U.S. Military Connector Specifications - Connectors (Electrical) Described By Military Specifications

Connectors (Electrical) Described By Military Specifications

• MIL-DTL-12520 (formerly MIL-C-12520) describes the general requirements for a series of centerlock screw coupling, waterproof, polarized, multicontact connectors and accessories for inter-connection of power and control circuits on electronic equipment that are intended primarily for ground or shore use. Resistant to contamination of dust, dirt, and water, these harsh environment connectors also provide the resistance to shock and vibration via the center-locking screw, which is easily secured by turning the mechanized fold-down, wing-blade handle.

• MIL-DTL-22992 (formerly MIL-C-22992) describes multi-contact, heavy duty, quick disconnect, waterproof, electrical plug and receptacle connectors and associated accessories for electronic and electrical power and control circuits. The connectors are rated for -55 degrees to +125 degrees Celsius. These connectors are intended for use as follows: (i) Class C connectors are intended for external interconnection use on vans, shelters, trailers, buildings and heavy duty applications; (ii) Class J connectors are used in Class C applications where a wire support grommet is necessary; (iii) Class L connectors are intended for power connections from 40 to 200 amperes where heavy duty, waterproof and arc quenching ability are required; and (iv) Class R connectors are used as general purpose heavy-duty connectors where pressurization and arc quenching ability are not required.

• MIL-DTL-24308 (formerly MIL-C-24308 and MIL-PRF-24308) describes non-environmental, polarized shell, miniature, rack and panel connectors having pin and socket, crimp (removable), solder (non-removable), or insulation displacement (non-removable) contacts with rigid or float mounting, designed for -55°C to +125°C operating temperature range. Also called D-subminiature or D-sub connectors, they are designed primarily for applications where space and weight are of major importance while accommodating a large number of circuits in proportion to their size which makes them well suited for aircraft, missiles and related ground support systems. Although MIL-C-24308 connectors are primarily designed for rack and panel applications, these connectors can also be adapted for other cabling requirements by addition of accessories and integral clamps. These connectors are intended for general military use as follows: (i) Classes G and N connectors are intended for use in applications where the operating temperature range of -55° to +125°C is experienced; Class N connectors are use in applications where the presence of residual magnetism must be held to low levels; (iii) Class H receptacles are used where atmospheric pressures must be contained across the wall or panels on which the connectors are mounted; and (iv) Classes D, K, and M connectors are for high-reliability space applications.

• MIL-DTL-26482 (formerly MIL-C-26482) describes the general requirements for two series of environment resisting, quick disconnect, miniature, circular electrical connectors (and accessories). Each series includes hermetic receptacles. The two series of connectors are intermateable when using power contacts and are not intermateable when using shielded contacts. The various connector classes and types include: (i) Classes E, F, J, and P connectors are used in environment-resisting applications with an operating temperature range of -55-to-125 degree Celsius (-67-to-257 degree F); and (ii) Class H receptacles are used applications wherein pressures must be contained across the walls or panels on which the connector is mounted. Many applications for this connector deviate from the official military specification; for an example, a robust metallic shell based on the MIL-DTL-26482 design supports the use of Ethernet 10/100/1000BaseT data communications networks in harsh environments while maintaining compatibility with IEC 60603-7-7 requirements. MIL-DTL-26482 include two series of circular connectors: Series I includes MS3110, MS3111, MS3112, MS3114 and MS3116 connectors, while Series II includes MS3470, MS3474, MS3475 and MS3476 connectors.

