As the “seafloor neural network” for exploring marine mysteries and monitoring marine environments, seafloor observation networks need to operate stably for a long time in extreme deep-sea environments characterized by high pressure, strong corrosion, and high impact. As the “bridge” between various nodes of the observation network, connectors directly determine the reliability and data transmission efficiency of the entire system. Ankeno, deeply engaged in the field of high-end precision connectors, has independently developed the 04D Deep-Sea Metal Series Components. With core advantages of large pin count, high power, and high sealing performance, it has been successfully applied to a large-scale seafloor observation network project, solving deep-sea connection problems and providing stable and reliable connection support for marine observation tasks.

This seafloor observation network project is deployed in a sea area of the South China Sea, covering a vast sea area with an observation depth of 1600 meters. It needs to realize real-time monitoring of multiple marine parameters such as temperature, salinity, current velocity, and seafloor topography, as well as high-speed backhaul of observation data and stable supply of equipment power. In the early stage of the project, it faced problems such as insufficient watertightness, unstable signal transmission, and weak corrosion resistance of traditional connectors, which led to frequent data interruptions and equipment failures, seriously affecting the progress of observation tasks. After multiple rounds of screening and testing, Ankeno 04D Deep-Sea Metal Series Components were selected as the core connection solution for the project due to their excellent performance.

Ankeno 04D Deep-Sea Metal Series Components are large-pin-count, high-power optoelectronic hybrid deep-sea watertight connectors, precisely matching the core needs of seafloor observation networks. In the deep-sea high-pressure environment, this series adopts a special sealed structure design, which can withstand the high pressure corresponding to 1600 meters of water depth (an increase of 1 atmosphere for every 10 meters of water depth), effectively preventing seawater intrusion, ensuring long-term stable sealing performance, and solving the industry pain point of seal failure of traditional connectors. At the same time, the component housing is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, which can resist seawater salt corrosion and chemical corrosion, adapt to the complex corrosive environment on the seabed, and ensure long-term trouble-free operation of equipment.

In terms of signal and power transmission, this series realizes the synchronous and reliable transmission of large-current power signals and high-speed optical communication signals, perfectly adapting to the operation needs of seafloor observation networks. Underwater sensors, junction boxes and other equipment in the observation network are connected to the backbone network through 04D components. The large-pin-count design of the components can simultaneously carry the power supply and data transmission of multiple devices, eliminating the need for additional connection nodes, simplifying the networking structure of the observation network, and reducing deployment and maintenance costs. Its high-speed optical communication transmission capability can quickly transmit massive observation data collected by underwater sensors back to the shore-based control center with low transmission loss and strong stability, ensuring that researchers can timely obtain accurate marine environment data.

In addition, this series has strong impact resistance, which can resist mechanical impacts during underwater currents, equipment deployment and recovery, adapting to the long-term deployment needs of seafloor observation networks. According to the specific working conditions of the project, Ankeno also provided a customized connection solution, optimized the installation structure of the components, facilitated underwater installation and maintenance by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), greatly improved operation efficiency, and reduced offshore operation and maintenance costs.

Up to now, Ankeno 04D Deep-Sea Metal Series Components have been operating stably in the seafloor observation network project for more than one year without any connection failures. The data transmission accuracy rate reaches 99.9%, and the power supply is stable and reliable, successfully completing various marine observation tasks. The successful application of this series not only solves the connection problems in extreme deep-sea environments but also demonstrates Ankeno’s technical strength in the field of high-end precision connectors. It provides reliable localized connection support for China’s seafloor observation network construction and the implementation of the maritime power strategy, and will continue to help promote more deep-sea observation and development projects in the future.