Glenair Micro-D Connectors | M83513 Metal Shell Connector Solutions
Glenair Micro-D Connectors: M83513 Metal Shell Connector Solutions
Glenair Micro-D connectors are widely used in high-reliability interconnect systems where compact size, low weight and dependable electrical performance are required. Designed for demanding aerospace, defense, space, industrial and electronic equipment applications, Glenair Micro-D connectors provide a high-density rectangular connector solution in a miniature package.
Glenair’s Micro-D connector family includes MIL-DTL-83513 QPL and commercial Micro-D products. According to Glenair, these connectors use high-density micro TwistPin contacts on .050 inch centers and are available in contact arrangements from 9 to 130 contacts, with insulated wire, uninsulated wire, PCB, solder cup and flex termination options.
What Are M83513 Micro-D Connectors?
M83513 Micro-D connectors are miniature rectangular connectors designed for high-performance signal transmission in compact electronic systems. Compared with standard D-subminiature connectors, Micro-D connectors offer a smaller footprint and higher contact density, making them suitable for applications where board space, panel space and cable weight are limited.
Glenair provides M83513 Micro-D connectors in solder cup, pre-wired and PCB versions, and its M83513 connectors use TwistPin contacts for high-performance applications. Metal shell versions are especially suitable for rugged environments where mechanical durability, shielding performance and reliable mating are important.

Key Features of Glenair Micro-D Metal Shell Connectors
Glenair Micro-D metal shell connectors are designed for applications that require compact size and robust performance. Typical advantages include:
·High-density Micro-D contact arrangement
·Metal shell construction for improved durability
·TwistPin contact system for stable mating performance
·Solder cup, pre-wired, PCB and cable assembly configurations
·Options for insulated wire and uninsulated wire pigtails
·Shielded and back-to-back cable assembly options
·Suitable for aerospace, defense, space and industrial equipment
·Available in MIL-DTL-83513 QPL and commercial configurations
Glenair’s metal shell Micro-D connector and pigtail product group includes series such as GMDE, GMDR, GMLM, GRPM, GSWM and MWDM, covering solder cup connectors, insulated wire pigtails, uninsulated wire pigtails, back-to-back cable assemblies, shielded cable assemblies, right-angle exits, environmentally sealed designs and SpaceWire cable assemblies.
Glenair MWDM Metal Shell Micro-D Connectors
The Glenair MWDM series is one of the most commonly referenced metal shell Micro-D connector families. It is available in solder cup, insulated wire pigtail, uninsulated wire pigtail, shielded cable assembly and back-to-back cable assembly versions.
MWDM solder cup Micro-D connectors feature gold-plated TwistPin contacts and are designed for wire termination applications. Glenair also notes availability of 24 AWG contact options for certain solder cup configurations, providing increased mechanical strength and lower voltage drop compared with smaller wire sizes.
For harness applications, MWDM insulated wire pigtail connectors are supplied with gold-plated TwistPin contacts and mil-spec crimp termination. These pre-wired connectors are tested and backpotted, helping reduce assembly work during cable harness manufacturing.
Available Connector Configurations
Glenair Micro-D M83513 metal shell connectors can be selected according to the mechanical design, termination method and environmental requirements of the application.
| Configuration | Description | Typical Use |
| Solder Cup Micro-D Connector | Connector with solder cup termination | Manual wiring, prototype builds, repair and harness assembly |
| Insulated Wire Pigtail Connector | Pre-wired Micro-D connector with insulated leads | Cable harnesses, avionics, defense electronics |
| Uninsulated Wire Pigtail Connector | Micro-D connector with solid wire leads | Soldering or splicing applications |
| Back-to-Back Cable Assembly | Micro-D connector on both ends of a cable | System interconnection, rack equipment, electronic modules |
| Shielded Micro-D Cable Assembly | Cable assembly with shield termination | EMI-sensitive environments |
| Right Angle Micro-D Connector | Connector with space-saving right-angle wire exit | Compact equipment and restricted panel layouts |
| Environmentally Sealed Micro-D Connector | Sealed design with O-ring and wire sealing | Harsh environments, outdoor or rugged systems |
| SpaceWire Micro-D Cable Assembly | Micro-D cable assembly for SpaceWire/LVDS applications | Spacecraft electronics and high-speed data links |
Electrical and Mechanical Performance
Glenair’s Micro-D performance specifications describe MWDM metal shell and MWDL plastic shell Micro-D connectors with TwistPin contacts on .050 inch centers. The specification lists requirements such as 5,000 megohms minimum insulation resistance, 600 VAC dielectric withstanding voltage at sea level, 3.0 ampere continuous-duty contact current capability from -55°C to +150°C, and 500 mating cycles durability.
