Application of Circular Connectors in Military and Aviation

The circular connector consists of detachable plugs and sockets

The plugs and sockets are both located in cylindrical metal or plastic connectors. When combined, they can also be connected by threads, mouths, or push-pull outer card-type connection rings.

The contacts (holes) of the circular connector are nestled in plastic or glass insulation material (molding) mounting plates, and the contacts are cylindrical pins embedded in the insulating mounting plates; the contact end of the circular connector has soldering or pressure connection; the mounting plate has a variety of contact hole layouts, and the number of contacts depends on contact specifications (current transmission capability), operating voltage; multiple positioning methods are used to prevent misinsertion.

The contacts are usually made of copper alloy, and the surface is gold-plated or tin-plated. The mounting material is determined according to structural and performance requirements, and is usually made of: PA6, PPS, polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide (PPO), aldehyde plastic, phenol, melamine, epoxy resin, methanol, etc. High-quality aluminum alloy is commonly used for the shell, and high-grade stainless steel is used for high-temperature applications. In industrial applications, plastic shells are also used.

The cylindrical structure of the circular connector has natural robustness

It has higher strength-to-weight ratio than any other shape. It is easy to machine with standard machine tools, easy to seal, easy to connect and disconnect, and simply and firmly lock all mechanisms. Years of technical development have made it have a complete and rational process and higher reliability. Therefore, when it is required to connect components and cables, and cables and cables in multi-contact connector applications, circular connectors are the first choice.

Military grade circular connectors are mainly used in military and aviation electronic equipment. The demand for military equipment is the main driving force for the development of circular connector technology and market. The 1960s and 1970s were the heyday of its development. In the United States, military circular connectors account for more than 80% of the entire circular connector market, about 1% of the entire connector market sales, and 5% of all types of connector market share rankings, second only to printed circuit connectors, but have dropped to third place in 1899, after rectangular connectors.

In circular connectors, this is mainly due to the high-level technical strength, large-scale economy, competitiveness, tool prices, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's requirements to purchase standardized components and equipment caused by the large demand for a variety of connector specifications by the US military.