In military aviation, Smart Multi-Function Displays (SMFD) play a crucial role in enhancing pilot situational awareness, mission effectiveness, and operational safety in increasingly complex and dynamic combat environments. Connectors are essential components in SMFD systems, serving as the backbone that enables the seamless interaction between various subsystems. Here, Emily Rowe, European Product Manager at connector specialist PEI-Genesis, delves into the advancements in connectors to support SMFD systems.
What are Smart Multi-Function Display Systems (SMFD)?
SMFDs refer to advanced cockpit display systems designed to provide pilots with comprehensive situational awareness, enhanced mission capabilities, and streamlined interaction with various aircraft systems and sensors. These systems integrate multiple functions traditionally performed by separate displays into a single, user-friendly interface, thus reducing clutter in the cockpit and minimizing the cognitive load on the pilot.
Pilots can also customize the display layout and prioritize information based on mission requirements, preferences, and operational context. This flexibility allows for efficient management of information overload during high-stress situations.
The connectors used in SMFD systems play a critical role in ensuring reliable communication between the display units and the various avionics systems within the aircraft. These connectors must meet stringent standards to withstand the demanding operational environments encountered in military aircraft, including high vibration levels, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and temperature fluctuations.
Aviation Connector Requirements
SMFDs often require high-speed data transmission capabilities to transfer large volumes of sensor data, imagery, and video streams between the display units and onboard avionics systems. Connectors from Amphenol Socapex, such as RJ45, USB, and HDMI, are great options for these environments.
Advances In Aviation Connector Technology
Several technological advancements are shaping the development of connectors for SMFD systems to keep up with the demanding technical requirements.
Miniaturization is driven by the ever-increasing demand for smaller, lighter, and more powerful electronic devices, especially in control panels in aviation, where space is limited. Although smaller, these connectors are designed to endure mechanical stresses such as plugging and unplugging, vibrations, and shocks without compromising their structural integrity.
High-Density Interconnects (HDIs) PCB Boards have also become increasingly important in the design and functionality of SMFDs. HDIs support high-speed data protocols necessary for high-definition displays and real-time processing. They also ensure efficient power distribution to various components, maintaining system stability and performance. Similarly, HDIs are engineered to minimize signal loss and EMI, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of data transmission.
When higher bandwidth is required, Amphenol Aerospace has developed Octonet contacts for MIL-DTL-38999 connectors. Available in size eight crimp termination style, these contacts contain eight strategically spaced inner contacts, which can be installed in existing size 8 Quadrax cavities, meaning there is no need to redesign the connector.
Similarly, due to their self-removing feature, there is no need for new tools to extract the contact. All contacts meet the performance specifications of CAT-6A cable and feature enhanced crosstalk performance, improving noise immunity and signal quality over longer cable runs.
PEI-Genesis has a large inventory of all types of MIL-DTL contacts and connectors mentioned, allowing fast and efficient delivery as quickly as one day. PEI-Genesis holds the AS9100D registration standard for its corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, PA, and its production facilities in South Bend, IN, Southampton, UK, and Zhuhai, China.
The connectors in SMFD systems are fundamental to their performance, reliability, and scalability. As SMFDs become more advanced and integrated into various applications, the demand for high-quality, efficient connectors will continue to grow. By addressing the challenges of high-speed data transfer, robust power delivery, miniaturization, and versatility, advancements in connector technologies are paving the way for the next generation of SMFDs.
To find out more about PEI-Genesis's range of advanced connectors for aviation, visit www.peigenesis.com.
