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Connectivity-by-design Unleashes Unlimited Freedom

Fischer FreedomTM is a versatile technology platform and innovation enabler in connectivity – optimising SWaP (Size, Weight and Power), cable management, electronic network integration and wearable technology for defence applications, and especially for dismounted soldier systems

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The Fischer LP360TM panel plug enables quick, easy interconnection, fastening and optimised cable management for direct integration into compact devices, wearables and electronic ecosystems. Here shown integrated into a body camera allowing it to be plugged into a receptacle sewn on the tactical vest. Above: two mated cabled plugs and panel receptacles.

The Fischer LP360TM panel plug enables quick, easy interconnection, fastening and optimised cable management for direct integration into compact devices, wearables and electronic ecosystems. Here shown integrated into a body camera allowing it to be plugged into a receptacle sewn on the tactical vest. Above: two mated cabled plugs and panel receptacles.

Connectivity design for defence applications needs to start as early as possible in the device design process, keeping the end user in mind – protecting and empowering soldiers, making them more agile, situationally aware and effective on a mission. Connectivity-by-design means focusing on connectivity upstream as an enabler – first identifying connectivity needs and solutions – and then designing the device downstream. To do this, design engineers and integrators urgently need powerful tools that unleash multiple connectivity opportunities to maximise the multifunctionality, interoperability and usability of their electronic devices and ecosystems. To make design engineers’ lives easier, Fischer Connectors has added new capabilities to the Fischer FreedomTM Series, a versatile and modular technology platform that facilitates integration and accelerates the development of new systems and active solutions.

Following the launch in 2018 of the product line’s first connector – the low-profile Fischer LP360TM 7-pin cabled plug and panel receptacle with easy mating (360-degree mating freedom), easy cleaning and easy integration –, the Fischer FreedomTM Series has now been extended with nine new products built on this ground-breaking plug & use connectivity technology.

All meet rigorous electrical, mechanical and environmental product qualification and testing in line with military specifications. Engineered to last, these products open up unlimited opportunities for designers to increase functionality, streamline cables and connectors, and reduce weight – plus for soldiers to benefit from modularity, optimized cable management and 360-blind-mating freedom.

Fischer FreedomTM: the Fischer LP360TM connector in metal, size 14, with 7 signal and power contacts (cabled plug and panel receptacle on top) launched in June 2018 at Eurosatory, and its 9 new products launched in September 2019 at DSEI. (Number references in text.)

The Fischer LP360TM panel plug enables quick, easy interconnection, fastening and optimised cable management for direct integration into compact devices, wearables and electronic ecosystems. Here shown integrated into a body camera allowing it to be plugged into a receptacle sewn on the tactical vest. Above: two mated cabled plugs and panel receptacles.

The Fischer LP360TM receptacle in size 14 now comes in a ready-to-use cabled version (no. 1 on photo). IP68-sealed and EMI-shielded, it is easy to mount onto the panels of military equipment, or to integrate into tactical vests and backpacks (MOLLE/PALS compatible). Designed with no sharp edges, it is also easy to insert and remove in the field, even with gloves.

The Fischer LP360TM panel plug in size 14 (no. 2) and size 08 (no. 9) is a versatile electronic network enabler. When directly integrated into the housing of a device (radios, sensors, cameras, etc.), it connects easily to the receptacle on dismounted soldiers’ smart tactical vests (see photo). This connectivity solution offers several benefits to both design engineers and end users. It makes fastening easy, reduces and even eliminates cables, and above all allows more wearable technology to be integrated into military gear, while reducing weight and simplifying use. By directly integrating the connector plug into their housing, sensors and communications devices are made smaller and lighter as their power source and comms system can be relocated to the common power and data bus shared within the smart vest. The plug is built to last over a minimum of 10,000 mating cycles and 5,000 rotations, which enhances sustainability. Membrane-sealed contacts ensure easy cleaning, as well as protection from dust and sand.

To pave the way for further innovative solutions that fit flawlessly into electronic networks with distributed power and data, Fischer Connectors’ R&D engineers have designed three active devices with the Fischer LP360TM panel plug directly integrated into their housing for optimal functionality, operability and usability. All come in size 14 with 7 contacts, and are lightweight, compact and low profile.

The handy Fischer LP360TM USB 2.0 adaptor (no. 3) serves as an interface bridge from LP360TM connectors to any USB application. It offers easy connectivity, network testing and charging in the field, e.g. to charge smartphones or tablets.

The Fischer LP360TM LED (no. 4) can be used as an IFF-type tool (Identification Friend or Foe) that increases security and visibility. It can also give immediate visual indication for power testing. Rugged, IP68-sealed to 20m/24h and resistant to corrosion, vibration and extreme temperatures, it is ultra-easy to use as it features, like all the new Fischer LP360TM products, the breakthrough blind-mate, non-magnetic quick-release locking mechanism and plug & use technology.

The removable Fischer LP360TM Rugged Flash Drive (no. 5), with storage capacities of 32 GB and 256 GB, ensures secure data storage and transport and is easy to use. Field deployable, it is useful as an external memory for rugged computing or dismounted soldier systems on the go. Specially designed for harsh and high-vibration environments, IP68-sealed to 20m/24h, it has a lower cantilever for enhanced mechanical robustness.

To meet further SWaP requirements in line with the Generic Soldier Architecture (GSA), the Fischer LP360TM is available with new body sizes and contact configurations, and in a new material.

The connector in plastic (high-end composite based on PEEK), in size 08 with cabled plug (no. 6) and panel receptacle (no. 7), has 4 signal and power contacts – up to two 5A power and two 1A signal contacts, up to 24AWG compatible with USB 2.0 and Ethernet data protocols. 50% lighter than the metal version, it saves weight while still meeting high quality and durability standards. IP67-sealed mated and unmated, it operates in temperatures of -40°C to +85°C (connector only), lasting for a minimum of 5,000 mating cycles and 2,500 rotations. It is ideal for, among other military applications, ballistic or headset connections for weapon fire control.

As for the panel receptacle (no. 8) and panel plug (no. 9) in size 08 in metal, they combine the same small size and contact configuration as the plastic versions with the same ruggedness and durability as the metal connector in size 14 – over 10,000 mating cycles, IP68 sealing, operating temperature range of -55°C to +135°C and EMI shielding, to name only a few features making them ideal for use in extreme environments.

These nine new products make the Fischer FreedomTM technology platform even more versatile. Design engineers now have the set of tools they need to reimagine connectivity. Taking off from the Fischer FreedomTM launch pad, they have unlimited freedom to design smarter, more responsive and more effective systems or devices that radically enhance military capabilities. And there is even more to come from Fischer Connectors’ R&D in the next few months.

Author: Vital Thiébaud,
Fischer Connectors’ Head of Product Management

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www.fischerconnectors.com

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