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Various microSI connectors including vertical wire-to-board, right-angle wire-to-board and cable connectors.

AirBorn MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connectors

Rugged and compact AirBorn MicroSI High-Speed Micro-D Connectors deliver exceptional signal quality and reliability for next-generation aerospace, satellite, military and naval systems. These connectors support 1X, 4X and 8X 100-Ohm differential serial buses with up to 10Gbps data rates, utilizing a MIL-DTL-83513-qualified four-point contact system and rugged metal shells with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure superior reliability in harsh conditions. Various mounting and robust cable options fit a diverse array of challenging design requirements.

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.

MIL-DTL-83513-Qualified Four-Point Contact System

The stamped and formed design features four independent points of contacts per pin, providing stable and low-resistance electrical connections that enhance vibration resistance and durability while reducing the risk of intermittent connections and signal degradation in extreme environmental conditions.

AirBorn microSI right-angle, board-mount connector plug and receptacle.

Rugged Metal Shell with EMI Shielding Gasket

The metal body and shell-to-shell interface gasket help prevent EMI and crosstalk, enhancing signal integrity in complex and high-density designs while withstanding the vibration, shock forces and extreme temperatures encountered in military and aerospace applications.

AirBorn microSI cable emphasizing the EMI gasket.

Versatile Mounting and Cable Protection Options

Connectors are available in vertical and right-angle board-mount styles as well as pre-wired cable I/O configurations, improving design flexibility and meeting diverse system needs. Cable protection choices include Halar, metal braid or both, while keying options help simplify assembly and prevent mating errors.

Three AirBorn microSI cable protection options: Halar, metal braid and combined.

Supports a variety of high-speed protocols
Balanced signal pairs with 100-Ohm differential impedance enable use with high-speed protocols such as PCIe, XAUI, 10G Ethernet, SAS and Fibre Channel.

Accommodates a range of low-to-moderate pin-count applications
The connector design incorporates 23 to 65 pins in a compact form factor that reduces weight and space usage on the board.

Ensures consistent tolerances and performance
Stamped and formed contacts enhance consistency and long-term reliability, reducing the risk of failure.

Reduces system integration complexity and risk
Pre-wired cable assemblies are available, streamlining installation and minimizing the risk of failure.

Minimizes mating errors in complex systems
Polarization and keying options help simplify assembly operations and ensure correct installation.

Streamlines qualification and certification processes for aerospace and defense applications
Comprehensive test and validation data are available, reducing the time needed for certification.

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.