Learning the Ins and Outs of MIL-STD-1553 Connectors

MilesTek carries more than 30 types of connectors for MIL-STD-1553 applications. Do you need solder/clamp or full crimp? Bayonet or threaded? Straight or right-angle plugs? To simplify your search, this blog post explains the features of the connectors that are used with most of our popular 1553 twinaxial cables.

Bayonet-style connectors provide a secure coupling and are easier to attach, especially when you’re working in a small space. (See TRB below.)

Bend relief on a connector is a steel spring that minimizes cable damage when the cable’s minimum bend radius is exceeded. The spring allows the cable to gently hang at a wider angle and it reduces stress on the termination point.

Bulkhead jacks are mounted to a panel or enclosure. These connectors are insulated and will use an independent signal from the panel’s common signal (if present).

Cable diameter. Most of our connectors mate with two types of cable: 30-02001 (0.242-inch diameter) or 30-02003 (0.150-inch). Both are standard, laboratory-rated, twinaxial cable well suited for MIL-STD-1553 applications.

A feed-thru jack is fed from the rear of a panel to the front, secured with a washer. Each end features a jack where a cable assembly can be connected.

Full-crimp cable plugs require crimping tools to install but provide an extra strong connection built to withstand severe shock and vibration.

A jack is a female connector.

A non-isolated connector is not isolated/insulated from the panel it is mounted to. It will be affected by the common signal of the panel and will conduct it.

A plug is a male connector.

Right-angle plugs allow you to plug in closer to walls without bending or damaging cords, as compared to straight plugs. Right-angle plugs also offer flexibility in where your cords are directed and are less likely to be accidentally unplugged.

Solder/clamp plugs have a clamp nut that makes it easy to secure the plug to the cable assembly with conventional soldering tools and equipment.

Threaded connectors are a straightforward design useful in many applications but not quite as reliable under extreme conditions as bayonet mounts.

TRB is a style of connector with a locking bayonet design to withstand shocks and vibrations. Most of our connector’s lock with either two or three slots or lugs.

With over 30 years of experience, MilesTek has built its inventory to address military avionics, aerospace, industrial and government project requirements. For your urgent project needs, our MIL-STD-1553 Connectors have same-day shipping.

Feel free to contact our U.S.-based sales team at sales@milestek.com or 1-866-484-4136.

April 5, 2022