Now available through Powell Electronics, the supplier of connectors and more for high-rel applications including defence, aerospace and industrial, is the MIL-HD2 connector series from Amphenol, a next-generation, SOSA™-aligned solution engineered to meet the most demanding requirements of modern military embedded systems, e.g. embedded computing, radar, electronic warfare, and high-speed communications systems.
Designed in alignment with The Open Group Sensor Open Systems Architecture™ (SOSA) technical standard and supporting VITA 91 requirements, the MIL-HD2 series delivers industry-leading density and performance for 3U applications. Supporting data rates up to 56Gb/s PAM4, the connector family enables system architects to address increasing bandwidth demands while maintaining compatibility with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) architectures and avoiding costly redesign cycles.
The MIL-HD2 series has been developed to support next-generation switch and payload card designs, where tighter card pitches and reduced chassis footprints are critical. Available in 3-, 4-, and 6-pair configurations, it provides the highest number of differential pairs currently available in a 3U form factor at 56Gb/s PAM4 speeds.
Engineered for high-speed signal integrity, the MIL-HD2 series incorporates proprietary crosstalk reduction technologies, improved impedance matching, and proven EMI performance. Its compact 1.80mm pitch enables exceptional density, supporting between 28 and 84 differential pairs per inch. The design also features a 15.7 mil drill-compliant pin that allows for deeper backdrilling, further enhancing high-speed performance in advanced system designs.
Mechanical and reliability enhancements include shielded contacts that mate ahead of signal contacts, delivering up to 4mm of wipe for improved connection integrity, as well as support for hot-plugging in mission-critical environments. Additional flexibility is provided through embedded capacitor options and optimized footprints, enabling designers to tailor solutions to specific application requirements.
About Powell Electronics
Powell Electronics is a specialist at high reliability, harsh environment connector design, manufacturing and supply chain. In the USA, Powell has 70,000 square feet of connector manufacturing capabilities at its Swedesboro, NJ facility, which is certified to ISO9001 and AS9100. Powell offers automated engineering solutions and connector ODM services. The company is an authorized, QPL’ed distributor for over 50 military specifications and is ISO9120 certified. In Europe, Powell Electronics operates from headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and other European locations, employing technical staff to support design-in activities and signing new franchise agreements with Glenair, Harwin, Amphenol Aerospace, Quell, AB Connectors, Lemo, Conesys, Positronic and more. This is enabling Powell to address the broad range of demanding connector applications with products that range from miniature PCB-mount devices to high voltage, high current hi-rel solutions.
