ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced a new, user-friendly, high-performance blind-mate RF connector for use in demanding physical and electrical performance environments. The connector was developed by Winchester Electronics, a business unit of Northrop Grumman's Component Technologies sector.
"This connector is the industry's only first-mate, last-break BMA. This design is backwards-compatible with standard industry BMA connectors. It can replace the standard BMA and provide users with flexibility," said Michael P. Driscoll, president of Winchester Electronics.
The BMA connector is both shock and shear resistant and performs to a frequency of 18 GHz, and features a "blind-mate" that joins the connectors without visually seeing the connector interfaces mate. This blind-mate capability is achieved with an 0.030" radial float and an 0.082" axial float design. It incorporates a unique "first-mate, last-break" design-mating sequence through the use of an internal spring in the connector's interface. This allows for "hot mating" by grounding the connector body before the connector center contacts are engaged. This is a key safety feature that allows the connector to be replaced in field environments without power disruption.
Winchester Electronics' new BMA RF connectors incorporate a positive feel and audible snap to indicate when the connectors are in a fully-mated condition.
Winchester Electronics, a business unit of Northrop Grumman's Component Technologies sector, is a premier provider of high-speed, high-bandwidth interconnect products, including board-to-board connectors, RF connectors, cable assemblies and power interconnects to the telecommunications, electronics and information technology industries. Winchester supports the specific needs of its customers globally with technical Centers of Excellence in Connecticut, California, Mexico, China and Malaysia.
Northrop Grumman's Component Technologies sector, headquartered in Iselin, N.J., is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-performance electronic and optical components and materials to the telecommunications, networking, industrial, medical, and military markets. Component Technologies includes Winchester Electronics, Interconnect Technologies, Kester, Life Support, Poly-Scientific, Precision Products and VEAM.
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