“Widest axial mating tolerance” RF contacts

Author: EIS Release Date: Jul 26, 2023

Component manufacturer and distributor Powell Electronics is claiming “the widest axial mating tolerance of blind-mate RF contacts currently available on the market” for coaxial connector parts from Phoenix Company of Chicago, which it is now stocking.

 

Powell Phoenix PkZ series contacts

“This enables the contacts to accommodate large radial and axial misalignment tolerances found in modular applications,” continued Powell. They provide “constant impedance even as differences in mating profiles or gaps are created in the mating interface. This eliminates elaborate methods such as an internal spring to overcome mating gaps”.

 

The contacts are from Phoenix’ PkZ series, and there are various forms including:

 

 

 

MIL-DTL-38999 size 12 for dc to 40GHz (178 series)

MIL-DTL-38999 size 8 RF for low loss cable from dc to 32GHz (78 series)

ARINC microwave size 8 coax for ARINC 600 connectors over dc to 32GHz (68 series)

The components are also suited to housings including: D-sub, high-density D-sub and DIN 41612.

 

 

 

With most of the contacts, 0.09inch (~2.3mm) of axial tolerance is available with constant impedance, although some offer less and one type offers more.

 

Use is foreseen in aerospace, vehicle communication systems, test systems, radar and in UAVs.