EMI-filtered interconnects and RF components for aerospace and defence applications

Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, launches a comprehensive lineup of EMI Filtered interconnects and RF components to improve signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility for mission-critical aerospace and defence applications. The company's new family of EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors, EMI Filter Plates, Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators and RF Coaxial Terminations are engineered to enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of crucial electronic systems. This launch reinforces Molex's commitment to innovation and product development in aerospace and defence following its recent AirBorn acquisition.

"These new RF components and EMI-Filtered interconnects extend Molex's legacy of RF excellence while adding significant product breadth and depth for tackling the toughest connectivity challenges," said Steven DeFrancesco, general manager of RF, Molex. "Available in an extensive selection of mechanical configurations, we offer customers a 'one-stop-shop' for compact, lightweight and ruggedised connectivity solutions needed to perform without fail in the harshest, most demanding environments."

Engineered to comply with rigorous regulatory standards, these solutions integrate seamlessly into a diverse range of aerospace and defence applications. These include radar systems, airborne radios, night-vision sensors, flight controls, engine controls, navigation systems, tactical weapons and defence global positioning systems. Advanced materials and flexible designs address different size, weight and power requirements, ensuring these innovations are suited to other high-performance applications, including medical devices, telecommunications and industrial automation.

The EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors mitigate EMI and improve signal integrity while improving compliance with stringent standards. Featuring an optimised Pi filter design, these products provide superior noise suppression and higher capacitance and inductance values for better frequency attenuation. High-quality conductive and shielding materials increase electrical performance and mechanical durability for greater resilience to vibration, shock, extreme temperatures, lightning and exposure to contaminants.

The new EMI Filter Plates help safeguard system components and prevent signal loss from electronic noise while eliminating the need for discrete filters, reducing assembly time and costs. With up to 50 lines in a compact form factor, the filter plates increase design flexibility and lower the real estate required on PCBs. Snap-in variants are available for 5GHz to 18GHz frequencies to further simplify installation in space-constrained applications. Customers can adjust plate size and shape to fit unique enclosures, while the availability of different materials addresses a vast range of environmental concerns.

Circular EMI Filter Connectors are also available with advanced EMI filtering and line-to-line isolation to ensure reliable signal integrity and consistent power delivery. Customers can select from insulated and ground-line options in hermetically sealed and bayonet styles for greater resiliency under challenging conditions.

Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators and RF Coaxial Terminations offer outstanding durability and environmental resiliency for aerospace and defence applications. As previously mentioned, these products are ideal for defence aircraft, missile defence systems, SATCOM links, ship-signal exploitation devices and electronic warfare systems. Furthermore, they improve the reliability of wireless infrastructure, telecommunications and automotive applications, spanning test and measurement equipment, cell-site infrastructure, network analysers, automotive test environments and distributed antenna systems.

The new attenuators deliver precise signal power control and excellent signal integrity to ensure consistent, long-term performance. Also, they provide heat dissipation at power levels up to 50W and precision impedance matching, helping customers improve system efficiency, prevent equipment damage, improve test-results reliability and decrease downtime by extending component lifespans. Both product lines are engineered with solderless contacts to withstand wide temperature ranges, shock and vibration forces and exposure to harsh environments.

The company's EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors are available in more than 250 mechanical configurations and countless custom options, including high-density and circular connectors in a variety of shell sizes, including 9, 15, 25, 37 and 50. Its EMI Filter Plates are also available in different sizes, shapes and mounting options, which can be tailored to meet specific applications.

Supporting various power ratings and attenuation values, the company's Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators ensure reliable power handling up to 100W and work with RF connectors, including 2.92mm, N-Type and SMA. They also are compatible with 3.5mm, K-Type and MIL-STD-348 connectors. The RF Coaxial Terminations are obtainable in various power ranges, power-handling capabilities, and connector types, including defence-grade products.