Mouser Electronics has signed a global distribution agreement with Amphenol CDI to add various interconnect solutions for radio frequency and microwave systems to its product line. The agreement includes RF connectors for defense applications, right-angle connectors, cable assemblies, and precision adapters capable of operating at frequencies up to 110 GHz.

The components are geared towards aerospace, defense, space, industrial, instrumentation, and semiconductor test equipment applications. With the addition of Amphenol CDI, Mouser now distributes products from more than 60 Amphenol divisions.

RF connectors for defense applications

Amphenol CDI defense RF connectors utilize compact designs for systems where component and connection density is a critical factor. These connectors are designed to tolerate radial and axial misalignment, a particularly useful feature in blind mate systems.

In this type of connection, the two components must be coupled without the operator being able to directly control the alignment of the interfaces, so mechanical tolerances become especially important.

The connectors are intended for systems subjected to frequent connection and disconnection cycles and applications where it is necessary to maintain the electrical characteristics of the interconnection under demanding environmental and mechanical conditions.

Right-angle connectors for high-frequency signals

The range offered by Mouser also includes right-angle RF connectors. This configuration simplifies cable routing and connections in equipment where space limitations prevent the use of a conventional axial output.

These devices are designed for high-frequency signals and for applications where insertion loss and signal integrity are critical parameters. Potential applications include aerospace equipment, defense systems, space platforms, and industrial equipment.

The right-angle format can also be used to organize RF connections within housings with a high component density.

Flexible cables as an alternative to semi-rigid coaxial cable

Amphenol CDI also offers RF cable assemblies for defense systems and other microwave applications. These cables are designed as an alternative to certain semi-rigid coaxial interconnects when greater installation flexibility is required.

The assemblies can be manually shaped to fit the required path within a housing or between different components. Once shaped, they are designed to maintain their established geometry, facilitating assembly in systems with limited space or complex pathways.

Multilayer construction of RF assemblies

The construction of these cables incorporates various elements designed to maintain their mechanical and electrical characteristics. These include a tinned copper mesh, an inner foil layer, dielectric material, and a central conductor.

The outer casing allows for manual bending and shaping of the assembly during installation. This architecture is especially suited for RF and microwave systems with a high density of connections, where cables must pass between different components while maintaining signal transmission characteristics.

Precision RF adapters up to 110 GHz

Another group of products included in the agreement comprises Amphenol CDI's precision RF adapters. These devices are designed to operate at frequencies up to 110 GHz, making them suitable for use in millimeter wave systems and other high-frequency applications.

The adapters are offered with different interfaces and mounting options. These include solderable versions and field-replaceable configurations, which allow for the replacement of specific connection elements without modifying other system components.

Different PCB configurations

The adapters are available in edge-mount, vertical, angled, and slim-body configurations. These options allow the RF connection to be adapted to the printed circuit board layout and the available space within the device.

The design uses controlled impedance to maintain transmission characteristics during transitions between different elements of the RF system. Available configurations allow for selection of the mounting type based on the signal path and mechanical constraints of each design.

Aerospace, industrial and testing applications

The connectors, cables, and adapters included in the agreement are intended for various systems that operate with RF and microwave signals. In addition to aerospace and defense applications, the adapters, which operate up to 110 GHz, can be used in high-frequency instrumentation and equipment for semiconductor testing and characterization.

Moldable cable assemblies, on the other hand, are geared towards installations where it is necessary to combine the electrical characteristics of a coaxial interconnection with greater flexibility during assembly.

The agreement thus expands Mouser's catalog with different Amphenol CDI components for RF interconnects, from connectors intended for mechanically demanding environments to adapters for systems that work at millimeter wave frequencies.

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