Smiths Interconnect Launches Press-Fit cPCI Connector Series

Smiths Interconnect is thrilled to announce the release of the Press-Fit version of its renowned cPCI connector series. This innovative addition underscores Smiths Interconnect’s dedication to meeting the rigorous demands of the Defense, Space and Commercial Aerospace markets.

The new Press-Fit cPCI connectors integrate seamlessly with existing systems, maintaining the superior performance characteristics our customers have come to expect. Featuring compliant eye termination technology, these connectors allow for effortless Press-Fit installation, eliminating the need for soldering, thus enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs.

Smiths Interconnect’s Press-Fit cPCI connectors retain the same trusted Hyperboloid sockets used in our NASA S311 qualified versions, ensuring intermate-ability with both our standard and NASA S311 solder tail connectors. This continuity in design enables customers to adopt the new Press-Fit connectors without needing to overhaul their complete system.

Key features of the Press-Fit cPCI connectors include:

• Data Rate Performance: Up to 3.125 Gbps
• Hyperboloid Contact Technology: Enables 360° of self-wiping action, crucial for performance in harsh environments
• Durability: Immune to shock and vibration, offering long contact life in the field

General industry trends support the need for Press-Fit cPCI connectors. The successful use of connectors with compliant contact technology in space and defense has continuously increased. Evidence of this increase in popularity can be seen within VPX architectures containing our KVPX connector system. By retooling our cPCI series to include compliant terminations, our customers can easily adopt the Press-Fit installation process while continuing to maintain the immunity to harsh environments our customers can expect from our hyperboloid contacts.

Smiths Interconnect’s rugged 2mm backplane connector system is compliant to the PICMG Compact PCI standard, designed to meet the stringent requirements of mission-critical applications in commercial aerospace, space, and defense markets. Our cPCI connectors, known for their immunity to shock and vibration fretting, are configured on a 2mm center-line with six rows. The 0.4 mm Hypertac contacts in the backplane offer a current rating of 1 A and data rate performance up to 3.125 Gbps with less than 8 mΩ contact resistance. Available in 55, 95 and 110 way versions, the system is fully interchangeable with Compact PCI COTS systems and complies with IEC 1076-4-101.

"Our new Press-Fit cPCI connectors represent a significant advancement for our global customer base," said Mark Kelleher, Vice President and General Manager of the Connector Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. "We are committed to providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions that deliver top performance in the demanding environments of defense, space, and commercial aviation."

With this new release, Smiths Interconnect continues to lead in providing reliable, high-performance interconnect solutions, giving customers a competitive edge in industries where durability and performance are critical.