Micro Circular 21 Contact Underwater Connector -- MCBH21 & MCIL21

The 21-contact Micro Circular connector from Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd is the highest pin-count variant in the Micro Circular platform. Designed for complex subsea instruments requiring simultaneous power, multi-channel data, and control signals through a single wet-mateable interface. Compatible with SubConn® MCBH21 and MCIL21.

Rated to 7,000 m depth, IP68 sealed, PEEK insulated for superior chemical resistance in seawater environments.

Model Reference

Technical Specifications

• Contact count: 21
• Depth rating: 7,000 m (700 bar)
• IP rating: IP68
• Voltage: 600 V AC/DC
• Current per contact: Up to 5 A (thermally derated)
• Shell: Hard-anodized aluminium / Titanium option
• Insulator: PEEK
• Contacts: Gold-plated copper alloy
• Sealing: Dual O-ring per contact + face seal
• Hydrostatic test: 600 psig, certificate supplied
• Compatibility: SubConn MCBH21 / MCIL21

Why 21 Contacts?

The 21-contact format is chosen when a single cable entry must support:

• Multiple independent power rails (24 V, 48 V, 5 V logic)
• Multiple RS-485 or RS-232 communication buses
• Analog sensor channels (0-10 V or 4-20 mA)
• Dedicated shield/ground returns for low-noise signal integrity
• Spare/redundant conductors for fault tolerance

Applications

• Complex AUV payload interface connectors
• Multi-sensor oceanographic instrument packages (CTD + ADCP + DO)
• ROV tether breakout panels requiring high channel count
• Subsea acoustic modem and navigation system connectors
• Deep-sea lander science instrument interfaces

For quotation and technical support:
Email: sales@rovcable.com
Website: www.rovconnector.com | www.rovcable.com
Address: No.100 Yezhuang Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, China 201415

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 21-contact housing larger than the 8-contact?

Yes. Housing diameter increases to accommodate 21 contacts. Contact our technical team for exact flange dimensions before panel design.

Does it mate directly with SubConn MCBH21?

Yes, manufactured to SubConn-compatible face geometry and thread dimensions.

Why is per-contact current derated to 5 A?

Thermal grouping in the compact housing limits heat dissipation. For high-current circuits, combine a 2-contact power connector alongside the 21-contact signal connector.

Applications

• ROV and AUV underwater vehicle systems requiring compact, reliable connectivity
• Subsea sensor instrumentation, oceanographic data acquisition platforms
• Underwater camera, video and LED lighting systems at varying depths
• Ocean bottom seismic systems and marine renewable energy installations
• Naval systems, diving equipment and offshore infrastructure monitoring

Customization Options

• Custom cable harness lengths, wire terminations and direct moulding services
• Alternative connector body materials: anodized aluminum, SS316, or titanium
• Certified hydrostatic pressure testing to customer-specified ocean depths
• Custom bulkhead thread lengths, O-ring configurations and locking sleeve options