Aerospace Rectangular Connectors: D-Sub, Micro-D, Nano and Rack and Panel

Updated October 12, 2026

The rectangular families and where they are used

Rectangular connectors trade the sealing and coupling strength of circulars for density and board-level packaging. Most sit inside a box, on a board edge or at a rack interface rather than on an exposed cable run.

For space programs, NASA's parts selection list also carries Goddard specifications for D-subminiature connectors (GSFC S-311-P-4 sheets and S-311-P-10). If your mission assurance plan names those, they replace the military D-sub callout, not supplement it. For how these connectors sit in a finished cable, see the wire harness sourcing guide.

The specifications that govern them, and their status

All of these are general specifications with slash sheets underneath, and each sheet carries its own revision letter. Status is as listed on EverySpec in October 2026; confirm in DLA ASSIST before you release a new design.

We could not verify a single MIL-DTL rack and panel specification that replaces ARINC 600, so treat 83527 and ARINC 600 as separate families. A military aircraft avionics bay drawing will usually name 83527; a commercial or derivative avionics LRU usually names an ARINC 600 shell size and insert.

How a micro-D part number is built

NASA's parts selection list publishes the ordering format for MIL-DTL-83513 connectors with pre-terminated wire pigtails, using this example:

The same list shows how much the sheet number carries. /01 and /02 are solder cup plug and receptacle in nickel-plated aluminum; /03 and /04 are the pigtail versions; /06 to /09 repeat those styles in an all-plastic shell. The wire code also matters for flight: NASA marks the M22759/11 pigtail codes as not preferred for flight and points to the M22759/33 codes (09 to 12, 15 and 16) instead. A solder cup part omits the wire field, as in M83513/01-AN.

MIL-DTL-32139 nano connectors follow a similar logic. The specification defines the part number as M, the specification number, a slash sheet, then letters and numbers for insert arrangement, termination type, hardware, shell finish and, where applicable, a space class letter. Read the slash sheet for the codes; we have not decoded a nano example here because we did not verify one against the sheet.

Materials, finishes and the trade-offs

Rectangular connector choices come down to shell material, seal design and what the contacts are terminated with.

• Metal versus plastic shells. Aluminum shells with electroless nickel give EMI shielding and a conductive path for shell grounding. All-plastic micro-D shells are lighter and avoid plating questions but give no shielding through the shell.
• Environmental rating. MIL-DTL-24308 D-subs are non-environmental by definition, so they belong inside sealed boxes, not on exposed cable runs. MIL-DTL-83527 is environment resisting and rated for 150 C total continuous operating temperature. MIL-DTL-32139 nano connectors are built for densely packed boards and cable assemblies; read the slash sheet for their environmental ratings rather than assuming micro-D values carry over.
• Outgassing. NASA notes that metal shell micro-D receptacles contain a thin silicone or fluorosilicone interface seal, and the silicone version may be an outgassing concern that calls for removal or a bake.
• Fluorine corrosion. NASA's GSFC advisory NA-GSFC-2003-03 warns that pre-wired micro-D and nano connectors stored in sealed bags can corrode as fluoropolymer pigtail insulation outgasses fluorine that forms hydrofluoric acid. Store them in open packaging in controlled humidity, preferably dry nitrogen, and inspect before use.
• Space plating limits. NASA prohibits cadmium and zinc plating on EEE parts and associated hardware without a project waiver, which affects shell finish and jackscrew hardware choices.

Plating and coating processes in general are covered in the coatings library.

High-speed data and fiber optic, at a high level

High-speed copper and fiber links often use the same rectangular or circular shell families, with special contacts or termini inside. Treat those as a separate buy with their own documents, even when the shell part number looks familiar.

• Name the contact or terminus part numbers on their own lines, with the cable they must terminate to. Impedance-controlled contacts and termini are matched to a specific cable.
• Expect different termination tooling, and for fiber, polishing and end-face inspection.
• Ask for the test data that proves the link, such as insertion loss or time domain reflectometry, not only continuity.
• Check lead time and availability early. These inserts are built in smaller volumes than standard signal contacts.

We have not listed specific high-speed or fiber specifications here because the right document depends on the protocol and the connector family on your drawing.

