What are SMP Connectors?
Meet the Connector: SMP Connectors
Subminiature push-on (SMP) connectors are highly shielded, very small interconnects commonly used in miniaturized high frequency coaxial modules and high data rate applications such as antennas, broadband installations, Test & Measurement, and quantum computing. The product was developed by Gilbert (now Corning Gilbert) in the late 1980s and marketed as the GPO (Gilbert Push-On). The popularity of the GPO led to requests for a version that could be standardized for military use. CDI Engineers (now Amphenol CIT) contributed to the standardization of the interface that became the SMP that we know today. The SMP is widely used to facilitate dense packaging in RF/microwave applications.
SMP connectors are named for their easy-to-use design: Installers simply push these plug-in connectors together to make a connection. They can just as easily be pulled apart. Three different levels of detent — the engagement/disengagement force needed to make or break a connection — are available: full, limited, and smooth bore. In addition to the push-on mating format, snap-on SMPs are also available.
Amphenol CIT’s SMP interface, now available in numerous configurations, has enabled design engineers to increase performance and complexity of their designs and improve upon their form factor.
Subminiature push-on mini (SMPM) or mini-SPM connectors are ultra-miniature, high frequency SMP-type connectors used in applications up to 65 GHz. Mini SMP connectors terminate to coax or PCB. These are often available hermetically sealed.
Design Notes
On board applications, a floating female-to-female connector, or “bullet,” can be used with SMPs to enable stacking of boards equipped with male PCB connectors. The bullet provides a link between mated pairs and compensate for radial and axial misalignment.
Standardization: SMP connectors are covered by MIL-STD 348, 326-1 thru -5. The smaller SMPM version is covered by MIL-STD-348; 328-1 thru -3.
SV Microwave’s single port, two-port, and four-port PCB surface mount connectors are ideal for high frequency printed circuit board applications where precision is key. Current interface configurations include SMP, SMPM, and SMPS series.
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Frequency Range: DC to 40 GHz
- Dielectric Withstanding Voltage: 500 Vrms at sea level
- RF Leakage: 80 dB max. at 3 GHz, 65 dB max. at 26.5 GHz
- Temperature Range: -65 °C to 165 °C
- Durability: 100 cycles min. into a full detent shroud; 500 cycles min. into a limited detent shroud; 1,000 cycles min, into a smooth bore shroud
Radiall’s SMP connector is available in a variety of configurations, including a cost-effective version SMP-COM (part series R222 9) for telecom applications up to 12 GHz.
- Radial Misalignment: +/-0.25mm
- Axial Misalignment: 0/+0.25mm (with fixed length adapters)
- Mating Style: Push-on or Snap-on
- Dimensions: The outer diameter of the interface is approx. 3.30 mm
Amphenol RF’s SMP connector is available in a cable-to-board mated pair. The plug side can be provided in either right angle or straight with termination capability to either 0.047” or 0.086”, semi-rigid or conformable coax. The receptacles are designed for surface, through hole, or end launch mounting.
Markets, Sectors, and Applications
Datacom/Telecom, Test & Measurement, Medical, Military and Aerospace
Suppliers
Molex, Radiall, Rosenberger, Samtec Inc. SV Microwave, Amphenol RF, Amphenol CIT
Related products:
- SMA Connectors
- RF connector
- SMB connector
- SMC connector
- BNC connector
- TNC connector
- N connector
- Coaxial cable
- Optical fiber connector
- MMCX connector
- MCX connector
Learn more about RF coaxial connectors.
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