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Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace
Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace
We are partnering with customers to...become a crucial part of their technological architectures and their business growth.

Matt is a problem solver on the front lines, helping customers integrate robust connectivity in aerospace applications. Inspired by divergent ideation, design diligence, and delighting customers, he thrives when partnering with customers to bring new products to market, working closely with diverse teams of problem solvers focused on tackling difficult engineering challenges. He approaches design engineering with an appreciation for creative design and a passion for solving for the right things. For aerospace customers, he provides expert guidance in power and signal connectivity, especially when it involves contact designs, high-speed connectors, PCB interconnects, compliant pin technology, and VME/VPX system solutions. For his engineering teams, he outlines the vision for coordinating technology and product roadmaps, to ensure they are using mature and capable technologies, such as press-fit technology, to solve solderability challenges, enable connector re-workability, and enable high speed pcb constructions. Under his leadership, his teams have proven to help customers meet the critical requirements for their applications.

1

Which connectivity challenges are you working to solve?

We are focused on solving for reliable connectivity in harsh aerospace and defense environments. We develop components that transmit without-fail critical avionic flight information to pilots and crew. We develop solutions for robust inflight entertainment systems that enable passengers to enjoy their flight experience while helping the airline achieve market differentiation.

 

The challenge with designing products offering this performance is that as more electrical systems are integrated into aerospace applications, we need to ensure these systems not only operate as expected and required, but also meet rigorous aerospace-materials requirements for cabin systems and weight budgets. For example, lightweight materials are crucial for minimizing fuel consumption. This wave of additional product integration puts more electrical demand on power generating systems, requiring connectivity engineered for higher voltage performance and higher power ratings.

 

We are also solving for materials compatibility, which is critical when developing technology for spacecraft as well as aircraft. These vehicles are exposed to high levels of shock and vibration, and the technology powering these vehicles must include reliable electrical connections, operating at extreme temperatures.

2

Which technology trends are you watching?

The two primary trends, when it comes to commercial aircraft architectures, are electric propulsion and the increasingly more electric aircraft. In-flight entertainment systems are evolving from copper-based connectivity to fiber optic, distributed networks. Another major trend in the space arena is low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks and reusable launch vehicles. Satellite constellations will very soon play a significant role in providing internet access to parts of the world where it is presently not feasible to deliver this service.

 

There are many market forces driving these technology trends. For example, unmanned vehicles and the abundance of data generated from aircraft sensors are creating the need for reliable high-speed connectivity that can transmit this information in harsh environments. And the increasing expectation to reduce carbon emissions and footprints is inspiring innovation in propulsion systems and electrification of systems throughout the aircraft.

3

What is TE doing to enable innovation in aerospace?

We are heavily involved in Industry Innovation Summits as well as the leading industry standards organizations (i.e., VITA, SOSA, ARINC, SAE, etc.). We are partnering with customers to develop technology on the forefront of market needs to have the expected Technology Readiness Levels as required by the industry. This not only creates opportunities for designing new connectivity products, it enables us to become a vital part of their technological architectures and their business growth.

 

Our engineers and materials scientists are continuously researching and developing new materials and wire and cable constructions that will bring innovations in aerospace and meet the demands of aerospace environments. This work also has enabled us to develop products that enable customers to accelerate production build rates. These products, such as quick-install cable management solutions, are helping to reduce production costs and speed time to market.

 

At TE, our success comes from partnering with our customers. We apply our diverse engineering knowledge and offer a broad portfolio of rugged connectivity solutions. This enables them to innovate while also instilling confidence that comes from working with a supplier known for a legacy of reliable performance in harsh environments.

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Space Technology

17:27

Tech innovations driving commercial space travel. With Aerospace Engineering Fellow Matt McAlonis

Aviation Trends

14:36

Tech trends shaping the future of flight. With Aerospace Engineering Fellow Matt McAlonis

Related Materials
Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace
Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace
We are partnering with customers to...become a crucial part of their technological architectures and their business growth.

