Blind mate connector
Encyclopedia
Definition
A blind mate connector is one in which the mating action happens where you can't see or feel it to ensure that it is correctly aligned. They have self-aligning features which allows a small misalignment when mating.Usage
Typically blind mate connectors are used on the back of interface cards that are plugged into a chassis.They can be used to provide electrical power or signals.
Blind mate RF connector
RF connector
A coaxial RF connector is an electrical connector designed to work at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range.RF connectors are typically used with coaxial cables and are designed to maintain the shielding that the coaxial design offers. Better models also minimize the change in transmission...
s can be used in test equipment racks, where equipment must slide in and make connections inside the cabinet. A good example is the old HP plug-in style sweepers, where you could change out the oscillator, without any tools.
Optical signals can also be connected using blind mate connectors providing the capability to link fibre optics on a plug-in card to an optical backplane, or through an optical midplane
MIL-DTL-83538 General Specification for Connectors
Electrical connector
An electrical connector is an electro-mechanical device for joining electrical circuits as an interface using a mechanical assembly. The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or...
, and Accessories, Electrical, Circular, Umbilical, Environment Resistant, Removable Crimp Contacts for MIL-STD-1760
MIL-STD-1760
MIL-STD-1760 Aircraft/Store Electrical Interconnection System defines a standardized electrical interface between a military aircraft and its carriage stores. Carriage stores range from weapons, such as GBU-31 JDAM, to pods, such as AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRN, to external fuel tanks...
Applications (Metric). The connector assembly provides the necessary connections required to meet MIL-STD-1760, class I electrical interface between stores and their associated launchers using a "blind mating" mechanism.