Application Notes

The VITA 67.3 specification draws on the solutions provided in 67.1 and 67.2 but is unique as it doesn’t define the locations of the ports like its predecessors. Additionally, floating contacts have been moved to the Backplane side (vs the Plug-In side in 67.1 and 67.2).

SV offers a variety of millimeter wave (mmWave) coaxial cable assemblies and connectors for 5G mobile communication development and production. Our high frequency (26 GHz and beyond) push-on and threaded RF connectors offer industry leading signal fidelity in the 5G frequency spectrum and unique packaging designs for high density requirements. Let SV Microwave be your partner in 5G product development.

A ‘Board-to-Board’ (or B2B) RF connection is defined as a means for transmitting an RF signal between two parallel RF printed circuit boards (PCB) using RF connectors. This document will focus on making a B2B connection using SV’s SMP and SMPM series connectors.

Hermetic sealing can be considered an airtight seal, and ensures a constant pressure or vaccum is maintained on one side of the connector. This type of sealing requires a glass to metal fusion and has a max leak rate of 10-8 cc/sec of helium gas.

When applications demand extra axial tolerance, the SMPM-XT Interconnect offers a smart alternative to spring-bullet designs. It delivers increased mating tolerance and reliable performance without the added cost or mechanical complexity. Best of all, the SMPM-XT bullet maintains full compatibility with standard SMPM male connectors.

SV Microwave has developed a new line of low pass filters. These filters are integrated into the coax structure itself, instead of using methods like lumped-element or chip-based solutions. These filters have extremely low loss in the passband and do not require PCB real estate.

TraceGuard offers a new design feature using a glass seal to isolate rotation away from the PCB. This eliminates any chance of the rotational movement of the center contact being transferred from the interface of the connector to the board transition. SV is able to utilize our glass seal capabilities to offer this feature without impacting lead-times.

This design evolution improves the alignment of the connectors in the modules and improves reliability. This report clarifies the transition to the revised PNs and illustrates the limitations of the legacy design. All existing legacy hardware meets the VITA 67.3 spec.

Amphenol SV Microwave has developed a complete suite of spring-loaded RF interconnects featuring a bayonet-style coupling nut for quick, easy, and secure connections. This product line solves a problem typically associated with standard SMP, SMPM and SMPS RF interfaces-- namely, that the classic push-on design may come loose in high-vibration and shock environments common to military and space applications.

A common challenge when using small envelope RF connectors like SMP and SMPM is power handling and fragility. The BMB RF Series solves this challenge by providing a blind-mate, more robust, and higher power handling option. Additionally, BMB is a SOSA-Aligned interface, suitable for use in embedded systems I/O. The BMB interface offers a higher operating frequency when compared to conventional M39029 Size 8 options.

SV Microwave Shielded Multiport connectors, in conjunction with a PCB footprint layout provided by SV Microwave, provides a built-in EMI shielded connector that gives up to 70 dB of crosstalk isolation. These connectors prevent signal interference by isolating each of the different RF channels which is critical in sensitive electronics.

SV Microwave’s Spring Bullets are engineered to ensure exceptional RF performance across high-frequency and demanding applications. Their spring-loaded, compressible design eliminates gaps during gang mating. This maintains consistent electrical performance throughout the entire range of compression. These bullets are ideal for aerospace, military, instrumentation, and satellite communications applications.

SV’s 30° connector features a solderless design and consistent exit geometry across RF series, allowing for easy connector substitution and replacement during the final design stages.

Amphenol SV Microwave’s Threaded SMPM product family offers a reliable, high-frequency connection by combining the standard SMPM interface with a threaded coupling nut. This feature, shown in Figure 2, provides peace of mind by virtually eliminating the risk of accidental decoupling during use, especially in demanding environments.

SV Microwave has a full portfolio of Size 8, 12, 16, and 20 D38999 RF contacts in several different styles for various applications, including MIL-SPEC and spring-loaded high-frequency options.

