VITA 67.3: NanoRF, SMPM & SMPS, Differences and Benefits
SV Microwave is a longstanding participant in the VITA community, an active member of the electro-mechanical and hardware working groups, and committed to staying at the forefront of VITA technologies.
We offer all 3 VITA 67.3 interfaces: SMPM, SMPS, and NanoRF. Today, we’ll explore the differences between these interfaces.
SMPM
In 2013, SMPM was introduced into VITA 67.3 with Plug-In contacts (adapters only). Throughout the years, many different interconnects were added, such as the 10-port module, 14-port module, cable assemblies, and more.
SMPM on Plug-In Card
The SMPM plug-in module is available with SMPM cable contacts or adapters. The contact/adapter is locked in place by the flange and front panel. It also offers customizable port configurations, though the 14-port SOSA-approved configuration is shown above.
SMPM on Backplane Module
In the VITA 67.3 SMPM interface, the female cable contacts were moved to the backplane (when compared with VITA 67.1/.2). The female-female front adapter is removable for self-centering. These adapters can also be replaced if damaged. Custom cable assemblies can be configured through SV’s cable builder, Rapid Response.
Per the VITA specification, this product line is rated to perform up to 40 GHz but can support frequencies above 40 GHz.
SMPS
In 2019, the demand for higher-density solutions drove the implementation of SMPS into the VITA 67.3 standard. The primary focus was to minimize the contact port-to-port spacing, allowing contacts to be placed anywhere in the module envelope. Per the VITA specification, this interface is rated to perform up to 70 GHz.
Compared to SMPM, SMPS offers approximately a 33% reduction in connector diameter, enabling higher port density and a removable male-female adapter front interface for improved centering.
SMPS on Plug-In Card
SMPS is available with cable connectors or adapters. The contact/adapter is locked in place by the flange and front panel. Customizable port configurations are available, though the 19-port SOSA-approved module is shown above.
SMPS on Backplane Module
The female cable contacts remain on the backplane, and there is still a removable front adapter for self-centering, though it’s now male-female. Custom cable assemblies are available for rapid response in Ø.047” and Ø.086” versions.
In 2021, SOSA standardized the 19-position modules. This standardization did not require the absolute minimum port-to-port spacing.
SV used this opportunity to enhance the SMPS interface within the VPX ecosystem and develop our new line of SMPS VITA 67.3 Gen2. We optimized the design based on current system criteria while maintaining backward compatibility, improving the alignment of connectors in the module, and enhancing reliability.
Gen1 parts comply with VITA 67.3, are in fielded systems, and will continue to be supported as a legacy product. However, they are no longer recommended for new designs due to Gen2’s improved compatibility across all port locations, enhanced mechanical fit and port tolerance, and continued backwards compatibility with previous SMPS designs.
To learn more about our SMPS VITA 67.3 Gen2 product line, please see the resources below:
NanoRF
NanoRF on Plug-in Card
The NanoRF series further increases SV Microwave’s already robust VITA 67.3 offering. SV Microwave is officially licensed to offer NanoRF interconnects, such as contacts, cable assemblies, and plug-in/backplane modules.
These are our highest-density VITA 67.3 blocks, providing up to 20 RF connections at once. Specified to the latest VITA 67.3, 66.5, and SOSA standards, these interconnects operate up to 70 GHz.
NanoRF on Backplane Module
With this addition of NanoRF to our SMPM and SMPS interfaces, SV becomes a one-stop shop for VITA 67 blocks, contacts, cables, and associated accessories, including adapters and terminations.
Have Questions?
Do you have questions, or would like to further explore our VITA product line? Please see our resources below:
- Product Portfolio
- NanoRF video
- VITA homepage
- Application Engineering Team: applications@svmicro.com
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VITA 67.3: NanoRF, SMPM & SMPS, Differences and Benefits
SV Microwave is a longstanding participant in the VITA community, an active member of the electro-mechanical and hardware working groups, and committed to staying at the forefront of VITA technologies.
We offer all 3 VITA 67.3 interfaces: SMPM, SMPS, and NanoRF. Today, we’ll explore the differences between these interfaces.
SMPM
In 2013, SMPM was introduced into VITA 67.3 with Plug-In contacts (adapters only). Throughout the years, many different interconnects were added, such as the 10-port module, 14-port module, cable assemblies, and more.
SMPM on Plug-In Card
The SMPM plug-in module is available with SMPM cable contacts or adapters. The contact/adapter is locked in place by the flange and front panel. It also offers customizable port configurations, though the 14-port SOSA-approved configuration is shown above.
SMPM on Backplane Module
In the VITA 67.3 SMPM interface, the female cable contacts were moved to the backplane (when compared with VITA 67.1/.2). The female-female front adapter is removable for self-centering. These adapters can also be replaced if damaged. Custom cable assemblies can be configured through SV’s cable builder, Rapid Response.
Per the VITA specification, this product line is rated to perform up to 40 GHz but can support frequencies above 40 GHz.
SMPS
In 2019, the demand for higher-density solutions drove the implementation of SMPS into the VITA 67.3 standard. The primary focus was to minimize the contact port-to-port spacing, allowing contacts to be placed anywhere in the module envelope. Per the VITA specification, this interface is rated to perform up to 70 GHz.
Compared to SMPM, SMPS offers approximately a 33% reduction in connector diameter, enabling higher port density and a removable male-female adapter front interface for improved centering.
SMPS on Plug-In Card
SMPS is available with cable connectors or adapters. The contact/adapter is locked in place by the flange and front panel. Customizable port configurations are available, though the 19-port SOSA-approved module is shown above.
SMPS on Backplane Module
The female cable contacts remain on the backplane, and there is still a removable front adapter for self-centering, though it’s now male-female. Custom cable assemblies are available for rapid response in Ø.047” and Ø.086” versions.
In 2021, SOSA standardized the 19-position modules. This standardization did not require the absolute minimum port-to-port spacing.
SV used this opportunity to enhance the SMPS interface within the VPX ecosystem and develop our new line of SMPS VITA 67.3 Gen2. We optimized the design based on current system criteria while maintaining backward compatibility, improving the alignment of connectors in the module, and enhancing reliability.
Gen1 parts comply with VITA 67.3, are in fielded systems, and will continue to be supported as a legacy product. However, they are no longer recommended for new designs due to Gen2’s improved compatibility across all port locations, enhanced mechanical fit and port tolerance, and continued backwards compatibility with previous SMPS designs.
To learn more about our SMPS VITA 67.3 Gen2 product line, please see the resources below:
NanoRF
NanoRF on Plug-in Card
The NanoRF series further increases SV Microwave’s already robust VITA 67.3 offering. SV Microwave is officially licensed to offer NanoRF interconnects, such as contacts, cable assemblies, and plug-in/backplane modules.
These are our highest-density VITA 67.3 blocks, providing up to 20 RF connections at once. Specified to the latest VITA 67.3, 66.5, and SOSA standards, these interconnects operate up to 70 GHz.
NanoRF on Backplane Module
With this addition of NanoRF to our SMPM and SMPS interfaces, SV becomes a one-stop shop for VITA 67 blocks, contacts, cables, and associated accessories, including adapters and terminations.
Have Questions?
Do you have questions, or would like to further explore our VITA product line? Please see our resources below:
- Product Portfolio
- NanoRF video
- VITA homepage
- Application Engineering Team: applications@svmicro.com