Sealed Connectors

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Cat Products Name Material Price
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-001 4-Pin Bulkhead Connector (Micro) SS316L/Neoprene Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-002 Gigabit Ethernet Subsea Connector Titanium Shell Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-003 3-Pin High Power Connector Peek/SS316 Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-004 Single Mode Optical Penetrator Titanium Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-005 8-Pin In-Line Rubber Molded Neoprene Rubber Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-006 Ethernet Series Waterproof Connector Flexible Neoprene and Polyurethane (PUR) Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-007 Rubber-Plastic Waterproof Electrical Connector High-grade neoprene and several different housing materials; PTFE tailing; POM or stainless steel locking cap; Neoprene/Polyurethane cable Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-008 Flat Series Waterproof Connector High-grade Neoprene Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-009 Coaxial Series Waterproof Connector Flexible Neoprene/Polyurethane Request a Quote
AIMRSE-ROV-CON-010 Power Series Waterproof Connector Polyoxymethylene (POM) or stainless steel Request a Quote
The Nervous System of the Abyss: In subsea engineering, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link—and historically, that link has been the connector. At AIMRSE, we view Sealed Connectors not merely as accessories, but as critical infrastructure. They are the guardians of power and data in environments where saltwater acts as a relentless, conductive electrolyte. From powering megawatt-class trenching ROVs to transmitting uncompressed 4K video from benthic landers, our interconnection solutions are engineered to withstand hydrostatic pressures up to 16,500 PSI (11,000m) while maintaining perfect electrical isolation.

The Physics of Subsea Sealing

Creating a reliable seal at 6,000 meters depth requires mastering the behavior of elastomers under extreme compression. AIMRSE connectors utilize a multi-redundant sealing philosophy. Unlike standard industrial connectors that rely on a single O-ring, our subsea series employs Dual-Piston Geometries and Face Seal Architectures. This ensures that as external pressure increases, the sealing force actually intensifies—a principle known as self-energizing sealing.

AIMRSE Connector Cross Section Sealing Technology

For our Wet-Mate series, we utilize advanced oil-filled, pressure-balanced chambers. When the connector is mated underwater, a shuttle mechanism displaces the seawater and wipes the contact pins clean in a bath of dielectric oil before electrical engagement occurs. This technology provides extended mating durability (>2,000 cycles) on the seabed, enabling modular ROV tooling changes and permanent underwater observatory maintenance.

Glass-to-Metal Sealing

True hermetic sealing achieved by fusing glass directly to the metal shell, creating a molecular bond that is impervious to Helium and water molecules.

Impedance Matching

Engineered dielectrics ensure controlled impedance (50Ω / 75Ω / 100Ω) for high-frequency signal integrity, minimizing reflection and crosstalk.

Scoop-Proof Design

Scoop-proof shells prevent damage to contact pins during blind mating or misalignment, essential for ROV manipulator operations.

Standard Contact Arrangements (Face View)

We offer a wide range of contact densities. Below are the most common face view configurations for our Micro-Circular series. Custom layouts available upon request.

2-Pin Configuration

2-Pin (Power)

3-Pin Configuration

3-Pin (Power/Signal)

4-Pin Configuration

4-Pin (Ethernet)

8-Pin Configuration

8-Pin (GbE Data)

9-Pin Configuration

9-Pin (Signal/Data)

19-Pin High-Density Subsea Connector Arrangement

19-Pin (High Density)

Custom Engineering: 20-Pin to 128-Pin Solutions

? Can't find your specific pin-out?

AIMRSE maintains a massive library of specialized inserts. From 9-pin interfaces to 128-way custom penetrators, we design, prototype, and pressure-test tailored solutions.

Material Science & Environmental Resistance

Material selection defines the lifespan of a connector. At AIMRSE, we tailor the metallurgy of the bulkhead and shell to match the parent equipment, eliminating the risk of galvanic corrosion.

  • Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V): The gold standard for deep ocean exploration. It offers high strength, negligible magnetic signature, and immunity to crevice corrosion. Ideal for scientific instruments and defense applications.
  • Marine Bronze (C63000): Utilized for its anti-galling properties and natural resistance to bio-fouling. Frequently used in long-term mooring sensors where marine growth is a concern.
  • PEEK / Ultem (High-Performance Thermoplastics): Used for metal-free connectors where electromagnetic transparency is required, or to provide total galvanic isolation between mated assemblies.

Connector Configuration Matrix

Selecting the right interface is critical for system architecture. Below is a comparison of our core connector technologies, ranging from standard interfaces to ultra-high density custom arrays.

