CMB | Circular Metal Bayonet Connector

A circular metal bayonet connector must do more than simply join circuits. In harsh commercial and industrial environments, engineers also need fast positive coupling, compact packaging, dependable sealing, and the flexibility to support both power and signal contacts in the same rugged platform. The CMB Series from Amphenol Industrial Operations was developed to meet those needs with a compact, cost-effective connector family based on the proven PT / MIL-C-26482 Series 1 design foundation while offering the value of a commercial connector. The result is a rugged interconnect solution that helps designers achieve reliable performance in applications where space, durability, and serviceability all matter.

Built for Compact Commercial and Industrial Interconnect Systems

For OEMs and engineers specifying a circular metal bayonet connector, size and performance often have to be balanced carefully. Many systems require a connector that fits into tighter spaces without giving up contact density, environmental protection, or ease of use in the field. CMB addresses that challenge with miniature circular connector construction, quarter-turn bayonet mating, and a design that supports a broad range of shell styles, insert arrangements, and rotation options. Because the series is derived from the PT Series connector platform, it delivers a familiar and trusted design approach while positioning itself as a more economical commercial alternative for demanding applications.

This circular metal bayonet connector is especially well suited for applications that need dependable operation under vibration, shock, moisture, and temperature extremes. The product family is rated to IP67 and is designed for harsh-environment use, making it a strong choice for equipment that cannot tolerate inconsistent mating or weak environmental protection. CMB also supports both power and signal requirements, giving engineers more versatility when designing compact systems that must carry mixed circuits through a single rugged connector interface.

Why Engineers Choose the CMB Series

One of the biggest advantages of the CMB platform is its ability to deliver high contact density in a compact footprint. Amphenol notes that the series offers twice the number of contacts in roughly half the size of a standard connector, which makes it valuable where panel space and package size are limited. With available shell styles including wall receptacles, cable receptacles, box receptacles, jam nut receptacles, straight plugs, and right-angle plugs, the CMB Series gives designers flexibility across a wide range of integration needs. Multiple keyway positions, numerous insert arrangements, and customization options further support design adaptability for commercial and industrial equipment builders.

Performance characteristics also make this circular metal bayonet connector attractive in the field. Quarter-turn mating helps enable quick positive coupling, while audible, tactile, and visual full-mate indication helps support secure installation. Aluminum alloy shells, copper alloy contacts, and sealing components designed for harsh environments contribute to long-term durability. The series supports contact counts from 1 to 61, current ratings from 7.5 to 23 amps, operating voltages up to 1000 VAC at sea level, and a temperature range from -55°C to +125°C. This combination of mechanical ruggedness and electrical versatility helps make CMB a practical choice across many compact interconnect designs.

Traffic Control and Other Rugged Application Environments

The CMB Series is also positioned for traffic control systems, where control cabinets often combine power distribution, detector interfaces, amplifiers, relays, monitoring units, and other electronics into one enclosed environment. In these systems, engineers may need a circular metal bayonet connector that offers high contact counts, reliable sealing, and support for both power and signal circuits without driving unnecessary cost into the design. Amphenol’s traffic control application note highlights CMB as a commercial derivative of PT that meets IP67 requirements and is capable of addressing the mixed-circuit demands commonly found in cabinet-based infrastructure. That same balance of ruggedness, compactness, and affordability also makes the series relevant for many other harsh-environment commercial and industrial applications.

For teams looking for a circular metal bayonet connector that combines proven MIL-style design heritage with commercial flexibility, the CMB Series offers a strong solution. Its compact form factor, rugged metal construction, quarter-turn bayonet coupling, and support for both signal and power contacts make it well suited for engineers who need dependable performance in real-world operating conditions. Whether the requirement is a compact cabinet interface, a durable panel connection, or a versatile harsh-environment interconnect, CMB delivers a practical blend of performance, flexibility, and value. For engineers who want additional standards context around this proven bayonet-style architecture, see the MIL-DTL-26482 specification.