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Various AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connectors.

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connectors

AirBorn RC Series connectors provide high-density, solderless stackable connectors engineered for 0.075" contact spacing, reducing connector count and overall stack height by up to 50% compared to traditional layouts. Selectively loaded, press-fit-compliant contacts provide customizable signal routing, reliable low-stress termination and improved system uptime. Versatile terminations and flexible board spacing support multi-stack, cable and flex circuit assemblies for aerospace, industrial and defense applications.

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Features and Benefits

For aerospace, defense and industrial electronic assemblies, minimizing space and weight while maintaining signal integrity is a constant challenge. Designers require high-density, solderless interconnect solutions that reduce board stack heights, simplify assembly and maintain reliable electrical performance under demanding operational conditions. As such, stackable connectors that support modular system architectures and customized signal routing are critical for optimizing complex multi-board assemblies.

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connectors provide a high-density, solderless solution with 0.075" contact spacing, delivering significant space and weight savings. Press-fit compliant contacts eliminate soldering and inspection processes while supporting selectively loaded contacts for tailored signal routing. These features reduce assembly complexity, lower production costs, and improve electrical performance and system reliability.

Available in low and full profile configurations with 28 to 300 contacts, the RC Series supports a wide range of board stacking and cable-to-board architectures. Various hardware options and contact tail lengths accommodate different stack heights, enabling complex multi-stack designs while maintaining consistent alignment and low-stress termination for long-term reliability.

High-Density, Space-Saving Stackable Design

Reducing footprint and stack height is critical in aerospace, defense and industrial applications. AirBorn RC Series connectors feature 0.075” contact spacing with two to four row options, supporting 28 to 300 contacts for space and weight-efficient designs. By reducing board stack height by up to 50% and shortening signal paths, these connectors improve signal integrity and overall system performance.

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connector showcasing rcb2 and rc4c2 cable.

Solderless Press-Fit Compliant Contacts

Limiting stress on PCB pads while maintaining reliable electrical connections is a key challenge in high-density industrial and defense electronics. AirBorn RC Series connectors address this need with a press-fit compliant contact design that eliminates soldering and inspection steps. Each contact is individually repairable, extending system life and simplifying maintenance.

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connector showcasing stacking capability.

Highly Configurable Contact Loading and Termination

Designing complex multi-board systems often requires flexible signal routing and variable stack configurations to meet specific electrical and mechanical requirements. AirBorn RC Series connectors offer highly configurable contact loading and termination options, allowing designers to selectively route signals through the board stack. A wide range of contact styles, hardware options and tail lengths accommodate diverse board spacing, cable and flex jumper assemblies.

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connector showcasing rcb2 and rc4c2 flex cable.

Maximizes profile choices
The availability of AirBorn RC Series connectors in both low and full profile along with probing options accommodates designs with varying mechanical constraints.

Supports wide range of contact tail lengths
With board spacing options ranging from 0.095” to over 1.1” in fine increments, designers have extreme flexibility in spacing selection.

Simplifies manufacturing via automated contact loading
Complex contact patterns are easy and efficient to deploy with automated contact loading.

Ensures precise alignment and secure mating
Integrated guide pins and sockets help auto-align AirBorn RC Series connectors, decreasing manufacturing times while ensuring alignment and secure mating.

Enables field repairs and extends product life
The ability to support field repairs of contacts helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs while also extending product life.

Optimized for advanced aerospace and defense systems
Compatible with complex multi-stack assemblies found in advanced industrial, aerospace and defense systems.

Applications by Industry

Avionics
Satellites

Launch Vehicles
Missiles
Radar
Torpedoes

Heavy Equipment
Robotics

Medical Devices

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connectors?

AirBorn RC Series Stackable Connectors are solderless, high-density board-to-board connectors with 0.075" contact spacing. They are designed to reduce connector count and board stack height while improving electrical performance in compact electronic assemblies.

How do AirBorn RC Series connectors save space and weight?

AirBorn RC Series connectors enable up to 50% fewer connectors and shorter board stacks compared to traditional approaches. This allows designers to implement compact, multi-level stacking and integrate cable or flex assemblies without compromising reliability.

What termination options are available?

Press-fit compliant contacts provide solderless termination directly to PCBs, eliminating the need for soldering and inspection. Additional options also include cable and flex jumper assemblies with solder cups or flex tails to support diverse board-to-board architectures.

What customization options are available?

Other customization options include selectively loaded contacts that enable custom signal routing to meet specific electrical requirements, as well as multiple contact styles—including nail-head, stub and full-up and various tail lengths. These options accommodate numerous stack heights and mating configurations.

How do press-fit compliant contacts benefit reliability?

The press-fit contact design combines a male pin and a female tuning fork-style socket into a single-piece structure that maintains reliable electrical continuity under shock and vibration. This mechanically robust and electrically stable configuration supports connector stacking, allowing signal routing across multiple PCBs. Designers can selectively route contacts through specific boards or connect all layers as needed, ensuring flexibility in complex system architectures while maintaining superior signal integrity and long-term performance.

Are these connectors repairable?

Yes, most configurations allow individual contacts to be repaired or replaced. This feature extends connector life and simplifies maintenance, reducing downtime and overall system costs.

What board-to-board spacing can AirBorn RC Series connectors support?

AirBorn RC Series connectors accommodate a wide range of board-to-board spacing, from approximately 0.095" to over 1.1". Spacing is adjustable through contact tail length and hardware selection, allowing designers to configure multi-level stacks to meet specific system requirements.

How do AirBorn RC Series connectors improve signal performance?

By shortening signal paths and reducing the number of connection points, AirBorn RC Series connectors lower signal resistance and improve overall integrity. This ensures more reliable electrical performance in high-density, multi-board assemblies.

What hardware options are available for secure mating?

AirBorn RC Series connectors feature large, robust guide pins and sockets with snap features on full-profile bodies. These hardware options provide stable alignment, secure mating and repeatable connections in demanding industrial and defense environments.