Cable connectors and their seals are often the most significant points of failure, particularly over prolonged periods of time. This is unacceptable in the extreme conditions under which military operations may take place, such as immersion in water, exposure to dirt and dust, high humidity, extreme temperatures, shock and vibration. ODU offers a wide variety of connector families, many of which are capable of operating in harsh environments. Among them are the ODU AMC and ODU MINI-SNAP series.

ODU ensures overmoulding according to international standards and beyond, using special overmoulding technology to guarantee watertight and dirt-proof seals where an ODU connector is mated with its receptacle. A combination of O-rings, potting and overmoulding enable products to meet the IP68 specification.

ODU has raised the bar by defining waterproof products as being capable of immersion at a depth of 2m for at least 24 hours, in accordance with the IEC 60529:2013 standard. Some members of the ODU AMC family even meet the more rigorous IP69 specification, which involves the ability to withstand high-pressure jets from a steam cleaner. Although push-pull connectors such as the ODU AMC and ODU MINI-SNAP are not specifically covered in MIL DTL 38999, these ODU connector families actually outperform the MIL specification in various areas.

For customers who require true hermetically sealed (gastight) connectors, ODU offers customised solutions where sealing techniques using glass-to-metal seals are incorporated in the product.

ODU ensures overmoulding according to international standards and beyond, using special overmoulding technology to guarantee watertight and dirt-proof seals where a connector is mated with its receptacle.

ODU connectors have been adopted by numerous equipment manufacturers due to the outstanding reliability of their seals in harsh-environment applications.

Reliable tactical communication

Poor-quality reception, listening fatigue and constantly having to wear a headset – these are common issues associated with military communication systems. To address this challenge, ODU collaborated with a special US Navy unit to develop an advanced headset system.

Combining a watertight, noise-absorbing microphone with bone conductors and electronic headphones, the system enables users to remove the headphones with ease while radio reception continues uninterrupted for the very first time. This is made possible by bone conductors that transmit radio communication directly into the inner ear through the bones of the skull. An ODU AMC connector ensures reliable transmission of the signals and connects the headset with push-to-talk housing. This solution offers a non-reflective surface, IP68-standard watertightness, durability of up to 5,000 mating cycles, and a breakaway function that protects the connected equipment in the event of the cable or any component becoming snagged on an immovable object. It allows easy disconnection of the connector with one pull of the cable. The ease of handling and reliability enable the headset to fully meet the requirements of military and security technology.

Future Soldier Radio

FSR (Future Soldier Radio) is a compact dual-band radio for use in military and security technology applications. It is reliable and lightweight, uses very little power, has integrated GPS and can handle extreme environmental conditions. FSR meets the most demanding military standards for electrical, mechanical and environmental conditions. A ten-pole ODU AMC Easy-Clean plug connector is used to connect the radio’s headset to the function selector unit. The plug is overmoulded to meet IP68 specification and offer a flexible bend relief in order to protect the cable in use.

When selecting electronic equipment that may be exposed to harsh environments, it is important to consider every point of possible leakage between the exterior and interior of the equipment. To meet customer requirements, ODU offers customised overmoulding solutions designed to exceed international performance standards.

Global representation with perfect connections

ODU is one of the world’s leading suppliers of connector systems, employing 1,650 people around the world, including 110 trainees for eight different occupational fields. Aside from its company headquarters in Mühldorf am Inn, Germany, ODU Group also has production sites in Sibiu, Romania; Camarillo, US; Tijuana, Mexico; and Shanghai, China.

ODU covers all relevant areas of expertise and key technologies around design and development; machinetool and special-machine construction; injection; stamping; turning; surface technology; assembly; and cable assembly. ODU Group sells its products globally through an international distribution network including eight subsidiaries in Denmark, UK, France, Italy, Sweden, US, China and Japan, along with numerous worldwide sales partners.

When selecting electronic equipment that may be exposed to harsh environments, it is important to consider every point of possible leakage.

ODU connectors ensure the reliable transmission of power, signals, data and media in a variety of demanding applications, including medical technology; military and security; e-mobility; energy; industrial electronics; and measurement and testing.