ITT Interconnect Solutions

<h2 id="history">History</h2>
<p>In the early 1930s, Cannon was contracted by <a href="/facts/Douglas_Aircraft_Company/vkkFDEhB">Douglas Aircraft Company</a> to develop a <a href="/facts/Circular_connector/rJh0cHs6">circular connector</a> for use on the <a href="/facts/DC-1/LUeLMe2Q">DC-1</a> and on the subsequent <a href="/facts/DC-2/YBnacuwV">DC-2</a> and <a href="/facts/DC-3/NWdzDB2u">DC-3</a> aircraft platforms. As the aerospace industry evolved, <a href="/facts/McDonnell_Douglas/cplglcRH">McDonnell Douglas</a> Aircraft – as it became known – remained a key customer for Cannon throughout its existence. During the late 1930s with <a href="/facts/World_War_II/2efV5L1U">World War II</a> on the horizon, Cannon began volume production of multi-contact electrical connectors, which were used by virtually every aircraft builder in the <a href="/facts/United_States/P0sCdLe5">United States</a>. Cannon's AN Series (for "Army/Navy") connector, developed for military aircraft applications, set the standard for modern military connector specifications.
</p>

<p>In 1952 it invented the industry-standard <a href="/facts/D-subminiature/ygqtB3CQ">D-sub</a> connector.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1"><sup>1</sup></a> These connectors were used for the military/aerospace market, and the company became an international supplier of connectors and interconnection systems with umbilical connectors designed to meet the specialized needs of guided missiles ranging from small rockets to multistage vehicles. ITT Interconnect Solutions’ (ICS) connectors and their derivatives have also had multiple applications in commercial computers and have been implemented by standards such as <a href="/facts/SCSI/pxXulrBr">SCSI</a>, <a href="/facts/RS-232/NCpvGuyq">RS-232</a> and <a href="/facts/Video_Graphics_Array/8GGsGTSc">VGA</a>.
</p>

<p>ITT Cannon also developed the <a href="/facts/XLR_connector/Vh9yIK0R">XLR connector</a> in the 1950s for military communications applications as well as sound equipment for professional recording studios. Over the years, the XL Series audio connector became a universal solution for both analog and digital connections, and in 2008 the connector was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame by the <a href="/facts/Mix_Foundation/YonEEDlC">Mix Foundation</a> for Excellence in Audio.
</p>

<p>During this time, the company also became a key connector supplier to the U.S space program with the development of several specialized connectors for a wide range of aerospace applications, including a special microminiature connector developed for use on space suits. <a href="/facts/NASA/TIMCV0yV">NASA</a> awarded Cannon the Medallion for Distinguished Service for its efforts in the first U.S. crewed lunar landing. The <a href="/facts/United_Space_Alliance/gKY4oCn5">United Space Alliance</a> recently presented ITT Interconnect Solutions with a certificate of appreciation for supporting the shuttle and international space station programs with a variety of circular and fiber optic connectors.
</p><p>In the automotive and transportation markets, Cannon developed heavy duty durable connectors capable of withstanding high temperatures and harsh environments, many of which are used in vehicles designed by <a href="/facts/BMW/cJd8y02r">BMW</a>, <a href="/facts/Ferrari/HdvDk90a">Ferrari</a>, <a href="/facts/General_Motors/rBgP3IRK">General Motors</a> and many others.
</p><p>In 1963 the company was acquired by ITT.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a>
</p><p>ITT Cannon entered the <a href="/facts/Medical_electronics/TNAa3sqa">medical electronics</a> industry with the development of fiber optic microminiature connectors for diagnostic equipment as well as electronic prostheses to restore eyesight, hearing and other functions. These fiber optic connectors also opened up opportunities in the telecommunications market.
</p>
<h2 id="biw">BIW</h2>

<p>In 2001, ITT Cannon purchased BIW, a manufacturer of electrical power connectors, cables and harnessing. BIW designed and manufactured the first power feedthru connectors for electric submersible pumps used in artificial lifts for oil wells, and the company developed the first field attachable connectors for electric submersible pump power cables.
</p>

<p>In 2003, ITT Cannon acquired VEAM, a  manufacturer of specialized high reliability DIN rail, multipin, bulkhead sensor and power connectors serving the transportation, military and nuclear markets. As part of ITT Interconnect Solutions, VEAM also offers complete junction box assemblies for mass transit applications.
</p>
<h2 id="itt-interconnect-solutions">ITT Interconnect Solutions</h2>
<p>In 2007, ITT Cannon changed its name to ITT Interconnect Solutions.
</p>
<h2 id="see-also">See also</h2>
<ul><li><a href="/facts/D-subminiature/ygqtB3CQ">D-subminiature</a></li>
<li><a href="/facts/XLR_connector/Vh9yIK0R">XLR connector</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="external-links">External links</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.ittcannon.com">Official website</a></li></ul>

<h2 id="references">References</h2>

<ol>
<li id="fn:1"><p>Are D Subs from all manufactures compatible? Archived 2012-03-09 at the Wayback Machine <a href="http://www.ittcannon.com/content.aspx?id=56" target="_blank">http://www.ittcannon.com/content.aspx?id=56</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
<li id="fn:2"><p>"Acquires Assets". Wilmington Star-News. December 3, 1963. <a href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IERjAAAAIBAJ&pg=5240%2C617508" target="_blank">https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IERjAAAAIBAJ&pg=5240%2C617508</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li>
</ol>

ITT Interconnect Solutions open-in-new

ITT Interconnect Solutions