MIL-PRF-83513, Microminiature Connectors

1) CAUTION!!! Some M83513 type connectors have the option of being supplied with pre-terminated crosslinked ETFE (Tefzel™) insulated wire pigtails. Users are advised thate some fluoropolymer insulation materials such as ETFE may outgas trace amounts of fluorine over time. NASA GSFC Advisory NA-GSFC-2003-03 (Dec. 2002) addresses corrosion concerns for metal shell connectors (especially microminiature and nanominiature types) and contacts that are terminated with fluoropolymer insulated wire AND stored in sealed plastic/metal bags for several months or longer. In sealed packages, Fluorine that is outgassed may react with moisture to form highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid. This acid is capable of corroding metals such as Nickel and Gold which are commonly used finishes for spaceflight connectors and contacts.

As a precaution for all flight hardware with pre-wired connector assemblies, the following mitigations are recommended by NA-GSFC-2003-03:

Projects should inspect the connectors upon receipt (both the shell and contacts) using appropriate magnification to
verify that there is no corrosion. The existing inventory of pre-wired connector assemblies should be reinspected. In
addition, all assemblies should be inspected before use. Inspect for darkening of the shiny metal surfaces. All
connector interfaces should be covered with protective dust covers. For assemblies that have already been integrated
into flight hardware and that were inspected and found to be acceptable before mating, there should be no concern for
subsequent malfunction.
The pre-wired connector assemblies should be removed from sealed bags and stored in open packages that will allow
any reactive fluorine compound (s) to escape. Connector assemblies should be stored in a controlled humidity
environment. The preferable storage area for pre-wired connector assemblies would be in a dry nitrogen atmosphere.

2) Connectors are preferred for use in Level 2 applications. The following additional testing is recommended for Level 1 applications:

3) MIL-PRF-83513 metal shell receptacle connectors contain a thin silicone rubber or fluorosilicone rubber interface seal. The silicone rubber type may represent an outgassing concern. The seals are pressed in place and may be carefully removed to avoid outgassing. Otherwise, additional processing such as a bake may be required to control outgassing. All other materials have good outgassing characteristics.

4) All contacts are on .050 inch centers between contacts and are size 24. PC terminations are solid No. 24 AWG copper wire.

5) MIL-PRF-83513/10 through /15 narrow profile printed circuit connectors have contact terminations arranged so that additional rows are used in order to reduce overall connector length. Clearance for additional rows of right angle leads is accomplished by the manufacturer orienting the insert 180° from normal so that the wide row becomes the bottom row rather than the top row.

6) Metal shell connectors are not intermateable with plastic shell connectors.

7) For MIL-PRF-83513/1 through /4 and /6 through /9, mounting hardware must be supplied separately. For insert arrangements A through G, use MIL-PRF-83513/5 configurations A or B. For insert arrangement H, use MIL-PRF-83513/5 configuration C.

8) For connectors supplied with wire pigtails:
In a memo dated October 27, 1997, DSCC granted permission to all MIL-PRF-83513 QPL manufacturers to supply /3 and /4 connectors with M22759/11-26-X PTFE Teflon insulated wire when shell finish "N" is specified. Previously, the specifications were interpreted to mean that when finish "N" and M22759/11-26-X are specified, M22759/33-26-X would be provided in lieu of M22759/11-26-X.

For space flight the appropriate dash numbers that specify M22759/33-26-X should be selected over M22759/11-26-X.

The use of M22759/11-26-X PTFE Teflon insulated wire represents a few problems for space flight use:

9) Connectors terminated with 26 AWG leads may not meet design standards of NASA Technical Standard NASA-STD-8739.4 which prefers the use of 24 AWG or larger conductors in interconnect cables.

10) Optional color coding in accordance with MIL-STD-681, as modified by detail specification, may be used.

11) Insert arrangement Code H (100 contacts) is not applicable to plastic shell connectors (M83513/6 through M83513/9).