Molex’s new line of components is reported to improve signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility for mission-critical applications.

LISLE, Ill.—Global electronics provider Molex recently launched what it described as a “comprehensive lineup of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Filtered interconnects and Radio Frequency (RF) components to improve signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications.”

Molex said in a release that its new family of EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors, EMI Filter Plates, Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators, and RF Coaxial Terminations are engineered to enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of crucial electronic systems. Following its recent acquisition of AirBorn, Molex’s introduction of the components is said to reinforce its commitment to innovation and product development in the aerospace and defense sector.

“These new RF components and EMI-Filtered interconnects extend Molex’s legacy of RF excellence while adding significant product breadth and depth for tackling the toughest connectivity challenges,” said Steven DeFrancesco, Molex’s general manager, RF, in the release.  “Available in an extensive selection of mechanical configurations, we offer customers a ‘one-stop shop’ for compact, lightweight, and ruggedized connectivity solutions needed to perform without fail in the harshest, most demanding environments.”

Engineered to comply with rigorous regulatory standards, the components are said to integrate seamlessly into a diverse range of aerospace and defense applications. Among them are radar systems, airborne radios, night-vision sensors, flight controls, engine controls, navigation systems, tactical weapons and military global positioning systems.

Advanced materials and flexible designs address different size, weight, and power requirements, ensuring that these innovations are also well-suited for other high-performance applications, including medical devices, telecommunications, and industrial automation, the company said in the release.

Improving signal integrity and minimizing interference

Molex’s EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors are reported to mitigate EMI and enhance signal integrity while improving compliance with stringent standards. The products feature an optimized Pi filter design, providing superior noise suppression and higher capacitance and inductance values for better frequency attenuation. High-quality conductive and shielding materials are said to increase electrical performance and mechanical durability for greater resilience to vibration, shock, extreme temperatures, lightning, and exposure to contaminants.

“The new EMI Filter Plates help safeguard system components and prevent signal loss from electronic noise while eliminating the need for discrete filters, reducing assembly time and costs,” the release stated. “With up to 50 lines in a compact form factor, the filter plates increase design flexibility and lower the real estate required on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Snap-in variants are available for 5-to-18 GHz frequencies to further simplify installation in space-constrained applications. Customers can adjust plate size and shape to fit unique enclosures while the availability of different materials addresses a vast range of environmental concerns.”

Circular EMI Filter Connectors are equipped with advanced EMI filtering and line-to-line isolation to ensure reliable signal integrity and consistent power delivery. Customers can choose from insulated and ground-line options in hermetically sealed and bayonet styles for greater resiliency under challenging conditions, the company said.

Stable RF system performance and precise power control

Molex said its Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators and RF Coaxial Terminations offer outstanding durability and environmental resiliency for aerospace and defense applications. The products are reportedly well-suited for military aircraft, missile defense systems, SATCOM links, ship-signal exploitation devices, and electronic warfare systems. They are also said to improve reliability of wireless infrastructure, telecommunications. and automotive applications, spanning test and measurement equipment, cell-site infrastructure, network analyzers, automotive test environments, and distributed antenna systems.

According to Molex, the new attenuators deliver precise signal power control and excellent signal integrity to ensure consistent, long-term performance. They also provide heat dissipation at power levels up to 50W and precision impedance matching, helping customers improve system efficiency, prevent equipment damage, improve test-results reliability, and reduce downtime by extending component lifespans. Both product lines are engineered with solderless contacts to withstand wide temperature ranges, shock and vibration forces, and exposure to harsh environments, the company said.

The company said the EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors are available in “more than 250 mechanical configurations and countless custom options, including high-density and circular connectors in a variety of shell sizes, including 9, 15, 25, 37 and 50.” Molex’s EMI Filter Plates are also available in different size, shape, and mounting options, which can be tailored to meet specific applications, according to Molex.

Supporting various power ratings and attenuation values, Molex’s Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators are reported to ensure reliable power handling up to 100W and work with RF connectors, including 2.92mm, N-Type, and SMA. They are also said to be compatible with 3.50mm, K-Type and MIL-STD-348 connectors.

The RF Coaxial Terminations are available in various power ranges, power-handling capabilities, and connector types, including military-grade products. They are available through Molex’s global distribution partners, with stock available immediately from Mouser Electronics and DigiKey Electronics, the company said.