When shopping for electrical connectors, you may come across commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) connectors. They are versatile, cost-effective connectors that are used in a variety of industries, including the aerospace industry. What are COTS connectors exactly, and how do they work?
What Are COTS Connectors?
COTS connectors are electrical connectors that facilitate conductive connections with electronic components and devices. The term “COTS” refers to components that are readily available and designed for widespread use across a myriad of applications. They aren’t custom-made. Rather, COTS connectors follow a universal design that makes them inexpensive and readily available.
How COTS Connectors Work
COTS connectors work like most other electrical connectors. You can use them to connect electronic components and devices.
As shown in the adjacent photo, COTS connectors feature pins. These pins will pair with ports, allowing for a secure connection. There are male and female connectors. The male connectors feature pins, whereas the female connectors feature a port.
Benefits of COTS Connectors
Standardization is a benefit of COTS connectors. There are different types of COTS connectors, but many of them adhere to a specific standard or specification. There are military-spec or “mil-spec” COTS connectors, for instance, that use the same standards as the U.S. military.
COTS connectors are readily available. You don’t have to wait for a manufacturer to design and produce them. Like other “off-the-shelf” components, COTS connectors are readily available.
Another benefit of COTS connectors is the price. When compared to custom-made electrical connectors, COTS connectors cost less. They typically cost a fraction of the price of their custom-made counterparts. By choosing COTS connectors, you’ll save money.
There are single-mode and multi-mode COTS connectors. Single-mode COTS connectors are designed for use with single-mode cable. whereas multi-mode COTS connectors are designed for use with multi-mode cable.
Common Applications for COTS Connectors
COTS connectors are used extensively in the aerospace industry. Avionics and radar equipment for airplanes often use them.
In addition to the aerospace industry, COTS connectors are used in the automotive industry. Cars, trucks and other vehicles feature COTS connectors for various sensors and control units.
Consumer electronics use COTS connectors as well. Even if you’re unfamiliar with COTS connectors, you’ve probably used them before. They are commonly found in mobile devices, including smartphones and tablet computers. In consumer electronics such as these, COTS connectors are used for data and power connections.
