TE Connectivity’s electromechanical relays and solid state relays are specifically engineered to operate in extremely harsh environments. These aerospace and military aircraft relays are available in various sizes, including TO-5, 1/6th, 1/5 size (.150 grid), ½ size crystal can, and full-size 2, 5, 10, and 25 amp devices, generally hermetically sealed for contaminant-free operation.
Our portfolio includes mil-spec solid state relays (SSRs) that are MIL-qualified to Specifications such as M28750 and M28776. These SSRs can address similar electrical and environmental conditions as our electromechanical relays. Additionally, our defense relays portfolio includes CII low-signal and mid-range relays as well as HARTMAN AC and DC relays.
At TE, we offer extensive capabilities in designing and manufacturing relays, contactors, solenoids and power distribution units for use in demanding, high performance applications. Whether you need commercial off-the-shelf products, or components that must meet stringent military specifications, or even highly specialized, custom-designed products, we can help you address your requirements.
We offer a variety of relay solutions for high reliability and space environments. Our space products begin as relays manufactured to established QPL mil specs, then tailored to the customer’s specific application needs. Clean room construction, highly controlled processes, tracking and serialization of data, quality audits throughout the manufacturing cycle, along with extensive product testing.
Our DC relay has a single wire coil wound around the iron core to make the electromagnet. When the coil is energized, the magnetism generating is steady because the current is continuous. Once the current is turned off and the iron core is no longer magnetized, the spring-loaded lever returns to a relaxed position and its contacts switch to their prior position.
A single pole relay is a single circuit contact arrangement that denotes a connection in one position, or another connection to a common state. Industrial relays are used in production lines, robotics, elevators, control panels, CNC machines, motion control systems, lighting, building systems, solar, HVAC, and an array of safety-critical applications.
Our portfolio of high-voltage switching devices also includes lightweight, small, and efficient AC and DC contactors for aerospace commercial and military electrical power systems. These contactors are available in multiple contact configurations, current/voltage ratings, auxiliary contact configurations, and mounting styles. We offer the technical experience, knowledge, and capability to help customers address demanding requirements.
Our HARTMAN AC and DC contactors are lightweight and environmentally (gasket) sealed. Hermetically sealed enclosures are available for some of the most severe environmental conditions or altitudes above 50,000 feet. Multiple main contact configurations and auxiliary contact configurations are available. AC and DC contactors are designed to meet the applicable requirements of MILPRF-6106 and/or specific customer specifications.
This catalog features our product line with switching capabilities from dry circuit up through 1000 A. Some relays are capable of switching up to 6 GHz signals, while others can handle voltages up to 70 kV. Other types combine solid-state circuits with electromechanical or solid state outputs to create timers, sensors, monitors and controllers. And they are specifically designed for operation in extremes of temperature, shock, vibration and altitude. Our portfolio features respected brands for high performance switching solutions: CII, HARTMAN, and KILOVAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aerospace and Mil-Aircraft Relays and Contactors
Q: What are the differences between TE's CII, Hartman, and Kilovac brands?
A: Our CII line of products covers DC and AC relays, ranging from signal level to 50A hermetically sealed relays, otherwise known as “mid-range” products. Included in this category are TO-5 style relays, crystal can relays, time delay relays, and MIL-qualified products. Our Hartman portfolio provides both DC and AC contactors ranging from 25A to 1000A. Included in this category are 1PST to 3PDT environmentally seal devices. Our Kilovac brand covers high voltage DC hermetically sealed relays and contactors. Included in this category are 270Vdc to 70 KVdc devices from a few amps to 1000A.
Q: How do TE industrial relays compare to high-performance relays?
A: Industrial products (Potter & Brumfield, Axicom, and Schrack) will typically have a UL or CSA rating. High-performance products (CII, HARTMAN, and Kilovac) will be generally screened to a MIL or custom baseline test procedure, or qualified to M6106, M83726, or M83536. Industrial products are typically plastic-cased and unsealed. High-performance products are generally hermetically/environmentally sealed with a metal housing. Industrial relays are typically used in appliance, automotive, computer, and/or consumer products. High-performance devices are generally used in medical, aerospace, military, and harsh/high reliability environments.
Q. What makes CII low signal relays ideal for aerospace applications?
Our CII low signal electromechanical relays are designed and built to perform under some of the most demanding environmental conditions in aerospace applications. Relays are rated from signal level up to 10 amps switching in a variety of package sizes, mounting configurations, and termination options. There are both non-latching and latching designs. Standard, bifilar, and sensitive coils are available with optional diode suppression.
Q. What advantages do CII mid-range relays bring to aircraft applications?
Our CII mid-range relays offer critical size and weight savings in aircraft applications by providing efficient power switching in a compact package. Relays vary in size from the compact 5 amp package all the way up to a 50 amp version in a 1 inch cube enclosure. Our balanced force design provides the benefit of consistently high contact pressure, reduced bounce, and less arching leading to extended contact life. A variety of coil options are available which allow the AC or DC control.
