Cable Assemblies with
Multipin Connectors


INTRODUCTION

In various applications it is necessary to connect an d disconnect several micro-wave links. this may happen when testing high frequency systems: four, ... eight, or even more microwave calbes need to be connected. But not only test stations need the connection of several coaxial high frequency cable assemblies. Helicopters and other aircrafts are equipped with equipment that is needed during flight and normally then taken out again after the completed mission. Unsing cable assemblies that are terminated with regular connectors, this means threadingon the connectors, tightening and torquing, then later loosening and disconnecting again. This is a very time consuming process, which in some cases may even be longer than the test cycle. In any case valueable time is waisted by making connections and disconnections.

 

THE SOLUTION

Spectrum'S new 'SQ-8' Multimpin connector incorporates EIGHT NEW GENERATION precision mirowave connectors. The advantage of being able to connect and disconnect eight microwave links simultaneously is one of its major benefits. The 'SQ-8' is blind mating and automatically locks the individual links into place by using a standard housing per MIL-C-38999, series III, shell size 21. The need for a torque wrench and the difficulties sometimes experienced with mating miniature connectors in confined space, is eliminated.

 

FIELD REPLACEABLE ASSEMBLIES

Although designed an dconstructed with reliability and performance foremost in mind, every individual microwave assembly within the component is field replaceable. Everyone of these cable assemblies can be exchanged or replaced in minimum time, by the simple task of engaging or disengaging a bayonet catch. Should one of the assemblies used in the 'SQ-8' get physically damaged, it can be replaced in no time. When using the 'SQ-8' Multipin Connectors, the design, manufacture, and servicing of RF and microwave systems and test equipments is made infitely easier. Electrically, the individual RF connector inserts offer an excellent performance, and are comparable, and in some cases better than those exhibited by standard mircowave connectors.

 

THE CABLES

The 'SQ-8' Multipin Connectors is available for Spectrum's Type 43 cable with normal deliveries. Additional designs have been completed to accommodate a variety of other cable types. These include cable diameters from 3mm to 5mm, from ultra flexible to extremely rugged, electically phase stable and very low loss. 'SQ-8' Connectors for those cables will become available upon demand. Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH is a very innovative company, engineering products exactly to the customers' needs.

 

FUTURE DESIGNS

The 'SQ-8' may be the fore runner of a series of NEW Multipin Connectors delelopments. Other choices of outer body shell styleing with different number of microwave inserts may become of interest in certain applications. Frequencies up to 50.0 GHz, and above, with combinations of RF-Inserts and regular pins will be engineered and made available, as they become necessary. Shell sizes, ther than offered currently may be needed, or shells to newer configurations can be designed and engineered exactly to the customers' requirements.

 

THE INTERFACES

When you have eight microwave connections per interface, it has to be ensured that all the connectors are self aligning easily. This guarantees that the connection is made successfully, each time, without the need fo additional force during mating. The male inserts at the SQ-8 are designed to be recessed below the refernce plane of the SQ-8. Thus the center pins of the inserts are well protected. The outer conductor of the female insert does protrude above the reference plane of the SQ-8. During the mating process the female outer conductor will catch first the mating plane, align automatically all eight female outer conductors prior to capturing the male outer conductors, aligning them, before the center conductors will meet.

 

THE INSERTS

All the inserts, used in the SQ-8, are spring loaded for blind mating/self alignment purposes, and they are equipped with a bayonet catch. Therefore every cable assembly can be replaced in minimum time by simply engaging/disengaging the bayonet catch.

Cable Assemblies with Multipin Connectors / 001

The cross section view demonstrates the perfect engineering that has been leading to the success of the SQ-8: Every cable assembly terminated with an SQ-8 Insert can be replaced in minimum time by simply engaging/disengaging a bayonet catch. The inserts are spring loaded for blind mating / self alignment purposes. The outer conductor of the female insert does protude above the reference plane of the SQ-8. During the mating process the female outer conductor will catch first the mating plance, align all eight female outer conductors prior to capturing and aligning the male outer conductors, before the center conductors will even come close to their mating positions.

Cable Assemblies with Multipin Connectors / 002
Contact Details
Spectrum Elektrotechnik GmbH
Olschewskibogen 1
80935 Munich
Germany

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 450 533
80905 Munich

+49 (0)89 / 354 804-0
+49 (0)89 / 354 804-90

sales@spectrum-et.com
www.spectrum-et.com