Glenair Micro-D Connector Selection Guide | MWDM & M83513
Glenair Micro-D connectors provide high contact density and reliable electrical performance in a package significantly smaller than a conventional D-sub connector. They are widely used in aerospace, defense, satellites, UAVs, industrial equipment and other systems where size, weight and connection reliability are critical.
The Glenair Micro-D portfolio includes MIL-DTL-83513 QPL connectors, commercial MWDM connectors, low-profile versions, PCB connectors, high-power Combo Micro-D, hermetic connectors and high-speed GHSM assemblies. Selecting the correct product requires more than choosing the number of contacts: contact gender, termination, mounting hardware, shell material and qualification status must also be matched.
What Is a Micro-D Connector?
A Micro-D connector is a compact, D-shaped rectangular connector using contacts spaced on 0.050-inch centers. This is half the typical 0.100-inch contact spacing of a standard D-sub connector, allowing more circuits to be placed in a smaller panel area.
Glenair Micro-D products use high-performance TwistPin contacts in many configurations. The spring characteristics of the TwistPin contact system help maintain multiple points of electrical contact during shock, vibration and repeated mating.
Typical Micro-D contact arrangements include：9,15,21,25,31,37,51,69,100,130 positions
Glenair Micro-D Product Families
| Product family | Configuration | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| M83513 | MIL-DTL-83513 QPL Micro-D | Programs requiring a qualified military part number |
| MWDM | Metal-shell commercial Micro-D | General aerospace, defense and industrial harnesses |
| GRPM | Wide-flange rear-panel Micro-D | Rear-panel mounting and additional mounting area |
| GMDE | Environmentally sealed pre-wired Micro-D | Harnesses exposed to moisture or contamination |
| GMDR | Right-angle wire-exit Micro-D | Low-clearance cable routing |
| GMLM | MasterLatch Micro-D | Fast latching and rear-panel applications |
| GMSM | Single-row Micro-D | Very narrow equipment layouts |
| MWDL | Low-profile plastic-shell Micro-D | Maximum size and weight reduction |
| MLDM | Low-profile metal-shell Micro-D | Low-profile design with metal-shell protection |
| MWDM-BS | Vertical through-hole PCB connector | Straight board-to-panel connections |
| MWDM-BR | Right-angle through-hole PCB connector | PCB mounted parallel to the panel |
| MWDM-CBS | Condensed vertical board connector | Reduced board footprint |
| MWDM-CBR | Condensed right-angle PCB connector | Compact right-angle board termination |
| MWDM-SMR | Right-angle surface-mount Micro-D | SMT production and reduced through-hole usage |
| GMR7580 | Vertical PCB Micro-D | Standard vertical board mounting |
| GMR7590 | Right-angle PCB Micro-D | Standard right-angle board mounting |
| GMPM | Combo Micro-D | Mixed signal and high-current power connections |
| GHSM | High-Speed Micro-D | USB 3.0, 10GbE, Camera Link and PCIe |
| GSWM | SpaceWire Micro-D assembly | SpaceWire cable systems |
| GMMD | Modular Micro-D | Mixed RF, signal and high-speed data |
| CODE RED / hermetic | Low-leakage Micro-D | Vacuum, pressure and sealed equipment |
M83513 QPL vs Commercial MWDM
One of the first decisions is whether the project requires a military-qualified connector or can use a commercial Glenair part number.
| Selection factor | M83513 QPL | Commercial MWDM |
|---|---|---|
| Part number format | Military specification | Glenair commercial part number |
| Qualification | DLA QPL when specified | Commercial or COTS configuration |
| Interchangeability | Controlled by applicable specification | Must be checked by manufacturer drawing |
| Configuration flexibility | Limited to qualified options | Wider range of finishes and modifications |
| Typical use | Military programs with mandatory QPL status | Aerospace, industrial and commercial systems |
| Example | M83513/01-DN | MWDM2L-15PSB |
Selecting an MWDM Solder-Cup Connector
The following models provide useful starting points for standard metal-shell solder-cup applications:
| Model | Type | Contacts | Termination | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MWDM2L-15PSB | Plug, male pins | 15 | Solder cup | Compact cable or panel interface |
| MWDM2L-15SSB | Receptacle, female sockets | 15 | Solder cup | Mating equipment-side connector |
| MWDM2L-21PSB | Plug, male pins | 21 | Solder cup | Medium-density harness |
| MWDM2L-21SSB | Receptacle, female sockets | 21 | Solder cup | Medium-density panel interface |
| MWDM2L-31PSB | Plug, male pins | 31 | Solder cup | High-density cable interface |
| MWDM2L-31SSB | Receptacle, female sockets | 31 | Solder cup | High-density equipment interface |
| MWDM2L-37PSB | Plug, male pins | 37 | Solder cup | Multi-channel harness |
| MWDM2L-37SSB | Receptacle, female sockets | 37 | Solder cup | Multi-channel panel connection |
| MWDM2L-51SSB | Receptacle, female sockets | 51 | Solder cup | Very high-density equipment |
Micro-D vs Standard D-Sub
| Selection factor | Micro-D | Standard D-Sub |
|---|---|---|
| Contact pitch | 0.050 inch | Commonly 0.100 inch |
| Size and weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger |
| Contact density | Higher | Lower |
| Typical environment | Aerospace and rugged systems | Commercial and industrial systems |
| Termination options | Wire, solder cup, PCB and flex | Broad commercial selection |
| Cost | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Assembly difficulty | More precise | Easier manual access |
| High-reliability options | Extensive | Product-dependent |
Typical Applications
Glenair Micro-D connectors are used in:
Military and commercial avionics
UAV flight-control systems
Satellite payloads
Space instrumentation
Radar and electronic warfare equipment
Navigation systems
Ground and naval defense platforms
Rugged cameras and sensors
Industrial automation
Test and measurement equipment
High-density embedded electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Glenair M83513 and MWDM connectors?
M83513 part numbers identify configurations supplied under the applicable military specification and QPL requirements. MWDM is Glenair’s commercial metal-shell Micro-D family. A commercial MWDM connector should not be described as QPL-qualified without specific documentation.
How do I find the correct mating Micro-D connector?
Match the contact count and layout, select the opposite contact gender, and verify the shell style and hardware. A male plug and female receptacle with the same number of contacts may still be incompatible if their jackscrews or mounting options differ.
What wire size do standard MWDM solder-cup connectors use?
Many standard MWDM solder-cup configurations are designed for #26 AWG wire, while some variants accept 24–26 AWG. The exact product drawing should be checked before selecting the conductor.
Can a standard MWDM connector carry USB 3.0 or 10GbE?
A standard MWDM should not be assumed to maintain controlled impedance for these protocols. Glenair GHSM High-Speed Micro-D connectors are specifically designed for USB 3.0, 10GbE, Camera Link and PCIe applications.
Are Glenair Micro-D connectors available for space applications?
Yes. Glenair offers space-grade Micro-D connectors, NASA outgassing options, SpaceWire assemblies and special screening. The required processing and qualification options must be specified in the complete ordering code.
