To help reduce mass and volume, and to survive the hard impact conditions, the probes contain very few wires. Instead, system electrical cabling is implemented using a flexible interconnect system. This flexible interconnect material is also used for the tether which connects the fore and aftbodies.

Flexible Interconnect Used for System Cabling Between the Probe's Forebody and Aftbody(also known as the Umbilical)

Description

• A Pyralux based multilayer circuit carrier and interconnect technology
• Used for inter-subsystem cabling and for the umbilical attaching the probe's forebody and aftbody
• Resistance to high shock and vibration loading

Why is it exciting?

• High interconnect reliability for 2-D and 3D packaging
• >10x reduction in mass and volume
• Packaging volume and shape flexibility
• Highly resistent to oxygen

Who needs it?

• High density instruments & sensors
• Micro assemblies
• Small rovers, landers, penetrators

Developers/Suppliers

• Lockheed Martin Astronautics
  Flex System Design, Development and Test

• Electrofilm Manufacturing Company
  Umbilical and Subsystem Interconnect Fabrication

• Pioneer Circuits, Inc.
  Advanced Microcontroller Motherboard Fabrication