Feature Rubber Molded (Standard) Metal Shell (High Perf.) Hybrid Optical
Primary Mating Type Wet-Mate (Shallow) / Dry-Mate Dry-Mate or Wet-Mate Dry-Mate (Standard) / Wet-Mate
Voltage Rating Up to 600 VDC Up to 3.3 kV 600 VDC / Optical
Contact Density Standard 2 - 16 pins 2 - 128+ pins
(Standard: 9, 19, 20 | Custom: up to 128)
Configurable (e.g., 4 Elec + 2 Opt)
Operating Temperature -4°C to +60°C -20°C to +150°C (PEEK) -20°C to +60°C
Data Protocols RS-232, RS-485 Ethernet (1Gb), USB Uncompressed 4K/8K Video
Typical Application Light ROVs, Diver Gear Work Class ROVs, Drilling Sonar Arrays, HD Cameras

Beyond Standard: Infinite Configurations While the patterns above represent our most popular stock items, AIMRSE’s engineering capacity extends far beyond standard grids. We specialize in bespoke interconnect solutions—whether you require a unique pin density, hybrid power-and-signal layouts, or non-standard shell materials like Super Duplex Steel. If your project demands a configuration not listed here, our team can design, prototype, and pressure-test a custom solution tailored to your exact mission requirements.

How to Order: Part Number Key

Use the following logic to determine the part number for your specific configuration. Always verify availability with our engineering team.

MCBH - 8 - F - Ti - R
Series

MCBH
(Micro Circular Bulkhead)

Pins

2 - 128+
(Number of contacts)

Gender

M / F
(Male / Female)

Material

SS / Ti / Al
(Stainless / Titanium / Aluminum)

Orientation

R / S
(Right Angle / Straight)

Advanced Termination & Overmolding Services

A connector is useless without a reliable cable termination. The interface between the cable jacket and the connector backshell is the most common point of water ingress in amateur assemblies. AIMRSE provides factory-certified termination services utilizing Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene (PE) molding.

Our proprietary "Chemical Bond" process involves plasma-treating cable jackets before potting, creating a molecular bond that prevents longitudinal water migration even if the cable is slashed or abraded. We also offer oil-filled compensation hoses (PBOF) for depth-independent cable assemblies.

Quality Assurance Protocols

  • Helium Leak Testing: Verifies hermeticity to 10-9 cc/sec for all penetrators.
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Cycle: Every batch is tested to 1.5x operating pressure.
  • Insulation Resistance (IR): Tested at 1000V DC to ensure >5 GΩ isolation.
  • Optical Insertion Loss: Verified to < 0.5dB per mated pair for fiber systems.

Certifications & Traceability

Our connectors are designed in accordance with SEAFOM standards for optical components and API 16D for control systems. Material heat numbers are traceable for all metal components, ensuring compliance with NACE MR0175 for sour gas environments.

CAD & Integration Support

We provide full digital twins of our connectors for your system design:

  • Step (.stp) & Parasolid models
  • PCB Footprints for bulkhead mounting
  • Recommended O-ring groove dimensions
  • Torque specifications & Mating Force data
→ Access Engineering Portal

Why Rely on AIMRSE Interconnects?

Depth Independence

Whether at 50m or 6000m, our pressure-balanced wet-mate designs perform identically, requiring no de-rating for extreme depths.

High-Current Density

Our proprietary contact plating (Gold over Nickel over Copper Alloy) allows for higher current carrying capacity in smaller shell sizes.

Modular Flexibility

Mix and match signal, power, and fiber optic pins within the same shell geometry. Standard footprints make upgrades painless.

Field Serviceability

Select series feature field-installable backshells and contacts, allowing trained technicians to repair damaged terminations offshore.

Technical FAQ

What is the difference between Wet-Mate and Dry-Mate connectors?
Dry-Mate connectors must be connected and sealed in a dry environment (topside) before being submerged. They are ideal for permanent installations. Wet-Mate connectors can be plugged and unplugged underwater (often by ROV or Diver), as they feature oil-filled bladders or shuttle pins that expel water from the contact area during mating.
Can I run Ethernet over your standard circular connectors?
Yes. We have specific pin configurations designed to minimize crosstalk for Ethernet transmission. For Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), we recommend our 8-pin or 13-pin configurations which allow for proper twisted-pair separation. For longer distances (>100m), we recommend our Hybrid Fiber Optic series.
How do you ensure proper sealing on the bulkhead?
Bulkhead connectors rely on the surface finish of the mounting hole. We specify a surface finish of Ra 0.8 (32 micro-inch) or better. Our bulkheads utilize dual O-rings (Face Seal + Barrel Seal) to provide redundancy against housing deformation under pressure.
Do you offer connectors for high-voltage tether applications?
Yes. Our High-Power series is rated up to 3.3 kV and 100 A per phase, specifically designed for ROV TMS (Tether Management System) applications and subsea pump motors. These utilize extended creepage paths and specialized insulating materials to prevent partial discharge.

Secure Your Subsea Connection

Don't let a $50 connector compromise a $5 million asset. AIMRSE provides the engineering confidence required for the most demanding subsea projects. From single prototype penetrators to fleet-wide connector standardization, our team is ready to specify the perfect interface for your application.

Note: Our Laboratory Reagents and Chemicals are for research and industrial testing use only. However, our Subsea and Oil & Gas hardware components are fully rated for operational field deployment.

Quality Assurance

Zero Failure Policy

Our "Testing Beyond Limits" philosophy ensures all maritime assets exceed their specified operational envelopes before they leave our facility.

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