DBAS 9 Connectors in Rockets Deliver Design Flexibility and Rugged Durability

The DEUTSCH DBAS series of push pull connectors from TE Connectivity (TE) deliver uncommon performance under the harsh conditions found in space. TE’s new DBAS 9 connectors are built on time-tested technologies, combining the extreme reliability of the DBAS 7 connector with the design flexibility of standard D38999 inserts. As the most commonly used contacts in military markets, D38999 inserts have also become a standard in space applications. Additionally, DBAS 9 connectors provide cost-effective solutions using AS39029 signal and power contacts to deliver a myriad of advantages to designers and manufacturers across industries.

DBAS 9 connectors are available in a broad range of shell types, contact sizes, and surface finishing options. They are constructed using TE’s reliable DBAS 7 shells combined with military standard MIL-DTL-38999 inserts and AS39029 contacts. As a result, these connectors offer more design configuration options and easily integrate into a variety of harnessing plans. DBAS 9 connectors can also be custom designed to help meet the specifications and constraints of various types of missions. Options include:

• Plugs with heavy-duty lanyards, as well as mobile and “rack and panel” plugs for remote mating and unmating in hard-to-reach areas without a visible connection.
• A broad range of removable crimp and PCB contacts available in sizes 8 to 22 for enhanced design flexibility.
• High-density, hybrid signal and power layouts to deliver more options for designers and end users.
• Space-saving integrated backshells reduce the number of parts required to help simplify bill of material (BOM) management.
• D38999 inserts compatible with fiber optic applications.
• Quadrax versions available for high-speed solutions.

In critical space launch applications, success is the only option. DBAS 9 connectors were designed for the extreme conditions of space and the rigors of launch. These connectors can endure extremes of physical shock and vibration and perform in temperatures ranging from minus 55° Celsius to 200° Celsius (-67° to 392° Fahrenheit). DBAS 9 connectors are packed with the following features and options to help ensure reliable connections:

• Visual and sensitive locking eliminates the need for screws or tools. An audible click confirms a secure connection where visual access is limited or impossible.
• Leading clip help prevent accidental unmating and delivers ease of installation in difficult-to-reach spaces or areas with poor visibility.
• Interface and individual wire sealing for ultra-reliable connections can tolerate the harsh conditions in space.

DBAS-9 connectors can also be manufactured according to European Space Agency (ESA) procedures to improve traceability and quality assurance for critical space applications.

DBAS 9 connectors also benefit the designers and engineers who build spacecrafts. The relatively small footprint of space vehicles offers very limited access to the connector areas. The DBAS 9 connectors have a visual and sensitive push pull feature that allows for blind mating in hard-to-reach areas of the spacecraft. Also, their scoop-proof feature helps prevent contact damage. DBAS 9 connectors have endured tests of up to 500 mating cycles to help ensure consistent performance and reusability.

DBAS 9 connectors are built in high volumes using MIL-DTL-38999 inserts and AS39029 contacts, which helps to decrease overhead manufacturing costs. For aerospace engineers and designers, DBAS 9 connectors are available in various configurations and are capable of connecting up to 128 wires. This reduces the total number of connectors needed while helping to decrease build and harness costs. Having fewer connectors also helps reduce the overall weight of the spacecraft. Despite efficiency improvements in spacecraft design, launch costs still amount to about $3,000 to $5,000 per kilogram, so every gram that’s eliminated counts toward making space missions more affordable.

The benefits of using DBAS 9 connectors are not limited to critical space applications. DBAS 9 connectors have many attributes that make them ideal for military and defense projects that demand reliable connections in harsh conditions. For example, DBAS 9 connectors are used in pilot ejection seats, which is one of the most vital connections in a fighter jet.

TE’s DBAS 9 push pull connectors provide a solution for designers and engineers looking for connectors that are easy to install and uninstall, offer more configuration options, and deliver the high performance necessary within the harsh environments of space and military applications. DBAS 9 connectors are built to withstand extreme shock, vibration, and high temperatures up to 200°C (392°F). They are ideal for use in critical applications including umbilical connectors for missiles and rockets which use lanyard quick release or rack and panel mating.

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• Download the DEUTSCH DBAS 9 Connectors brochure

• Designed for the extreme conditions of space, push pull connectors are engineered for mission-critical reliability with increased flexibility, usability, cost savings, and expandability.
• DBAS 9 connectors can also be custom designed to help meet the specifications and constraints of various types of missions.
• A visual and sensitive push pull feature in DBAS 9 connectors allows for blind mating in hard-to-reach areas of the spacecraft.
• DBAS 9 connectors deliver the reliability of the DBAS 7 model at a lower cost.
• Beyond space applications, DBAS 9 connectors are also ideal for military and defense projects that demand reliable connections in harsh conditions on land, sea, and in the air.