The term Circular Connector applies to any electrical connector possessing multipin interconnects with cylindrical contact housings and circular contact interface geometries. Circular connectors are selected for ease of engagement and disengagement, their ability to conveniently house different types of contacts, their wide range of allowable contact voltages and currents, their ease of environmental sealing and their rugged mechanical performance. In military, aerospace, and other high-reliability applications, the MIL-DTL-5015 and MIL-DTL-38999 are among the most commonly specified types. The primary disadvantage of the circular design is loss of panel space when used in arrays when compared to rectangular connectors.
The dimensions and construction of the CONEC Circular Connector/ SAL connector series comply with IEC 61076-2-101. Circular Connectors are used in many applications in the field of automation technology, e.g. for simple signal transmission and power transmission or for data communication in field bus technology. The series comprises connectors with integral wires and field attachable constructions with different connection types in axial and angled configurations. A comprehensive range of Sockets is available for the device.
Interfacial Seal is an elastomeric seal for mated connectors and their individual contacts. "Cork & bottle" seals feature a raised shoulder around each pin contact that compresses into a corresponding hole on the socket contact insulator.
Plug refers to the half of a connector pair designed to attach to a wire or cable; as opposed to the Receptacle half which is typically mounted to a bulkhead, panel or box. Even though plugs are usually thought of having male (pin) contacts, they can in fact house any type of contact—pins, sockets or even both. Therefore, it is the design and location of the connector which makes it a plug, not the gender of its contacts.
Polarization refers to design features on mating connectors—such as keyways or shell geometries—to insure connectors can be mated in only one possible orientation. Often a key or dog use a short pin that slides into a corresponding slot or keyway is used to guide the plug and receptacle together during mating to insure polarization of the mating contacts. Guide pins can also be used to insure correct polarization.