• MIL-DTL-38999 (formerly MIL-C-38999) describes four series of miniature, high density, bayonet, threaded, or breech coupling, circular, environment resistant, electrical connectors using removable crimp or fixed hermetic solder contacts, and are capable of operation within a temperature range of -65 to +200 degrees Celsius. The connectors are intended for use as follows: (i) Series I connectors are used where a quick disconnect coupling system is required for blind mating or other mating problem areas, and these connectors provide high-vibration characteristics and are suitable for severe wind and moisture problem (SWAMP) areas with proper connector accessories; (ii) Series II connectors are used where the connector is not subjected to high vibration or SWAMP areas; (iii) Series III connectors are suitable for blind mating areas, and provide high-vibration characteristics at elevated temperature and are suitable for SWAMP areas with the proper connector accessories; and (iv) Series IV connectors are used where a quick disconnect coupling system is required for blind mating or other mating problem areas, and these connectors provide high-vibration characteristics and are suitable for SWAMP areas with the proper connector accessories. These connectors are lightweight, but not scoop proof

• MIL-DTL-32139 describes nanominiature connectors terminated on printed circuit boards or attached to cable assemblies. These connector's contacts are densely packed with 0.64 mm (0.025 inch) spacing between contact centers in the same row. These connectors are intended for interconnections on printed wiring board (PWB), PWB-to-cable, cable-to-panel, or cable-to-cable on miniaturized equipment sub-assemblies with low power requirements. The connectors are militarily unique because of requirements to operate satisfactorily under sinusoidal vibrations of 10-to-2000 Hz at up to 20 g’s, to withstand 48-hours of salt spray without exposure of base metals affecting performance or causing pitting/porosity of the finish; to withstand 100 g’s of shock with no electrical discontinuity; and to operate at temperatures of -55 to +125 degrees Celsius.

• MIL-DTL-5015 (formerly MIL-C-5015) describes electrical circular connectors with solder or removable crimp contacts (both front and rear release). These connectors are for use in electronic, electrical power, and control circuits and are used in large numbers for defense, civil, and industrial applications due to their versatility, reliability, and ease of supply. These connectors are rated for operation within a temperature range of –55°C (-67°F) to either 125°C (257 °F), 175°C (347 °F), or 200°C (392 °F) depending upon the class of the connector.

• MIL-DTL-83513, (formerly MIL-C-83513) describes polarized shell, micro-miniature, rectangular electrical connectors with solder or removable crimp contacts. The connector meets demanding applications and harsh environments and it is mechanically robust and durable, with low contact resistance, high current capability and high dielectric strength, and it has an excellent resistance to shock and vibration, while offering a high pin density, small size and lightweight body. Often referred to as a Micro-D connector system, the connector is suited to a multitude of systems where weight, miniaturization or signal transmission integrity are paramount, such as missiles and their guidance systems, aerospace avionics, radars, shoulder-launched weapon systems, advanced soldier technology systems, military Global Positioning Systems, satellites, medical devices and down-hole drilling tools.

• MIL-DTL-83527, (formerly DoD-C-83527 and MIL-C-83527) describes the requirements, quality assurance criteria and test procedures for the design and fabrication of an environment resisting low insertion force, multiple insert rectangular connector used in the electrical/electronic bay areas of military aircraft. The connector provides the electrical interface between the avionics equipment and the equipment rack or tray. These connectors are military unique because they must operate satisfactory at high altitude 50,000 feet (15.2 km), endure 500 hours of salt spray, vibration testing (functional and endurance), shock (30 g's), and temperatures from -65 to +125°C. These connectors must be used in conjunction with DoD-STD-1842 which describes the insert arrangements for use with MIL-DTL-83527 Rack-to-Panel connectors.

• MIL-DTL-83538, (formerly MIL-C-83538) describes connectors and accessories, electrical, circular, umbilical. The connector assembly provides the necessary connections required to meet a MIL-STD-1760, Class I electrical interface between stores and their associated launchers using a "blind mating" mechanism. The connector assembly consists of a receptacle installed on the launcher, a receptacle installed on the store, and a buffer plug installed between the two receptacles. This specification also includes the required mounting adapters and nut, accessory adapter, cable bushing, and protective covers. This connector assembly provides the transfer of MIL-STD-1760 interface class I electrical signals and power between an aircraft (or ground vehicle) mounted launcher and an associated store. This connector is military unique because it is intended to be used on rail and eject launchers where engagement/disengagement of the launcher receptacle (with attached buffer plug) to the store receptacle will be via a blindmate mechanical mechanism; whereas no known commercially equivalent substitute is available.