I'm working on a flight computer system ( primarily for high powered rocketry ) and my current issue is finding the best connector for the communication system. The modules will be connected through a CAN bus ( running at full 1Mbps ) so at a minimum I need three signal lines ( twisted pair ) and shielded cable. The other requirements are small size and weight of the connector along with polarization and positive locking.
Since a rocket can accelerate at greater than 20 gees, positive locking is a necessity. I have considered both connector integral locking, and external locking ( something like rectangular IDC connectors with a custom lock, and for simplicity sake I prefer locking integral to the connector if possible. But here's the real problem. With any luck the system will be able to fit in a minimum diameter 38mm rocket. The board with the largest number of CAN connections ( up to 8 ) will need to fit into a cylinder of 38mm diameter. That knocks out standard DB-9 connectors and even RJ-45 which could be nice otherwise.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I'm running out of ideas myself.
Martin Jay McKee