What to put on the purchase order

• Full part number with slash sheet, arrangement, termination or wire code, hardware and finish letters exactly as on the drawing.
• Specification and revision, or the GSFC or ARINC document and revision where those govern.
• Approved manufacturers, and whether any current QPL source is acceptable for MIL-DTL parts.
• Source requirement: manufacturer or its authorized or franchised distributor, with the distributor's certificate of conformance and lot or date code traceability.
• For pigtail parts: the wire specification and length code, and packaging that is not a long-term sealed bag.
• Jackscrews, jackposts, backshells and dust covers as separate lines, with finishes compatible with your program's plating rules.
• For ARINC 600: shell size, insert arrangements per cavity, contact part numbers and whether contacts are included.
• ESD packaging for filtered connectors or connectors on assemblies with components.
• Outgassing processing where your program requires it.
• DFARS counterfeit clauses and prime flow-downs that apply.

Counterfeit and quality risks, and how to receive them

Rectangular connectors are small, sold in large quantities and often bought in a hurry, which makes mixed lots and look-alike commercial parts the main risk.

How DFARS applies. DFARS 252.246-7008 (Jan 2023) defines an electronic part as an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component or a circuit assembly, and requires parts to come first from the original manufacturer or its authorized suppliers. Connectors are not named in that definition. Your contracts and quality staff decide whether your program treats them as covered; many defense buyers apply the authorized-source rule to connectors as a matter of policy. A filtered D-sub or micro-D with capacitors built in is the case most likely to be argued as a discrete component assembly. See our counterfeit parts avoidance guide for the detection and reporting side.

At receiving:

• Count contacts and confirm the arrangement letter matches the cavity count on the part.
• Check shell marking and finish against the PO; a plastic shell where nickel was ordered is a different slash sheet.
• For pigtail parts, confirm the wire print matches the wire code (for example M22759/33 rather than /11) and inspect shells and contacts for darkening from fluorine corrosion.
• Match lot or date code on the part, the bag and the certificate.
• Check jackscrew thread type and length if supplied with the connector.

See receiving inspection for a full dock checklist.

How we source rectangular connectors

We do not hold inventory, list prices or claim authorized distributor status for any brand. We buy the part numbers on your drawing from the manufacturer or its authorized and franchised distributors, collect the certificates and lot data, and deliver them with your order.

• Single line buys or kits by board, box or harness, with contacts, jackscrews and backshells matched to each connector.
• Connectors combined with harness builds, PCB assembly or machined enclosures on one PO.
• Obsolete GSFC or legacy rack and panel parts chased under counterfeit-avoidance controls; see obsolete aerospace parts.
• Pigtail wire codes, storage limits and outgassing processing flowed down in writing.

Related parts: circular connectors, contacts, backshells and terminals and the electrical parts overview. For what drives harness price, see wire harness cost.

Request rectangular connectors

Send your list through the harness and connector quote form with full part numbers, wire codes for pigtail parts, quantities and approved sources. Pigtail codes and finish letters are where similar-looking parts differ, so including them saves a round of questions. A person replies within one business day, and every order ships with a certificate of conformance. For controlled drawings, see confidentiality and controlled programs.

Questions

Related

• Sourcing Aerospace Wire Harnesses and Cable Assemblies
• How to Buy Obsolete Parts Without Buying Counterfeits
• Aerospace Circular Connectors: MIL-DTL-38999 and Its Relatives
• Crimp Contacts, Backshells, Terminals and Solder Sleeves

Sources

• NASA NEPP, MIL-PRF-83513 micro-D part number ordering explanation
• NASA NEPP, MIL-PRF-83513 application notes (outgassing, fluorine advisory, 0.050 in centers)
• NASA NEPP, connector types in the NASA Parts Selection List
• EverySpec, MIL-DTL-24308G Amendment 3 (29 Jan 2014)
• EverySpec, MIL-DTL-83513G (29 Oct 2008)
• EverySpec, MIL-DTL-32139 nanominiature connectors
• EverySpec, MIL-DTL-83527B (15 Jul 2003)
• EverySpec, DOD-STD-1842 insert arrangements for MIL-C-83527
• Amphenol Canada, ARINC 600 rack and panel connectors
• Amphenol Canada, ARINC 404 catalog
• NASA NEPP, cadmium plating prohibition
• Acquisition.gov, DFARS 252.246-7008 Sources of Electronic Parts