Molex integrated interconnect solutions deliver innovation, quality and reliability for defense contractors

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. serves defense contractors and military suppliers with a broad portfolio of proven high performance interconnect technologies including custom fiber optics, flex circuit assemblies, RF/antennas, high-speed cable assemblies and connector solutions for aerospace, defense and marine applications.

“Molex directs tremendous resources to the global support of our military customers and armed forces,” states Benjamin Jeffrey, Group Manager Industry Marketing, Defense and Aerospace Systems, Molex. “Migrating proven commercial technologies into military applications helps defense contractors strategically control costs, while ensuring superior performance and reliability on the frontline in mission computers, flight control systems, electronic warfare and other critical deployments.”

Military applications require components that can withstand harsh conditions; components may be subject to water, extreme temperatures, wind, sand, and vibration or impact. From avionics to marine applications and radar systems, Molex offers a full range of advanced copper and fiber optic solutions that are rugged and reliable in the most demanding environments. Solution highlights include:

Ultra-reliable Copper Flex Assemblies feature a flexible printed circuit system and high-speed flex assemblies supporting signal speeds over 10 Gbps. These temperature-resistant assemblies offer tight electrical properties to mitigate impedance, loss and cross talk. Copper Flex can be bent to fit a much smaller device enclosure. Copper Flex military applications include night vision goggles, wireless antennas, missile detonators, ordinance and tactical systems, cockpit video recorders, infrared sighting systems, ruggedized computers, radar systems, and GPS-guided missiles.

Molex fiber optic connectors and adapters, assemblies, backplanes, and optical circuitry include the industry’s only metal-housing LC2+ Optical Connector to support enhanced performance aerospace-grade optical cabling. The next-generation solution to the highly popular LC connector interface, LC2+ Optical Connectors meet all FOCIS 10 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard) specifications. LC2+ military applications include avionics, satellites, remote antennas, signal processors, sensors, and space systems.

Cost-effective Optical Connector Cable Assemblies provide short lead-time solutions. Rugged and flexible circuitry, backplane systems and standard connectors (FC, LC, MT, MTP, SC and ST) feature customized terminations for discrete fiber and ribbon cable. Military applications for Optical Cable Assemblies include avionics, flight-control equipment, mobile tactical field command platforms, EMI sensitive equipment, security, and battlefield networking.

The high-speed HBMT MT High Density Backplane Interconnect System provides signal integrity, with reduced impedance and cross-talk for military data-communication and telecom. Leading-edge fiber optic assemblies offer security, bandwidth, and weight savings for lighter and faster aircraft, ground and water-based vehicles. Fiber optic interconnects and cable assemblies resist RF and EMI, making them ideal for sensitive applications such as radar, video surveillance, target identification and night vision.

“Military electronics no longer focus exclusively on ruggedized construction—to the exclusion of performance and cost considerations. Molex advanced electronic solutions deliver the total package,” adds Jeffrey. “For specialized military applications, our engineering teams build prototype solutions from the ground-up. Designing integrated assemblies, rather than single components, shortens the design cycle and substantially lowers overall cost.”