News

Aiming Higher

Delphi Connection Systems is rapidly expanding its capabilities in the military and aerospace markets, offering streamlined operations and increased quality.

Already the sole supplier of key electrical components for several military programs, including the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle radar system, the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter and the General Dynamics M1 Abrams main battle tank, Delphi Connection Systems' MAC (Military, Aerospace, Commercial) operations is leveraging that expertise to develop even more innovative products for the expanding military and aerospace markets.

"Delphi is very excited about our growing capabilities, which build on our heritage as a reliable supplier to the military and aerospace markets for more than 30 years," said Richard Franzi, general manager, Delphi Connection Systems, noting Delphi's role as a major supplier of flex-based connection systems and electronic enclosures for the military since the 1970s. "That heritage has made us a preferred electrical/electronics partner for many manufacturers of land, sea, and air equipment."

With millions of Delphi flex circuits in the field in applications ranging from military and aerospace to medical—each designed to provide optimum performance in extreme environments while meeting market demands for faster speeds and greater density—Delphi is poised to provide the next generation of interconnects for MAC applications worldwide.

Go West

Delphi Connection Systems will display its capabilities and its electronic enclosures, flexible circuit assemblies, bump flex assemblies, fiber optics, electrical connectors and coaxial cable assemblies at the Western Conference and Exposition (West 2008) in San Diego February 5-7 at booth 2533. West 2008 is the largest event on the West Coast exhibiting communications, electronics, intelligence, information systems, imaging, military weapon systems, aviation, shipbuilding and other similar technologies.

"We're excited about the opportunity to showcase our world-class manufacturing practices and our knowledge of electrical/electronic architecture at one of the most important trade shows of its type," said Franzi. "Our customers, especially in the military market but also to a very strong degree in the aerospace and commercial markets, require rugged products that can perform—and last—in extremely harsh environments. Delphi is dedicated to meeting those requirements, all in a highly cost-effective manner."

	Electronic enclosures.
	Coaxial cable assemblies.
	Flexible circuit assemblies.
	Bump flex assemblies.
	Fiber optics.
	Electrical connectors.

Delphi Connection Systems highlights at West 2008 are:

Electronic enclosures (box assemblies or box builds).

A natural extension of its assembly capabilities, Delphi is able to help customers streamline operations and reduce overall costs by supplying complete, pre-tested electronic enclosure assemblies. Delphi electronic enclosures are ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including instrument panels, relay panels, radar subsystems and communication subsystem assemblies.

Coaxial cable assemblies

Delphi is a leader in supplying robust and reliable coax cable assembly products to global OEMs and is actively pursuing military and aerospace application possibilities.

Flexible circuit assemblies

Delphi flexible circuit assemblies deliver excellent electrical properties in a lightweight, small package resilient to hazardous environments. Delphi credits its electronic and mechanical modeling, environmental validation testing, materials and process improvement, integrated product design, and CAD/CAM services for its ability to offer one of the highest quality flex assemblies available today.

Bump flex assemblies

Simplifying interconnects between printed circuit boards, Delphi bump flex assemblies are available in many configurations for a wide range of customized solutions. This technology enhances the capabilities of flex assemblies by allowing up to 200 contacts per linear inch (25.4 cm) at speeds up to 10 GHz, while reducing board stacking height restrictions to just .0315 inches (0.8 mm).

Fiber optics

Delphi offers a variety of fiber optic connectors specifically designed for use in harsh environments, including a lineup of connectors that meet military specifications for land, sea and air applications.

Electrical connectors

Designed to meet many military applications, Delphi is positioned to provide electrical connectors for virtually any application.

Making it Happen

All of Delphi Connection Systems' contributions to the MAC market originate at one of its three world-class facilities dedicated to development and manufacture of MAC products. Located in Irvine, California; Tijuana, Mexico; and Landrum, South Carolina, each facility houses staff and equipment committed to providing customers with quality, durable, long-lasting products that stand up to the unique requirements of the MAC market.

Delphi Connection Systems' Irvine facility serves as the headquarters of Delphi's MAC operations and houses its engineering, testing and customer service areas. A fully certified MIL-STD-790 reliability test lab can perform a wide range of electrical, mechanical and environmental tests on-site.

The Tijuana location has been in operation for 30 years and is the Delphi Connection Systems MAC operations North American manufacturing/assembly center. The ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) licensed and compliant facility fosters lean manufacturing principles and is the recipient of six quality and environmental certifications, including AS9100 certification, a quality management system standard specific to the aerospace industry. Delphi's Tijuana facility also has operators certified to J-STD-2000.

Soaring Growth

With decades of experience developing innovative products for the military and commercial interconnect markets, it's little wonder Delphi Connection Systems continues to generate innovative systems that meet the unique—and changing—demands of these high-tech fields.

In just the past few years, Delphi Connection Systems' MAC operations have seen significant growth. In fact, Delphi Connection Systems' revenue in this area increased by more than 20 percent since 2005. And as Delphi's capabilities become even better known in the industry, Franzi expects momentum to continue and even more opportunities for Delphi to excel.

"Our unique ability to provide turnkey interconnect solutions truly resonates with our military, aerospace and commercial customers," said Franzi. "With our extensive design, development, manufacturing, assembly and in-house testing capabilities, Delphi is the clear choice for many of the world's leading military and aerospace companies, and we are thrilled to demonstrate our portfolio at the West 2008 show and beyond."

Be sure to visit booth 2533 at West 2008 in San Diego from February 5-7 to have a firsthand look at Delphi's quality, durable and expanding product portfolio.