Features and Benefits
High-speed electrical connectors in high-performance aerospace and defense systems require a combination of exceptional signal integrity, rugged reliability, and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk. These interconnects must ensure robust and uncompromised high-speed data transmission in harsh environments subject to shock forces, vibration and extreme temperatures. Connector solutions must also offer flexible formats that support varied system architectures and assembly requirements.
AirBorn MicroSI connectors deliver proven high-speed data transmission and superior signal integrity, supporting aerospace and defense systems in a compact microminiature D-shaped (Micro-D) interface. These connectors employ a MIL-DTL-83513-qualified contact system that uses four points of contact per pin to ensure robust and stable connections for differential serial buses operating up to 10Gbps. Rugged metal shells, EMI shielding gaskets and independent shell-to-shell grounding minimize EMI and provide mechanical robustness to help withstand severe vibration, shock and temperature extremes. Various configurations include board-mount and cable I/O options, as well as multiple cable protection options and pin counts ranging from 23 to 65. This flexibility enables the MicroSI system to meet diverse system requirements and deliver reliable, high-speed data transmission for a wide range of complex aerospace and defense platforms.
Datasheets and Guides
Applications by Industry
Avionics
Commercial aircraft
Helicopters
Satellites
Electronic warfare systems
Radar systems
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 MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connectors?
AirBorn MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connectors are rugged, compact microminiature D-shaped (Micro-D) connectors optimized for high-speed differential serial buses in aerospace and defense systems. These connectors feature a MIL-DTL-83513-qualified four-point contact system and rugged metal shells for superior reliability.
What data rates and protocols do AirBorn MicroSI connectors support?
AirBorn MicroSI connectors support data rates up to 10Gbps per lane, making them compatible with PCIe, XAUI, 10G Ethernet, SAS, Fibre Channel, and other 1X, 4X and 8X 100-Ohm differential serial bus protocols.
What mounting styles are available?
Available mounting styles for AirBorn MicroSI connectors include vertical board-mount, right-angle board-mount and cable I/O configurations along with stranded-wire or surface-mount terminations and multiple cable protection options.
How does the contact system improve reliability?
Four independent, gold-plated tine contacts on each stamped-and-formed pin provide stable, vibration-resistant electrical contact with a low mating force.
What EMI protection features are included?
The design features a metal shell with shell-to-shell EMI interface gaskets. The shell ground is independent of signal grounds, helping prevent crosstalk and EMI.
Can these connectors be polarized to prevent mis-mating?
Yes, multiple keying and polarization options are available to ensure fast and error-free assembly.
What are the cable protection options?
Cable options include a Halar jacket, metal-braid shielding or a combination of both to provide rugged cable durability.
What pin counts are supported?
Configurations from 23 pins (four differential pairs plus nine sidebands) to 65 pins (18 differential pairs plus nine sidebands) are available.
Are pre-wired cable assemblies available?
Yes, AirBorn MicroSI connectors are available as pre-wired cable I/O assemblies, helping simplify system integration and accelerate assembly operations.
How does the AirBorn MicroSI system ensure signal integrity?
The balanced pair lengths limit skew, the four-point contact system maintains stable connections and robust EMI shielding reduces interference, all contributing to exceptional and consistent signal integrity.