ITT Interconnect Solutions

In the early 1930s, Cannon was contracted by Douglas Aircraft Company to develop a circular connector for use on the DC-1 and on the subsequent DC-2 and DC-3 aircraft platforms. As the aerospace industry evolved, McDonnell Douglas Aircraft – as it became known – remained a key customer for Cannon throughout its existence. During the late 1930s, with World War II on the horizon, Cannon began volume production of multi-contact electrical connectors, which were used by virtually every aircraft builder in the United States. Cannon's AN Series (for "Army/Navy") connector, developed for military aircraft applications, set the standard for modern military connector specifications.

In 1952, it invented the industry-standard D-sub connector. 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. ICS's connectors and their derivatives have also had multiple applications in commercial computers and have been implemented by standards such as SCSI, RS-232 and VGA.

ITT Cannon also developed the XLR connector 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 Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio.

During this time, the company also became a key connector supplier to the US 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. NASA awarded Cannon the Medallion for Distinguished Service for its efforts in the first U.S. crewed lunar landing. The United Space Alliance 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.

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 BMW, Ferrari, General Motors and many others.

In 1963 the company was acquired by ITT.

ITT Cannon entered the medical electronics 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.