Smiths Interconnect, a renowned provider of connectivity solutions, has made an exciting announcement today with the release of its highly anticipated Space Qualified version of the KVPX connector series. This significant advancement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of the Defense & Space and Commercial Aerospace industries.
The Space Qualified KVPX connectors series builds upon Smiths Interconnect’s existing portfolio of ruggedized standards-compliant connectors, offering an embedded system interconnect that seamlessly integrates into high-reliability backplane architectures. These connectors have been designed to address the stringent requirements set forth by VITA 46 and VITA 48 standards. Not only do they deliver exceptional high-speed electrical performance, but they also provide enhanced mechanical reliability and physical ruggedness, even for unmated connectors and modules.
In electronic systems, a backplane serves as a central component that facilitates both physical and electrical connections among various modules, enabling smooth communication and data transfer. In high-reliability applications like Defense & Space and Commercial Aerospace, where system performance and integrity are paramount, backplane architectures must meet stringent requirements for reliability, signal integrity, and resistance to environmental stresses. These requirements encompass factors such as mechanical strength, electrical performance, thermal management, and immunity to vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures.
The Space Qualified KVPX connectors play a crucial role in designing high-reliability backplane architectures. With their exceptional electrical and mechanical characteristics, these connectors ensure reliable and uninterrupted operation even in the most challenging conditions. They are instrumental in maintaining signal integrity, minimizing transmission losses, and withstanding harsh environments. Hence, they are ideal for mission-critical applications where reliability is of utmost importance.
A standout feature of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series is their qualification and screening to EEE-INST-002, Level 1. This meticulous qualification process guarantees optimal performance in the demanding space environments. Level 1 parts are selected and processed with the highest level of reliability and the lowest level of risk in mind. Furthermore, the connectors have been requalified to higher environmental levels as outlined by Table 3D of EEE-INST-002. They are delivered with a screening data-pack that conforms to Table 2D, Level 1, ensuring compliance and reliability. The manufacturing materials of KVPX connectors meet NASA’s low level Outgassing requirements. Additionally, these connectors feature a front face plate that safeguards the male contacts when unmated and offers excellent electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, making them an ideal choice for defense and aerospace systems that require two-level maintenance.
Leveraging the renowned Hypertac® Hyperboloid technology, the Space Qualified KVPX connectors demonstrate exceptional performance across a wide range of extreme environmental conditions. They boast low insertion and extraction forces, minimal contact resistance, industry-leading mating cycles, and remarkable immunity to shock, vibration, and fretting. Importantly, the Space Qualified version of the KVPX connectors series offers the same level of speed and performance as its non-Space counterpart.
Mark Kelleher, Vice President and General Manager of the Connector Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect, expressed the company’s dedication to providing comprehensive and reliable connectivity solutions through the development of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series. Kelleher emphasized that this highly engineered solution is specifically designed to deliver top performance in the demanding environments associated with defense, space, and commercial aviation applications.
With the introduction of the Space Qualified KVPX connectors series, Smiths Interconnect further solidifies its position as a leader in interconnect solutions. This groundbreaking offering provides customers with a competitive edge in industries where reliability and performance are critical. By investing in the Space Qualified KVPX connectors, organizations can ensure seamless connectivity, unmatched reliability, and enhanced system performance in the face of the most challenging conditions.
The Space Qualified KVPX connectors series from Smiths Interconnect represents a significant leap forward in connectivity solutions for the Defense & Space and Commercial Aerospace industries. With its unrivaled performance, ruggedness, and reliability, this series empowers organizations to thrive in high-reliability applications and unlocks new possibilities in the ever-evolving world of electronics.
