Introduction of SMP Connector

SMP (GPO®) RF connector is a new type of blind mating RF coaxial connector and the maximum frequency can reach 40GHz., which has the characteristics of high frequency, fast connection, and strong vibration resistance, allowing a certain mismatch in the axial and radial direction. It is especially suitable for high-density blind plug-in matching among printed circuit boards, chassis, and cabinets, and provides an ideal solution for applications with modular and intensive installation. It is a subminiature connector that can provide a variety of interfaces. The installation density of the smallest SMP connector can reach the simple spacing between the centers of the connector. It can be widely used in dense assembly, matrix antenna, artificial satellite, military radar, airborne equipment, and other circumstances.

Specification:

Detent systems:

SMP Connector has three types of detent system: Smooth Bore, Limited Detent, and Full Detent, which provide three different connector retention forces to meet different application requirements. It provides users with an ideal solution when selecting multi-purpose and high-reliability connectors.

Smooth Bore: minimum connection retention. It has the same engagement force and disengagement forces and allows axial and radial misalignment. It is often used in blind mating connections.

Limited Detent: Based on the smooth bore, the retention force is medium. It is often used for PCB assembly and blind mating connections.

Full Detent: it has the maximum connection retention force, the best vibration resistance, and impact performance. It is commonly used for cable connection

Other SMP Connectors:

SMPM Connector (GPPO): 

also known as Mini SMP Connector connectors which are ultra-miniature 30% smaller than SMP, high-frequency connectors commonly used in applications up to 65 GHz. Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT) designed the SSMP® connector to have similar performance and dimension.

SMPS Connector (G3PO):

The SMPS connectors are 45% smaller than SMP connectors, SMPS connectors have frequency ranges up to 100 GHz. The SMPS connectors were developed to fit smaller and high-frequency connectors than SMP and SMPM. The sub-miniature, lightweight, blind-mateable interconnect solution is ideal for complex high-performance microwave modules and systems where weight is the primary issue.

Rosenberger PSMP Connector: 

Known as Power-SMP which high-frequency connector used in applications up to 10GHz with high power consumption, 200W@2.2GHz continuous power, 12.6mm minimum board spacing, axial misalignment: +/- 1mm, and snap-on coupling.

Radiall SMP-MAX Connector:

SMP-MAX can work up to 6 GHz Board-to-Board distance misalignment at least 2.0 mm and radial misalignment 3° minimum. Up to 2.4mm board-to-board axial misalignment, Radial misalignment: 3˚ minimum tilt, Power: up to 300 Watts, Robust bullet with a larger diameter, Expanded pour-in range to secure blind mating, High quality with automated video quality control axial misalignment from +/-1mm to +/-1.2mm

SMP Spring bullets: 

The axial tolerance of female to female adapter with spring is 4 to 5 times larger than that of fixed SMP adapter。1000 cycles durability.Frequency range： DC to 40GHz, Impedance 50 ohms, spring force 1.81 kgs maximum at full deflection, 0.90 kgs minimum preload.

SMP-LOCK Connector :

Subminiature lock-on connector, operating in the range DC-40 GHz,50 ohms/part series R222 L, Secure connector based on SMP interface. Features a robust locking mechanism, which dramatically increases the retention force of the interface and prevents accidental disconnection. Designed for high-reliability applications. SMP-LOCK was added to the SMP range in 2010.

Z-SMP Connector:

ZTE designed the SMP series connector to avoid the patent, and inspired from SMP-MAX.

References:

Corning SMP guides

PasterNack SMP

SVmicrowave: what's SMP connector

Carlisle SMP Catalog