Electronic Military & Defense magazine was developed for engineers, program managers, project managers, and those involved in the design and development of electronic and electro-optic systems for military, defense, and aerospace applications.
Issue link: https://electronicsmilitarydefense.epubxp.com/i/146848
Trends operate at higher speeds. High-speed I/O also supports high-definition video recognition systems. As video and vehicle computing technologies evolve, 10 GB and eventually 25 GB throughput will soon be requirements — particularly for single-board system manufacturers. • • Allows for installation in computer systems and subsystems as push-on/push-off type receptacles or pure screw-type receptacles Features a radial seal and a mechanical locking design as well as push-to-lock technology for simple and secure operator-independent connections that reduce connection errors Reduces vibration and mechanical shock from loosening that leads to intermittent signals, false data, improper sequencing, and downtime on production lines Enhances connector-related signal integrity (SI) — a critical feature, since the reduction of intermittent signals means less downtime and better productivity Offers high pin density — an important feature in harsh military environments Ensures reliable connections for the control elements within rugged computer systems and subsystems Fiber Optics Enable Need For Speed Military electronics no longer focus exclusively on rug• ged construction to the exclusion of performance and cost. Fiber optic connectors, assemblies, backplanes, and optical circuitry support enhanced performance, militarygrade optical cabling. Easy to install and maintain, robust • fiber optics deliver superior performance over traditional copper components. Developed and proven in high-speed and high• bandwidth data transmission and telecommunications applications, fiber optics fulfill the need for a stable • conductor, high speed, and better data security than copper. Cost-effective military-style assemblies are available with fiber optic MIL-DTL-29504 termini, Because M12 connectors have been coupled with COTS or MOTS cabling and established as an industrial standard, rugfiber optic connectors that meet Fiber ged computer manufacturers have the Optic Connector Intermateability Standards option of working with multiple suppliers. (FOCIS), Tactical Fiber Optic Cable The performance of the connectors (curAssembly (TFOCA), and ARINC specificarent Ethernet speeds reach as high as 10 tions for applications including avionics, Figure 2: The IP67-sealed M12 CHT GB) also surpasses the performance and satellites, flight control equipment, mobile connector, with wrap-around shielding, reliability of traditional connectors while 5e Ethernet tactical field command platforms, remote combines Cat excellent signalspeed with providing increased productivity and cost power lines for integrity in antennas, EMI-sensitive equipment, and harsh applications. savings. battlefield networking. Helping The Military Rugged and flexible circuitry, backplane systems, and Achieve Its Missions connectors feature standard and customized terminations As is the case with all technologies provided to military for discrete fiber and ribbon cable. Lightweight fiber programs, changing out traditional components for new optic assemblies deliver security, bandwidth, and weight technology requires patience and diligence from system savings for lighter and faster aircraft, ground, and naval manufacturers. But by demonstrating the benefits of platforms. Fiber optic interconnects and cable solutions systems with higher I/O speeds that deliver consistent intrinsically resist radio frequency (RF) and electromagperformance for longer time periods in harsh environnetic interference (EMI), making them ideal for sensitive ments, and by showing the important role that fiber optic applications such as radar, video surveillance, target idenand M12 connectors play in allowing computer systems tification, and night vision. to achieve these attributes, manufacturers will eventually win over military decision makers. M12 Connectors Deliver Performance The result: Battlefield computing systems that quickly For rugged military systems, many experts in the interprovide more data to military personnel in the field so connect industry now recommend manufacturers turn to they can perform their duties more effectively and make standardized M12 connectors. This type of connector is the world a safer place to live. Military leaders can also more durable in harsh environments and delivers several demonstrate to the U.S. government how fiber optics and key benefits for military systems: M12 connectors can help achieve their missions — and • Meets IEC specifications with industry-standard extend their budgets, a key considerinterfaces compatible with a wide array of sensors ation in today's fiscal climate. and switches • Enables fast and simple replacement of sensors, encoders, switches, and other devices and is available Stephen Webster is an industry specialist for the Aerospace & Defense Business Unit of Molex Incorporated. Molex is registered in various IEC-compliant configurations — including with the U.S. Department of State and is ITAR compliant, single- and dual-keyway designs offering straight and including a fully ITAR-qualified plant in Mexico. 90˚ plugs 50 Electronic Military & Defense ■ www.vertmarkets.com/electronics