Cinch Connectivity Solutions — MD801 Series
Table of Contents

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Summary

The MD801 is a lightweight, ultraminiature circular connector series made by Cinch Connectivity Solutions (a Bel Fuse company), engineered to deliver MIL-DTL-38999-class electrical and mechanical performance in a smaller, lighter shell. It is used across UAVs, military vehicle communications, satellite communication systems, military radios, and military display systems, and is stocked in multiple configurations directly through distributors such as DigiKey.

Key Facts

  • Developed by: Cinch Connectivity Solutions (Lombard, IL; a Bel Fuse company; Cinch itself founded 1920, acquired by Bel Fuse from Safran in 2010)
  • Type: Company product line (circular connector series)
  • Status: Active, in continuous expansion (line extended June 2022 and again in 2023 with additional shell sizes and models)
  • Key metric(s): Shell sizes 5 through 13; contact arrangements from 1 to 130; MIL-DTL-38999 electrical/mechanical performance in a smaller, lighter package than standard 38999 connectors

What It Is / How It Works

The MD801 uses a circular shell design (rather than the rectangular Micro-D form factor) and is built to perform electrically and mechanically per MIL-DTL-38999 — the dominant circular mil-spec connector standard — but in a smaller and lighter shell than full-size 38999 connectors. It is offered in both plug and receptacle configurations, with crimp, solder, and PC-tail termination options suitable for board-mount applications, and aluminum shells with multiple finish options for corrosion resistance and EMI shielding. Cinch markets it specifically for cross-mating and vibration protection in aerospace/military harsh environments.

Cinch expanded the line in June 2022 to include additional configurations and again added MD801 5-3, 6-4, 7-10, 13-2, and 13-3 models, broadening the shell-size and contact-count coverage. The product is sold both directly by Cinch and through electronics distributors including DigiKey, making it one of the more accessible mil-spec-class connectors for drone and small-UAS integrators who don’t need a full custom-connector engagement.

Cinch is one of several brands under Bel Fuse’s Connectivity Solutions product group, alongside C-ENX, CIN::APSE (a newer high-speed space/defense interconnect platform), Dura-Con, Fibreco, Johnson, Midwest Microwave, ModICE, Stewart Connector, Stratos, and Trompeter RF Connectivity.

Notable Developments

  • 2025-05: Bel Fuse announces a leadership transition: Dan Bernstein (CEO since 2001) moves to Chairman of the Board; CFO Farouq Tuweiq becomes CEO.
  • 2023-06: Cinch expands the MD801 line with new shell sizes and contact arrangements (MD801 5-3, 6-4, 7-10, 13-2, 13-3 models).
  • 2022-06: Cinch Connectivity Solutions announces expansion of the Mil/Aero Circular MD801 Series.
  • 2010: Bel Fuse completes acquisition of Cinch Connectors from Safran S.A. for approximately $37.5 million cash plus ~$1.5 million for assumed expenses; Cinch had 2009 revenue of approximately $56 million.

Key People / Key Organizations

  • Farouq Tuweiq — CEO, Bel Fuse Inc. (since May 2025; previously CFO for four years). LinkedIn: not found.
  • Daniel J. Bernstein — Chairman of the Board, Bel Fuse Inc. (CEO 2001–2025; over 45 years with the company). LinkedIn: not found.

People — Last Reviewed: 2026-07-14

Sources

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