Shorten and simplify the time and effort needed to test your VPX Plug-In Card design. Our VITA and SOSA subject matter experts have put together a complete testing kit that includes all the essentials you’ll need. Ideal for prototyping and production-level testing.

SV Microwave offers PCB connectors in a variety of attachment styles, solderless and soldered. Both attachment styles are available in edge launch and surface mount configurations. See the chart below for pros and cons of each style.

A common problem for design engineers is how to avoid the deformation of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) connectors during reflow. Reflow is the process whereby PCBs are placed in an oven and heated beyond the melting temperature of the solder used to fix the connector onto the board.

Traditional RF PCB Connectors require the use of solder to affix onto a PCB. SV Microwave offers a full line of solderless PCB Connectors that remove many of the challenges associated with solder work.

SV Microwave has developed a new RF series that re-imagines the design of our proprietary LiteTouch product line to create an easy-to-clean exposed interface in a familiar SMA-sized form factor. Our LTI (LiteTouch Interface) product line includes cable connectors for both Ø.047” and Ø.085” cable types and panel mount adapters that are IP67-rated in the unmated condition and easily wiped down. This eliminates the need for an extra accessory, such as a dust cap.

This product combines SMPM/SMPS connectors into a single multiport, reducing its footprint as compared to an equivalent amount of threaded single port connectors. This unique multiport has a keying feature that properly aligns connectors to their mating halves.

SV Microwave's Ø.087 Low Loss Cable Assemblies are ideal for testing and instrumentation applications and are available in both custom and standard cable assembly options.

Sensor Open System Architecture® (SOSA) is a consortium that seeks to meet the Department of Defense’s directive to reduce costly custom solutions with collaboratively designed standard architecture. SOSA® helps organize technology standards within the embedded computing systems field into next higher assembly applications.

UltraLite RF Cable Connectors are designed to perform at high frequencies and harsh environments with lower weight compared to their steel and brass counterparts by leveraging aluminum construction. These connectors, cable assemblies and components are ideal for Space and other applications where weight is at a premium.

SV Microwave’s strain relief boot protects the cable from overbending during frequent handling, mating/demating, and maneuvering. The unique design of the molded boot not only moves the cable bend away from the connection to the connector, but also provides a gradual bend. This protects the cable braid from damage and kinks, that cause poor RF performance and expensive rework.

Solder wicking is when solder wicks up the cable braid during assembly. This creates a brittle section of cable immediately behind the connector ferrule that is exacerbated on small diameter, flexible cable. Even with strain relief, this section of the cable is susceptible to breakage with aggressive handling or bending. SV’s Extended Ferrule Cable Connectors reduce cable damage by containing the solder wicking within the cable ferrule. This allows for a bend to be made immediately after the connector.

SV Microwave's SuperFlex Ø.047 RF Cable Assemblies are ideal for test and measurement applications. They fit all standard interfaces, including SMA, 2.92mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm, and SMPx.

Gold over nickel plating is commonly used on Brass, BeCu and Stainless Steel bodies used in RF PCB Connectors. Its corrosion resistance and electrical connectivity make it an excellent choice for signal transmission and high reliability.

SV Microwave’s unique ferrule design protects the cable from overbending while still maintaining a shorter distance from the front of the coupling nut (Figure 1 below) to the back of the cable bend than standard COTS offerings. Figure 2 demonstrates how the ferrule radius prevents overbending, which protects the cable from defects like: damaged cable braids, kinked cable, and poor RF performance, all of which lead to expensive rework.

Our cables were tested for compressive deflection using an Instron Tensile Tester with a 1 kN load cell to simulate harsh environment conditions.

Qubits, the core building blocks of quantum computing, are highly sensitive to external magnetic fields. Even trace amounts of magnetic material can introduce interference that leads to qubit decoherence, reduced stability, and degraded signal integrity.

Our high-performance Keyed SMA RF Cable Assemblies are ideal for Mil-Aero, Airborne Radar, and Transceiver Box applications and can deliver RF performance up to 26.5 GHz.

