WS Series EMI-Shielded Connectors for Shipborne Radar

PC Series Circular Connector Types and Specifications

How to Make Shipborne Radar Connectors Resistant to Electromagnetic Interference

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can distort radar signals, reduce detection accuracy, and cause false readings on shipborne systems. The connector is a critical link in the signal path, and its shielding design directly affects radar performance in the presence of onboard and external electromagnetic sources.

Key Shielding Requirements for Shipborne Radar Connectors

To maintain signal integrity in a shipboard environment, the connector must address both radiated and conducted interference. The WS series aviation connectors are designed for this purpose, offering a shielding effectiveness of ≥80 dB and compliance with MIL-STD-461G. This standard defines emission and susceptibility limits for military and marine electronic equipment, making it a relevant benchmark for naval radar applications.

Material and Construction Choices That Improve EMI Resistance

The shell material plays a major role in shielding performance. WS series connectors use nickel-plated brass shells, which provide better electromagnetic shielding than standard aluminum housings. The plating also improves corrosion resistance in a saltwater marine atmosphere.

In addition to the shell, the cable assembly must include double-layer shielding: an inner aluminum foil layer combined with an outer braided mesh, achieving a coverage rate of ≥95%. This construction reduces both high-frequency leakage and low-frequency coupling, which is essential when the connector is routed near other ship systems.

Electrical and Operational Limits to Consider

When selecting a connector for a shipborne radar, verify the following parameters against your system requirements:

• Frequency range: WS series connectors support signals up to 6 GHz, which covers typical marine radar operating bands.
• Detection accuracy: With proper shielding, the detection distance error is maintained at ≤5%, assuming the rest of the RF chain is correctly terminated and grounded.
• Interference sources: The connector must suppress interference from the radar's own high-frequency emissions as well as from nearby navigation and communication equipment.

Installation and Grounding Notes

Shielding effectiveness is only as good as the installation. Ensure the connector backshell is properly terminated to the cable shield and that the mating surfaces are clean and free of corrosion. A poor ground connection or an incomplete shield termination can reduce the effective shielding below the rated value, even if the connector itself meets the specification.

For applications where the radar is mounted in a high-vibration area, confirm that the connector's coupling mechanism and cable strain relief are suitable for the mechanical environment. The WS series is designed for marine use, but installation practices still affect long-term reliability.

Selection Checklist for EMI-Resistant Radar Connectors

• Confirm the required shielding effectiveness (≥80 dB for WS series) against your system's EMI budget.
• Verify the frequency range (≤6 GHz) matches your radar's operating band.
• Check that the shell material and plating are compatible with the marine environment (nickel-plated brass is preferred).
• Ensure the cable assembly includes double-layer shielding with ≥95% coverage.
• Review the grounding and termination requirements for your specific cable routing.

For a broader view of circular connector options suitable for high-reliability systems, see the 12G 2-10 Pin Aviation Circular Connector for High-Reliability Systems. If you are comparing shielding performance across different series, the PC Series Circular Connector Types and Specifications provides additional reference data.