Page 58 - 2021 High-Reliability, Harsh Environment Connectivity eBook

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Application #1: A visual augmentation system attached to a helmet and powered by a cable connection to a battery pack worn in a vest.
Requirements: Application #1 requires a low-profile, unkeyed, and environmentally sealed connector capable of easy operation with gloved hands, gender reversal, integration with MOLLE straps, and support for USB 2.0 transmission protocols.
Specification Considerations: The specifying engineer for Application #1 needs to take these three requirements into account:
1. Range of Motion: Considering that the connector will have to be located on the back of the helmet or between soldiers’ shoulder blades, the right connector needs to be able to provide a full, 360° range of motion and effortlessly mimic soldiers’ neck movements.
2. Reliable Data Transmission: The right connector needs to support USB 2.0 data transmission rates of 480Mb/s in order to reduce the potential for lagging digital images that could cause visual disorientation.
3. Self-Latching: Due to its helmet-mounted location and the fact that soldiers may need to attempt mating while on the move — or worse, in the midst of a firefight — a connector with self-latching mating action is ideal.
Application #2: A handheld radio device.
Requirements: Application #2 requires a compact, lightweight, low-profile, and environmentally sealed connector with a 180° mating orientation. It should also be designed to affix to MOLLE straps and enable easy, accurate operation with gloved hands.
Specification Considerations: The specifying engineer for Application #2 will need to take these three requirements into account:
1. Size: The right connector needs to be small and low-profile to avoid adding size and bulk to the handheld radio.
2. Keying: The connector needs to be keyed since, unlike the helmet-mounted visual augmentation system, the
radio will remain stationary when not in use.
3. Self-Latching: Since handheld radios are likely to be harnessed or pocketed multiple times a day, an effortless
magnetic mating process can both ease charging procedures and help prevent cable snags.
Given these application requirements, Amphenol LTD’s Stingray Connector is an appropriate solution for Application #1 and Amphenol PCD’s Gladiator Connector is an appropriate solution for Application #2.