Matt is a problem solver on the front lines, helping customers integrate robust connectivity in aerospace applications. Inspired by divergent ideation, design diligence, and delighting customers, he thrives when partnering with customers to bring new products to market, working closely with diverse teams of problem solvers focused on tackling difficult engineering challenges. He approaches design engineering with an appreciation for creative design and a passion for solving for the right things. For aerospace customers, he provides expert guidance in power and signal connectivity, especially when it involves contact designs, high-speed connectors, PCB interconnects, compliant pin technology, and VME/VPX system solutions. For his engineering teams, he outlines the vision for coordinating technology and product roadmaps, to ensure they are using mature and capable technologies, such as press-fit technology, to solve solderability challenges, enable connector re-workability, and enable high speed pcb constructions. Under his leadership, his teams have proven to help customers meet the critical requirements for their applications.

1

Which connectivity challenges are you working to solve?

We are focused on solving for reliable connectivity in harsh aerospace and defense environments. We develop components that transmit without-fail critical avionic flight information to pilots and crew. We develop solutions for robust inflight entertainment systems that enable passengers to enjoy their flight experience while helping the airline achieve market differentiation.

 

The challenge with designing products offering this performance is that as more electrical systems are integrated into aerospace applications, we need to ensure these systems not only operate as expected and required, but also meet rigorous aerospace-materials requirements for cabin systems and weight budgets. For example, lightweight materials are crucial for minimizing fuel consumption. This wave of additional product integration puts more electrical demand on power generating systems, requiring connectivity engineered for higher voltage performance and higher power ratings.

 

We are also solving for materials compatibility, which is critical when developing technology for spacecraft as well as aircraft. These vehicles are exposed to high levels of shock and vibration, and the technology powering these vehicles must include reliable electrical connections, operating at extreme temperatures.

2

Which technology trends are you watching?

The two primary trends, when it comes to commercial aircraft architectures, are electric propulsion and the increasingly more electric aircraft. In-flight entertainment systems are evolving from copper-based connectivity to fiber optic, distributed networks. Another major trend in the space arena is low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks and reusable launch vehicles. Satellite constellations will very soon play a significant role in providing internet access to parts of the world where it is presently not feasible to deliver this service.

 

There are many market forces driving these technology trends. For example, unmanned vehicles and the abundance of data generated from aircraft sensors are creating the need for reliable high-speed connectivity that can transmit this information in harsh environments. And the increasing expectation to reduce carbon emissions and footprints is inspiring innovation in propulsion systems and electrification of systems throughout the aircraft.

3

What is TE doing to enable innovation in aerospace?

We are heavily involved in Industry Innovation Summits as well as the leading industry standards organizations (i.e., VITA, SOSA, ARINC, SAE, etc.). We are partnering with customers to develop technology on the forefront of market needs to have the expected Technology Readiness Levels as required by the industry. This not only creates opportunities for designing new connectivity products, it enables us to become a vital part of their technological architectures and their business growth.

 

Our engineers and materials scientists are continuously researching and developing new materials and wire and cable constructions that will bring innovations in aerospace and meet the demands of aerospace environments. This work also has enabled us to develop products that enable customers to accelerate production build rates. These products, such as quick-install cable management solutions, are helping to reduce production costs and speed time to market.

 

At TE, our success comes from partnering with our customers. We apply our diverse engineering knowledge and offer a broad portfolio of rugged connectivity solutions. This enables them to innovate while also instilling confidence that comes from working with a supplier known for a legacy of reliable performance in harsh environments.

Need help with your Aerospace project?

Get Email Alerts for New Episodes

Please accept TE's Privacy Policy and the TE.com Terms and Conditions.

Please review errors above

The personal information you provide will be transferred to and processed by TE Connectivity in the U.S. to provide you with the requested information or services. Please read our privacy policy for more details.

For legal reasons we need to ask you for your consent with this by clicking the box to the left.

Space Technology

17:27

Tech innovations driving commercial space travel. With Aerospace Engineering Fellow Matt McAlonis

Aviation Trends

14:36

Tech trends shaping the future of flight. With Aerospace Engineering Fellow Matt McAlonis