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AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors

Ensuring seamless integration in demanding systems, AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors are compatible with standard backshells and MIL-DTL-39029 crimp contacts. Strong vibration resistance, waterproof sealing and a fully-mated indicator enhance reliability in harsh conditions. Featuring various plug types for installation flexibility, AirBorn TriMate connectors are ideal for aerospace, defense, space and industrial environments.

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Circular Plugs 

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AirBorn TriMate thread-lock circular plug with integrated shield termination.

Circular Receptacles

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AirBorn TriMate circular receptacle with rear accessory thread.

Features and Benefits

As demanding compact systems require miniaturized components, engineers are challenged with finding small connectors that deliver rugged performance. These products must operate in various environmental conditions and remain reliable even with mechanical stresses such as vibration and shock. Also, to maintain electrical integrity, ingress issues must be addressed.

Designers need interconnects that provide space savings for compact systems while maintaining high performance levels in rigorous environments. Manufacturers require connector features that help overcome design constraints as well as a simplified selection for streamlining inventories. For reliability, environmental sealing and vibration resistance in extreme conditions are also necessary.

Developed for aerospace, defense and high-reliability industrial systems, AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors provide next-generation interconnect performance in a smaller and lighter footprint than MIL-DTL-38999 legacy connectors. Featuring a unique system with three distinct plug options that all mate with a single receptacle, AirBorn TriMate connectors enable manufacturers to streamline their inventories and bill of materials (BOM), while increasing design flexibility. Offering high-vibration resistance, waterproof sealing to MIL-STD-810 (IP6K9K) and compatibility with MIL-DTL-39029 crimp contacts, these robust connectors ensure exceptional reliability even under harsh conditions.

Streamlined BOM and Enhanced Design Adaptability

Push-pull and break-away plugs, along with threaded ratcheting, all mate with a shared receptacle, reducing BOM complexity and enhancing design flexibility. AirBorn TriMate connectors reduce part count and system downtime by supporting simplified reconfigurations and diverse application requirements without changing receptacle hardware.

Rugged, Lightweight, Miniaturized Design

Supporting weight reduction goals for aerospace, defense and space platforms, AirBorn TriMate connectors contribute to system miniaturization and fuel efficiency without sacrificing reliability. These robust connectors offer high-vibration resistance, a wide operating temperature range and reliable operation in harsh conditions.

Waterproof Sealing and Simplified Assembly

Exceeding MIL-STD-810 requirements for environmental sealing, AirBorn TriMate connectors include IP6K9K waterproofing and a double-sealed mechanical and locking area. Fully-mated indicators and snap-in contact systems simplify assembly and reduce the risk of installation errors.

Supports design flexibility and ease of installation
These connectors are compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 and M85049 backshells, and enable use of standard accessories. Designers can integrate these connectors into existing systems, avoiding costly redesigns or adaptions.

Promotes reliability in critical environments
MIL-DTL-39029 crimp contacts ensure dependable connectivity through compliance with rigorous performance standards, minimizing the risk of connector damage in harsh conditions.

Meets a range of design needs
Reverse gender availability for unique system requirements and cable management strategies enable engineers to overcome design constraints.

Enhances precision and reduces assembly errors
Using an easily visible contact assembly, operators can slide the contacts into the insert mechanism.

Improves sealing, reduces weight and enhances cable durability
Overmolded strain relief options reduce the risk of connector damage and loosening while providing protection from environmental ingress, including moisture and dust.

Provides maximum application versatility
Multiple mounting configurations, including panel-mount, in-line and jam-nut receptacles, help engineers overcome design limitations.

Supports PCB mounting and flexible circuit integration
Plated through-hole or solder-cup options allow stable mounting of connectors directly onto the PCB, facilitating easy assembly and repair in PCB-mounted connector systems.

Featured Videos

AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors

AirBorn TriMate connectors offer various options to meet application-specific needs for rugged environments. In this video, learn about the differences between available connector configurations, including thread-lock, push-pull and breakaway connectors as well as inline cable-mount and panel-mount receptacles. See different termination options that simplify design work, streamline integration and enhance contact assembly workflow.

Applications by Industry

Commercial airplanes
Helicopters

Mining equipment

Electronic warfare systems
Radar systems
Soldier wearables
Unmanned drones

Factory robotics
Industrial robotics
Heavy equipment

Satellites

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors? 

AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors are durable miniature circular connectors with three plug styles that all mate with a common receptacle. These connectors are designed for aerospace, defense, space and industrial applications that require high reliability in harsh environments.

How are AirBorn TriMate connectors different from legacy MIL-DTL-38999 connectors?

AirBorn TriMate connectors are smaller, lighter and easier to install than MIL-DTL-38999 connectors. Their three plug styles (threaded, push-pull and break-away) increase flexibility and reduce the part count.

What plug options are available?

AirBorn TriMate connectors’ plug options include a threaded ratcheting plug, a push-pull plug for high-density applications and a break-away plug for quick disconnects. These connectors all mate with the same receptacle for simplified inventory and installation.

What sealing ratings does AirBorn TriMate connectors offer?

AirBorn TriMate connectors are waterproof to MIL-STD-810, meet or exceed IP6K9K sealing requirements, and have double-sealed mechanical and locking areas for protection against moisture and dust.

What vibration and temperature performance can be expected?

These connectors offer high-vibration resistance and are suitable for aerospace, defense and heavy equipment applications. Operating temperatures for these connectors range from -65 to +175°C.

What contact systems and accessories are compatible with AirBorn TriMate connectors?

AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors are compatible with MIL-DTL-38999 and M85049 backshells, and standard accessories.

How does the fully-mated indicator work?

An audible and tactile “click” confirms full mating, providing assembly confidence and helping prevent misconnection.

What mounting and termination options are available?

Panel-mount, in-line cable mount and jam-nut receptacle options are available. Plated through-hole and solder-cup terminations for PCB and cable integration are also offered.

Are AirBorn TriMate connectors supplied with cable assemblies?

Yes, 100% tested overmolded cable assemblies are available and built to customer specifications for size, weight and sealing.

What industries use AirBorn TriMate connectors?

AirBorn TriMate Rugged Circular Connectors are suitable for aerospace, defense, space, industrial automation, heavy equipment, mining and robotics industries.