size are qualities of paramount importance.
Ensuring continuous signal integrity during high shock and
vibration also depends on good mounting methods that fit the space
module. LIDAR connectors and cable must be exceptionally flexible
as well as shielded to protect from electro-motive interference. Signal
noise may escape from the LIDAR cable in both directions and nearby
circuits are liable to add sparkle and image problems. LIDAR connectors
on mobile ground-based devices are also mounted very tightly
to the system, preventing additional shock and reducing the effect of
constant vibration from higher speed surface travel.
To learn more about Omnetics Miltary and Defense connectors,
visit https://www.omnetics.com/industries/military-defense
www.techbriefs.com
Tech Briefs, May 2022
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Tech Briefs Magazine - May 2022

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