Precision Wedge Locks for Conduction-Cooled Chassis
Mechanical Retention and Thermal Interface Hardware for VPX, CPCI, and ATR Modules
Perseus wedge locks, also known as card retainers, provide the mechanical-to-thermal interface for conduction-cooled VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, and ATR chassis. Configurations include 3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs with aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options by program requirement.
Mechanical Retention and Thermal Interface Hardware for VPX, CPCI, and ATR Modules
Perseus wedge locks, also known as card retainers, provide the mechanical-to-thermal interface for conduction-cooled VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, and ATR chassis. Configurations include 3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs with aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options by program requirement.
Core Technical Features
Mechanical-to-Thermal Interface:
Wedge locks clamp modules into chassis rails while helping reduce air gaps at the conduction path to the cold wall.
Configurable Segment Profiles:
3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs support common rugged chassis architectures.
Material and Finish Options:
Aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options can be paired with hard anodize or chemical film finishes.
VITA-Compatible Integration:
Selection should be reviewed against VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, ATR, and other chassis rail interfaces before release.
Typical Applications
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![Airborne VPX Processor Modules]()
Secures conduction-cooled VPX and I/O modules in avionics chassis where thermal contact and retention are both required.
Airborne VPX Processor Modules
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![Shipboard Electronics Cabinets]()
Supports module retention in naval radar, communication, and control cabinets exposed to vibration and corrosion concerns.
Shipboard Electronics Cabinets
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![Ground Vehicle Electronics]()
Provides card retention for rugged vehicle electronics where shock, vibration, and maintainability drive hardware selection.
Ground Vehicle Electronics
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![Field-Deployable Chassis]()
Tool-free or custom wedge lock options can support rapid module replacement in transportable systems.
Field-Deployable Chassis
Series Selection Guide
Wedge Lock Selection Guide
| Parameter | Available Configuration | Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Configurations | 3-segment / 5-segment / multi-segment / tool-free | Select by module length, rail geometry, and maintenance access. |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C to +85°C functional range | Confirm final range by selected material, finish, and platform requirement. |
| Materials | Aerospace aluminum / stainless steel / titanium alloys | Balance thermal path, corrosion exposure, mass, and strength. |
| Surface Finish | Hard anodize / chemical film | Finish should support conductivity and corrosion-control requirements. |
| Compatibility | VPX / CPCI / VME / ASAAC / ATR chassis rails | Verify rail geometry and torque procedure from module drawings. |
| RFQ Review | Length, height, segment count, finish, and release method | Custom profiles should be reviewed with drawings before quotation. |
Wedge Lock Overview
Perseus wedge locks provide mechanical retention and thermal interface support for conduction-cooled electronics modules. The product family is suited to VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, ATR, and custom rugged chassis where secure clamping and repeatable module service access are required.
A reliable selection review compares module length, rail geometry, cold-wall interface, release method, material, finish, torque procedure, and environmental exposure before the final hardware profile is released.
- Interface data
Provide module drawing, rail geometry, and available clamping envelope. - Thermal path
Define cold-wall contact area and heat-transfer assumptions. - Hardware review
Confirm material, finish, segment count, and tool-free requirements.
Engineering Resources
Technical guides to support your fan selection and system integration.
How to Read P-Q Curves for Military Fan Selection
Understand static pressure, airflow operating points, and system impedance for defense cooling applications.
Military Cooling Fan Selection Guide
CFM estimation, P-Q curve review, altitude derating, and MIL-STD-810H environmental planning for defense electronics.