Meeting Critical Demand in the Aerospace and Defense Sectors

According to the 2025 Aerospace and Defense Industry Outlook published by Deloitte, the commercial aerospace industry was expected to grow 11.6% in 2024, while defense expenditures exceeded 2.4 trillion USD in 2023 (per the most recent data available). The upward trajectory of expenditures and growth rates in these markets are expected to continue well into the future.

Technological Advancements Fuel Growth in Electronics

The three primary trends in the aerospace industry fueling growth in electronics are electric propulsion, autonomous systems and IoT-enabled, real-time analytics. With goals for efficiency, reduced emissions and manageable operating costs, there is a need for connectors that can handle high-speed data, manage real-time data flows, provide advanced diagnostics and deliver stable power while meeting stringent safety and compliance standards.

The defense landscape is moving into the digital realm, where connectivity and cybersecurity are essential. To address these requirements, defense organizations require secure data transmission, advanced autonomous systems and robust supply chain visibility. Filtered connectors help safeguard communications from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI), while ruggedized components ensure reliability across autonomous systems. Additionally, real-time tracking technologies and diversified sourcing are becoming increasingly critical.

Connectivity Solutions

These environments require advanced connectivity solutions that integrate seamlessly with current infrastructure to achieve their critical outcomes. To meet this growing demand, an expanded selection of Molex products is now available through DigiKey. This includes our EMI/RFI-shielded products, designed to protect critical avionics and communications systems. And, coming soon will be the full spectrum of aerospace and defense solutions available from AirBorn, Inc., a Molex Company, following the acquisition that closed in early December.

Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators

Delivering precise signal power control and exceptional signal integrity, Fixed RF Coaxial Attenuators (Figure 1) provide accuracy and durability to ensure consistent long-term performance. The attenuators are ideal for a wide range of aerospace and defense applications that require reliable accuracy in harsh conditions. They are available with various connector types, fixed attenuation values and frequency ranges

Figure 1: Typical Molex fixed RF coaxial attenuator. (Image source: Molex)

ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES

• Ensures precise attenuation for a wide frequency range
• Simplifies system design with a range of options
• Provides exceptional durability and environmental resilience
• Delivers reliable power handling up to 100 W
• Offers vertical integration
• Enables compatibility with various RF connector types

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

• Counter-IED systems
• Electronic warfare systems
• Global positioning system (GPS) devices
• Military aircraft
• Military radios
• Missile defense systems
• Radar systems
• SATCOM uplinks
• Ship signal exploitation devices
• Simulation systems

RF Coaxial Terminations

RF Coaxial Terminations (Figure 2) provide superior heat dissipation at power levels up to 50 W, deliver precision impedance matching, support frequencies from DC to 40 GHz and offer robust long-term reliability. The terminations help optimize signal integrity and power transfer in high-frequency applications and demanding environments required for peak performance in aerospace and defense applications.

Figure 2: Typical Molex RF coaxial termination. (Image source: Molex)

ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES

• Offers exceptional durability and environmental resilience
• Enables compatibility with various RF connector types
• Provides high performance for precision applications
• Delivers reliable power handling
• Offers vertical integration
• Simplifies system design with a range of options

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

• Counter-IED systems
• Electronic warfare systems
• Global positioning system (GPS) devices
• Military aircraft
• Military radios
• Missile defense systems
• Radar systems
• SATCOM uplinks
• Ship signal exploitation devices
• Simulation systems

EMI Filter Plates

EMI Filter Plates (Figure 3) deliver advanced protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) for high-performance systems, enhance reliability and system performance by helping safeguard critical components and optimize functionality across multiple lines. Compliant with stringent industry standards, EMI Filter Plates are ideal for the harsh environments encountered in the aerospace and defense industries.

Figure 3: Typical Molex EMI filter plate. (Image source: Molex)

ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES

• Simplifies assembly operations
• Delivers long-term reliability in harsh conditions
• Enhances design flexibility with multiple configurations
• Maximizes space on the PCB
• Protects electronic components against damage
• Reduces installation time and cost

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

• Backup engine controllers for ships
• Engine controls
• Flight instruments
• Military global positioning system—inertial measurement units
• Navigation equipment
• Night vision sensors
• Tactical weapons
• Target acquisition systems

EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors

Compact and highly efficient, EMI-Filtered D-Sub Pi Adapters and Connectors (Figure 4) provide a reliable solution to mitigate EMI in the demanding environmental electronic systems found in aerospace and defense applications. These products enhance signal integrity (SI), comply with regulatory standards and offer a versatile space-saving design that simplifies implementation while improving the overall performance and reliability of system applications.

Figure 4: Typical Molex EMI-filtered D-Sub connector. (Image source: Molex)

ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES

• Provides efficient space utilization
• Withstands lightning and AC transient environment conditions (up to DO160 Level IV)
• Enhances high-frequency performance
• Promotes consistent performance with power and signal filtering in a single package
• Offers time-saving vertical integration

• Enables superior performance and minimal impedance compared to onboard filter with high impedance
• Provides versatility for ease of design
• Saves printed circuit board space

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

• Flight controls
• Engine controls
• Navigation systems
• Tactical weapons
• Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
• Flight controls
• Target acquisition systems
• Night vision sensors
• Airborne radios

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with strict aerospace and defense mandates requires robust design and rigorous testing. Connectors and components must adhere to AS9100, MIL-SPEC and DO-160 standards to ensure safety and reliability in extreme environments. Molex engineers and compliance experts perform these tasks to ensure our products meet these stringent requirements.

Conclusion

The Molex and DigiKey distribution relationship supports aerospace and defense system architects by providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions that meet or exceed regulatory standards. Our joint expertise in EMI and RFI-shielded products allows customers to tackle complex design challenges, enhance safety and gain a competitive edge in the aerospace and defense sectors.