Page 24 - Power & Data Connectivity Expand Electronic Capabilities eBook

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The JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) program is the current U.S. Armed Forces and United States Special Operations Command initiative to part-replace the Humvee in frontline service. These state-of-the-industry combat vehicles need multiple auxiliary power sources for additional radios, chargers, and accessories. While radio installation in the JLTV is more integrated, the vehicle’s crew compartment is narrower than the HMMWV and requires specialized space- saving power source multiplication. Though a vertical stacking design is most regularly used, a JLTV-specific, side- by-side, cable-mounted connector box is frequently specified to optimize limited space and support heat dissipation.
Vertical-stacking cable-mounted connectors
Cable-mounted MIL-DTL-55181-compatible stacking connectors were developed to minimize footprint while maintaining both plug and receptacle contacts. The stacking connector’s front-mounted plug contacts can be mounted to a power receptacle, which allows additional plugs and cables to be mated to the connector’s rear-mounted receptacle contacts. When mated to a battery, power is distributed to the cable attached to the stacking connector and the “piggybacked” cable. Notably, the stacking connector can also function identically to a standard plug when a secondary piggybacked cable is not connected. This enables the removal of the battery powered by the stacked cable for use in another vehicle to further maximize the safety of ground troops.
Single-point-mounted dual-exit splitter
As multiple designs are required to address the divergent applications, dual-exit, single mounting point plugs were developed to provide a straightforward, low-cost alternative to traditional “Y” cables. This design incorporates a single-plug MIL-DTL-55181-compatible body mounted on a permanent interconnect to distribute power to two exiting cables connected to ancillary radios or chargers. While the single-point-mounted dual-exit splitter is less space-efficient than the stackable design, it is a more efficient solution for applications in which standard cables are utilized regularly as a fixed configuration within the vehicle. In addition, the single connector interface supports mating and un-mating as needed.