For metal shell Micro-D connectors, Glenair also specifies shielding-related performance when optional grounding springs are used, including shell-to-shell conductivity and shielding effectiveness requirements. This makes metal shell Micro-D connectors a practical choice for systems where signal integrity, grounding and EMI control are important design considerations.
Typical Applications
Glenair Micro-D M83513 metal shell connectors are suitable for high-reliability systems that require miniature, lightweight and rugged interconnect solutions. Common application areas include:
·Aerospace electronics
·Military communication equipment
·Defense control systems
·Satellite and spacecraft electronics
·UAV and airborne systems
·Radar and electronic warfare equipment
·High-reliability industrial control systems
·Test and measurement equipment
·Compact embedded electronic modules
In these applications, engineers often choose Micro-D connectors when they need reliable multi-contact signal transmission in limited space while maintaining strong mechanical performance.
How to Select Glenair Micro-D Connectors
When selecting a Glenair Micro-D connector, the following factors should be reviewed:
1. Contact Count
Choose the required contact arrangement based on signal quantity and system layout. Glenair Micro-D connectors are available in multiple arrangements from low pin counts to high-density configurations.
2. Shell Type and Finish
Metal shell connectors can support rugged mechanical requirements and shielding needs. Shell material and finish should be selected according to corrosion resistance, conductivity and application environment.
3. Termination Style
Solder cup connectors are suitable for flexible wiring and repair work. Pre-wired pigtail versions help simplify harness assembly. PCB versions are suitable for board-level connection.
4. Wire Type and Gauge
For pigtail and cable assembly versions, wire type, wire gauge, insulation material and wire length should match the electrical and environmental requirements of the project.
5. Mounting and Hardware
Panel mounting, jackscrews, jackposts and rear panel mounting options should be selected according to equipment structure and maintenance requirements.
6. Environmental Requirements
For harsh environments, sealed or shielded Micro-D connector options may be required. GMDE environmentally sealed Micro-D connectors, for example, are designed with O-ring sealing and epoxy wire sealing for immersion requirements.
Glenair Micro-D Series Overview
| Series | Product Focus |
| MWDM | Metal shell Micro-D connectors, solder cup, pigtail and cable assembly versions |
| GMDE | Environmentally sealed Micro-D connectors |
| GRPM | Rear panel mount Micro-D connectors with wide flange |
| GMDR | Right-angle insulated wire pigtail Micro-D connectors |
| GSWM | SpaceWire Micro-D cable assemblies |
| GMLM | MasterLatch quick-release locking Micro-D connectors |
FAQ
What is a Glenair Micro-D connector?
A Glenair Micro-D connector is a miniature high-density rectangular connector used in high-reliability electronic systems. Glenair Micro-D connectors use TwistPin contacts and are available in multiple termination and shell configurations.
What does M83513 mean?
M83513 refers to the military specification family for Micro-D connectors. Glenair supplies MIL-DTL-83513 QPL and commercial Micro-D connector solutions.
What is the difference between solder cup and pigtail Micro-D connectors?
Solder cup connectors are designed for solder termination by the user, while pigtail connectors are supplied with pre-attached wires for easier harness integration.
Are Glenair Micro-D connectors suitable for aerospace applications?
Yes. Glenair Micro-D connectors are widely used in aerospace, defense, space and other high-reliability applications where compact size and dependable performance are required.
Can DataStorageIC help with Glenair Micro-D connector selection?
Yes.DataStorageIC can help customers check Glenair Micro-D connector models, specifications, alternatives, availability and quotation options based on project requirements.