Solderless compression mounted RF connectors are advantageous for their fast and easy installation compared to standard soldered connectors. However, they suffer the same drawbacks of any screw mounted hardware and may loosen over use, negatively impacting performance.

RF signal paths are going higher in frequency and tighter in density. This forces designers to choose between cables that are small and flexible or large and low loss. One compromise is to utilize two discreet cable assemblies, which presents its own challenges as it introduces more interfaces, more handling, and degradation of performance into the overall design.

SV’s new Edge-Lock connector series is developed to form an interference fit between the conical alignment pin and the PCB thru-hole, thus pulling the contact lane of the connector in to the edge of the PCB. The result is a fixture-less connector that is primed for reflow without any need for custom fixtures to hold the connector in place. The secure fit between the connector and the PCB edge ensures optimal RF performance throughout the connector’s full frequency range.

Millimeter-wave products are high-speed, precision coaxial millimeter-wave connectors and cable assemblies that can operate from DC to 67 GHz.

The Mini-D product line offers multiport harnessed cable assemblies that have a rugged, lightweight aluminum housing. Designed for high-density applications, it features .110" port-to-port spacing to optimize space in compact system designs.

The QuarterBack ® (QB) design features a bayonet locking nut on the standard SMP interface for a secure yet low withdrawal force RF and microwave connection.

Our Mil-Spec products are Department of Defense-approved connectors, adapters, and components, all of which undergo comprehensive in-house qualification testing.

SV’s 3mm product line is ideal for high density stacked and high density multiport applications. Additionally, installation of this line can be accomplished with and without solder.

SV Microwave is now offering key customers the chance to evaluate our PCB mount RF connectors on a high performance, custom designed evaluation test board. These test coupons allow our customers to measure and characterize the performance of the connector when launched to a matched landing pad.

High performance true 75 Ohm video connections are critical when high definition video feeds from camera to receivers are needed. Unlike many video cables which use 75 Ohm cables and standard 50 Ohm connectors, SV’s D38999 contacts have a true 75 Ohm impedance construction thus assuring a high fidelity signal in 3G SDI, 4K and 8K video feeds.

As a world leader in the RF/Microwave industry with over 50 years of proven performance, our designs and manufacturing capabilities of coaxial connectors, cable assemblies and passive components is unparalleled and ideal for military, satellite, aerospace, commercial and telecommunications applications.

Amphenol is in a unique position to provide a value-add solution to the Prime Contractor by combining the expertise of the PCB manufacturer (Amphenol Printed Circuits) and the Connector Manufacturer (Amphenol SV Microwave) to supply a guaranteed, tested and confirmed end product.

Testing was performed on SV Microwave’s VITA 67.3 SMPS Backplane and Plug-In Connectors to determine their conformance to the SMPS design detailed in VITA 67.3 section 3.2.

In order to effectively optimize our connector design for your specific application, please fill in the requested information in the appropriate section below and send submissions to applications@svmicrowave.com or fax to 561.842.6277. Your custom footprint will then be designed, simulated and sent to you in a timely manner. (Additional copies available on our website)

SV Microwave is a world leader in the RF/Microwave industry with over 50 years of proven performance. We design and manufacture RF/Microwave coaxial connectors, cable assemblies and passive components designed for military, aerospace, satellite, telecommunications and test and instrumentation applications.

SV is an industry leader in high-frequency mmWave connectors, adapters, components, and cable assemblies. Our Electrical Engineers assist our customers with customized simulated and impedance-matched PCB footprints to ensure a seamless PCB transition.

SV Microwave assigns a unique part number, or SKU, to each product following the logic established below. Please note that legacy SV products were created before the below naming convention had been created. Their part numbers do not adhere to this logic.

This report explores the changes that different dielectric materials undergo during a standard PCB solder reflow process. The dielectrics examined are PTFE, Torlon, PEEK, Ultem, and Corning #7070 glass. The connectors used for the testing are all male SMP surface mount connectors.