104-Pin D-Subminiature Connector,
Size 22 Contacts, Insert Arrangements, High density
MIL-DTL-24308, 104-Pin D-Sub Connector, Contact Arraignments, Pin Spacing
Depending on what on the back-end, or the reverse side, this connector may be terminated using any of the following terminal styles; Crimp, Solder, Insulation displacement contact (IDC), or Printed wiring board (PWB).
There are three general D-Sub connector types; Standard density (size 20 contacts), High density (size 22D contacts), and Standard density (size 20 IDC contacts)
The 104-pin is the largest of the D-sub styles, and the only 5 row connector in the series.
This listing does not imply a recommendation. Do not specify this connector in a design.
As seen in the graphic this is a very large Dsub connector. Not only is the basic keystone [D shape] portion of the connector large in size, but the flange [not shown] on either side of the connector consumes a lot of space.
It is up to the system engineer or engineer in charge of the design to decide if such a large connector should be used.
Of course if a cable that is required for the design is all ready using the 104 pin connector than a cable needs to be fabricated to mate with it, or the mating equipment will require the mounted connector which mates with the 104-pin version.
However, as an engineer I would not add this connector to a design unless it was made a requirement by the company writing the specification, unless of course the design required a mating connection.
Note the standard uses the term Miniature in the title of the specification; but this connector is any thing but Miniature. However back in the 50's and 60's this size connector may have been considered a miniature connector. The spec also calls out Non-environmental, which means the mating connector needs to be in an enclosure, shielded from the environment.
Engineering recommendation; Stay away from using any connector this large unless absolutely required. In addition, don't design with any of the connectors defined by MIL-DTL-24308, commonly know as D-sub connectors [unless the connectors are called out as a requirement]. This style of connector is out-dated, overly large and a poor substitute to many other possible connectors available. Basically by using this style connector your designing to 1970 or 1980 technology. In many cases the continued use of these connectors was done to conform to legacy equipment. If you don't need to interface to an older system, don't use an older technology.
In some cases a design might require a connector with over 100 pins, connectors other than this one will be a better substitute. However an alternative may be to divide up the 100 pins over more than one connector.
