ITT Cannon MKJ Miniature Circular Connectors Selection Guide
ITT Cannon MKJ Miniature Circular Connectors Introduction
ITT Cannon MKJ miniature circular connectors provide high-density signal and power connections for equipment where conventional military circular connectors are too large or heavy.
Compared with a D38999 size-22 configuration, the MKJ platform can reduce connector size by approximately 52% and weight by up to 71%. The product family includes conventional threaded, double-start threaded, bayonet, breakaway, triple-start ratchet and clip-lock coupling systems.
MKJ connectors are used in avionics, military communications, unmanned systems, sensors, medical instruments and other space-constrained equipment requiring a sealed metal circular interface.
Core Advantages
Reduced size and weight: Suitable for portable, airborne and unmanned equipment with strict space and mass limits.
Multiple coupling systems: Different MKJ series support secure threaded connections, rapid bayonet mating, emergency breakaway and single-action clip locking.
Flexible contact configurations: Available for signal, power, PCB, solder-cup and selected high-speed or mixed-contact applications.
MKJ Series Comparison
| Series | Coupling System | Main Selection Advantage | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKJ0 | Standard UN threaded coupling | Conventional and straightforward threaded connection | Instruments, sensors and general aerospace electronics |
| MKJ1 | Double-start ACME thread | Faster threaded mating with strong resistance to shock and vibration | Avionics, military vehicles and airborne systems |
| MKJ3 | Bayonet coupling | Quick mating and unmating without rotating through multiple turns | Frequently serviced equipment and test systems |
| MKJ4 | Push-pull breakaway | Rapid disconnection when the cable is pulled or intentionally released | Soldier systems, emergency-release equipment and portable electronics |
| MKJ5 | Triple-start thread with ratchet | Secure, fast threaded connection for high-vibration environments | Missiles, aircraft, UAVs and military communications |
| MKJ Clip Lock | Clip-lock latching | Simple single-action engagement in a lightweight package | Avionics, cabin systems, medical equipment and portable devices |
The different coupling families should not be assumed to mate with one another. Select both connector halves from the same compatible MKJ coupling system.
Contact and Electrical Specifications
| Contact Size | Contact Spacing | Current Rating | Wire Range | Operating Voltage at Sea Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 23 | 0.076 in | 5 A | 22–28 AWG | 500 VAC |
| Size 20 | 0.106 in | 7.5 A | 20–24 AWG | 750 VAC |
| Size 16 | 0.170 in | 13 A | 16–20 AWG | 1,800 VAC |
| Size 12 | 0.230 in | 23 A | 12–14 AWG | 1,800 VAC |
Not every contact size is available in every MKJ series or shell arrangement. Current capacity must also be derated according to ambient temperature, wire size and the number of simultaneously loaded circuits.
Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
| Specification | MKJ Family Data |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | -55°C to +150°C |
| Contact resistance | 8 mΩ |
| Insulation resistance | 5,000 MΩ |
| Maximum shock rating | Up to 300 g, configuration dependent |
| Maximum vibration rating | Up to 37 g, configuration dependent |
| EMI shielding effectiveness | 40 dB from 100 MHz to 1 GHz |
| Shell materials | Aluminum alloy or stainless steel |
| Insulator material | Thermoplastic |
| Seal material | Fluorosilicone |
| Contact material | Copper alloy |
| Contact plating | Gold over nickel |
| Clocking | Master key and two secondary keys; multiple positions |
| Environmental sealing | Selected configurations withstand one-meter water immersion for one hour |
| RoHS options | Available through selected shell finishes |
MKJ3 aluminum-shell configurations have a lower mating-cycle rating than most threaded and breakaway MKJ products. Confirm durability against the exact series and material rather than applying one family-wide value.
Contact Arrangements
The MKJ family covers compact signal layouts and selected power configurations. Common arrangements include:
| Arrangement | Contact Configuration | Available Series Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 5-3 | 3 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 6-4 | 4 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 6-7 | 7 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 7-10 | 10 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 8-13 | 13 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 9-19 | 19 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 10-26 | 26 size-23 contacts | MKJ0, MKJ1, MKJ3 and MKJ4 |
| 12-37 | 37 size-23 contacts | Selected MKJ0, MKJ3 and MKJ4 configurations |
| 17-85 | 85 size-23 contacts | MKJ1 |
| 19-85 | 85 size-23 contacts | MKJ5 |
| 7-1 / 9-1 | Single size-12 power contact | Series-dependent |
The digits after the hyphen identify the insert arrangement, not always the number of contacts. For example, 9-19 indicates shell size 9 with a 19-contact arrangement.
MKJ Part Number Structure
Representative MKJ Models
| Part Number | Configuration |
|---|---|
| MKJ0A6F6-7SX | MKJ0 threaded straight plug with seven socket crimp contacts |
| MKJ0A6F12-37PN | MKJ0 threaded straight plug with 37 male contacts |
| MKJ1A6F6-7PA | MKJ1 double-start straight plug with seven male crimp contacts |
| MKJ1A6F7-10SA | MKJ1 double-start straight plug with ten socket crimp contacts |
| MKJ1A26F10-26PD | MKJ1 self-ratcheting straight plug with 26 male contacts |
| MKJ3A6F6-4PN | MKJ3 bayonet straight plug with four male contacts |
| MKJ5A6F12-26PA | MKJ5 triple-start straight plug with 26 male contacts |
| MKJ5A6F11-19SA | MKJ5 triple-start straight plug with 19 socket contacts |
| MKJCL1A6F7-10SA | MKJ Clip Lock straight plug with ten socket contacts |
Can MKJ Replace MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors?
MKJ can provide similar environmental and electrical capabilities in a substantially smaller package, but it is not a mechanically interchangeable D38999 replacement.
Changing from D38999 to MKJ normally requires:
A new panel cutout
A different mating connector
Revised cable and backshell hardware
Contact and tooling verification
Updated qualification testing
Changes to drawings and approved-parts lists
MKJ is best considered during a new design or a planned system redesign where weight and space reduction justify changing the connector interface.
Applications
ITT Cannon MKJ connectors are used in:
Avionics and flight-control electronics
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Missile and smart-weapon systems
Soldier communication equipment
Navigation and telemetry systems
Rugged computers
Radar and sensor modules
Satellite electronics
Industrial instrumentation
Medical test and diagnostic equipment
Robotics and automation
Commercial aircraft cabin systems
Contact us for ITT Cannon MKJ connector selection, mating parts, contacts, tooling, stock, lead time and quotation.
