ZMA
ZMA

The ZMA connector is a bayonet coupling device. The unique design of this connector provides a high coupling force, which is ideal for extreme vibration applications where insufficient room is available for spring loaded blindmate panels.  This ZMA connector was first developed for an F-22 aircraft application issue where neither a threaded nor a true blindmate connector would work due to space limitation.

The ZMA is a quarter turn coaxial connector that can be mated by hand so that special tooling is not required for proper installation. There are 8 keying arrangements are available to prevent improper mating of assemblies in blind installations. The ZMA connector is designed with electrical performance of 18 GHz, overlapping PTFE dielectrics, and rugged stainless steel body construction appropriate for military applications. The ZMA connector has a gold plated beryllium copper wiping contacts and a corrosion resistant, stainless steel coupling spring. A brass-bodied version is also available for high volume application addressing needs in telecommunications. There is a high power version available for the ZMA connector that can handle 6.7 KW at 2 GHz. The concept is being extended to frequencies above 18 GHz.

 

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Features & Benefits

Four ZMA connector types available:

  • 2.0 GHz, 6.7 kW @ 40,000 ft and 250 W CW
  • 12.4 GHz, stainless steel body for harsh military environments
  • 12.4 GHz, brass body for telecommunications applications

    • Overlapping interface dielectric ideally suited for high-power/high-voltage applications

    • Bayonet coupling installs with just 1/4 turn

    • Internal alignment and spring forces comparable to those of blindmate connectors

    • Mated by hand - no special tooling required

    • 3-lug and 4-lug latching mechanism for mechanical stability

    • Multiple keying options prevent improper mating of assemblies

  • 18 GHz high performance version

 

 

Applications
  • Telecommunications
  • Military systems

 

    Technical Specifications

    General

    Materials

    Steel corrosion resistant per ASTM-A-582 and SAE-AMS-5640, Type 303.

    Beryllium copper per ASTM-B-196.

    PTFE per ASTM-D-1710.

    Finish 

    Center contacts shall be gold plated in accordance with MIL-G-45204, Type I, Grade C.

    All other metal parts shall be finished to meet corrosion requirements.

     

     

    Electrical 

    Insulation Resistance

    10,000 Megohms Min.

    Corona Level

    625 VRMS Low Power; 1,000 VRMS High Power

    DWV

    2,500 VRMS Low Power; 4,000 VRMS High Power

    RF High Potential

    1,675 VRMS Low Power; 2,667 VRMS High Power

    VSWR

    1.15:1, DC-12.4 GHz Low Power; 1.07:1, DC-3 GHz High Power

    RF Leakage

    -90dB Min.

    Insertion loss

    .03 x ? f (GHz) 

    Power Handling (avg.)

    220 Watts Average at 1.3 GHz; 2700 Watts Peak

    Power Handling (pulse)

    6.5 KW at 40,000 ft at 2 GHz; 1 microsecond pulse width;

    1% duty cycle

     

     

    Environmental 

    Vibration

    Specification MIL-STD-202, Method 204, Test Condition D

    Shock

    Specification MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Test Condition I

    Thermal Shock

    Specification MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Test Condition B.

    Corrosion (Salt Spray)

    Specification MIL-STD-202, Method 101, Test Condition B.

    Moisture Resistance

    Specification MIL-STD-202, Method 106.

    No measurements at high humidity. Insulation resistance shall be at least 200 megohms within 5 minutes of removal from humidity.