ROV & AUV Systems
Underwater Connectors for ROV and AUV Systems
ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) depend on high-reliability electrical interconnects to deliver power, command signals, video, and sensor data through the water column. RV Power Group supplies wet-mate connectors, tether terminations, and penetrators rated to 7,000 m for the world's most demanding ROV and AUV applications.
Key Connector Requirements for ROV/AUV
| Requirement | RV Power Group Solution |
|---|---|
| Wet-mate capability (mate/demate underwater) | All Micro Circular and Standard Circular series |
| High-speed Ethernet (100BASE-TX / GigE) | Subsea Ethernet & Data Connector series |
| Mixed power + signal in one connector | Hybrid Opto-Electric Connector series |
| Thruster / high-current power feed | High-Power Underwater Connector series |
| Pressure housing penetration | Split-Type Connectors & Penetrators |
| Compact AUV profile | Low Profile Submersible Connector series |
| RF / acoustic transducer | Underwater Coaxial (RF) Connector series |
ROV Application Points -- Where Connectors Are Used
- TMS (Tether Management System) -- Tether termination connectors, SubConn-intermateable, rated to 3,000-4,000 m
- Thruster Pods -- High-power connectors for brushless motor supply (up to 150 A per contact)
- Camera Payload Interface -- 4K/HD video over Ethernet connectors, low-profile for compact camera housings
- Manipulator Arm -- Multi-pin Micro Circular connectors for servo and sensor feedback signals
- Sonar / Acoustic Modem -- Underwater coaxial (RF) connectors for transducer signal paths
- Pressure Housing Bulkhead -- Penetrators sealing individual conductors through titanium or aluminium end-caps
- Skid-Mounted Tooling Interface -- Wet-mate circular connectors for hot-swap tooling packages
AUV Application Points
- Battery Connection -- Watertight power connectors for lithium-polymer or lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs
- Payload Bay -- Multi-pin connectors for interchangeable sensor payloads (ADCP, CTD, camera)
- Charging Port -- Low-profile wet-mate connector for dock-side inductive or direct charging
- Antenna / Comms Mast -- RF coaxial connectors for GPS, WiFi, and acoustic modem antennas
Compatible Product Series
- Micro Circular Connectors (2-19 contacts, to 7,000 m)
- Subsea Ethernet & Data Connectors (8-pin, 13-pin, GigE)
- Subsea Hybrid Opto-Electric Connectors (fiber + electrical)
- High-Power Underwater Connectors (up to 150 A)
- Subsea 55 Series (SubConn 55-intermateable)
- Split-Type Connectors & Penetrators
- Low Profile Submersible Connectors
- Underwater Coaxial (RF) Connectors
Frequently Asked Questions -- ROV Connectors
Q: Are your connectors intermateable with SubConn Micro Circular series?
A: Yes. RV Power Group Micro Circular connectors are dimensionally and electrically intermateable with SubConn(R) Micro Circular connectors. Shell dimensions, O-ring groove geometry, contact layout, and locking thread are matched to SubConn specifications.
Q: What is the maximum depth rating for your tether connectors?
A: Standard rating is 7,000 m (700 bar). For work-class ROVs requiring beyond 4,000 m, we recommend our titanium-shell variant with dual O-ring sealing.
Q: Can you supply connectors pre-terminated to a tether cable?
A: Yes. We supply fully assembled tether terminations with overmolded cable entries, tested to pressure before delivery.
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your ROV/AUV connector requirements.