Bridging civilian and military USB-C requirements

Since its inception in 1996, the USB protocol has been of interest to military OEMs. However, the connectors have always been a weak point and cause of concern. Initial connector designs for the military market comprised a commercial USB connector, as an insert inside a MIL shell, a clumsy and bulky design.

As a counterpart to the standard interface, ODU offers its AMC High-Density miniature circular connectors – space-saving and powerful for power and data rates.

High contact density permits high currents in a small space, making them excellent for mobile military systems. The robust design was developed for connection under extreme conditions and can withstand even strong vibrations, moisture, dust and considerable temperature fluctuations from -40C to +85C.

With IP68/IP6K9K, the system is also permanently protected against the ingress of water, even during high-pressure cleaning or submersion. Furthermore, the seamless EMC shielding ensures reliable signal transmission even with high EMI.

A breakaway function allows quick disconnection in an emergency. Alternatively, an additional screw-lock function ensures robust, permanently fixed positions.

Military equipment is undergoing a huge transformation, with a proliferation of small COTS devices, often connected/charged via a standard USB-C socket. So, what is now required is an ‘umbilical’ link between base equipment and the various hand-held devices. The company now offers just such a pragmatic solution:

• ODU AMC High-Density 12.8mm diameter connector at one end and a right-angled over-moulded USB-C plug at the other - crucial for mobile systems.
• Maximum flexibility and convenience thanks to cable lengths of up to 4m.
• Power transmission up to 5A and data rates up to 480Mbit/s
• Robust design for -40C to +85C and 5,000 mating cycles

This umbilical offers the best possible solution, while retaining the high integrity of the connection to base equipment and providing the most rugged connection to the small ancillary devices.