Amphenol RF- Products

The SMP interface is a subminiature interface in the same scale as MMCX connectors but offers a frequency range of DC to 40 GHz. It is commonly used in miniaturized high frequency coaxial modules and is offered in both a push on and snap-on mating styles.

The interface is an excellent choice for PC board to board interconnects. For these applications, the interface series offers an interesting solution by utilizing a male connector on each of the PC boards and a female-to-female adapter mounted in between to complete the connection. The female adapter is often called a bullet and is necessary to provide a flexible link between the male connectors. This flexible link allows .020 inches of radial float and .010 inches of axial float.

Typically, one male connector will be specified as a snap on interface and the other as a push on. This ensures that the bullet adapter remains fixed in the same male connector if the PC boards are separated. The bullets are available in multiple lengths to allow for different board spacing.

In its snap-on configuration, the SMP interface is available in two levels of detent each with different mate and de-mate forces. The two levels are full detent and limited detent. In board mount applications, the lower level of detent (limited detent) is typically selected, as it is only required to retain the bullet. Full detent is often used for discreet cable connections where higher forces are desirable.

When specifying requirements for a board-to-board application the user should provide the required PC board connector configurations, the board-to-board spacing, and the tolerances associated. With this information, Amphenol can suggest a package of connectors to suit the application.

To obtain more information about the SMP series click here.

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Amphenol Precision Connectors for the Instrumentation Market

The market today for analytical instruments reflects trends in capital expenditures and research and development funding. When a manufacturer invests in new plant or equipment, either to expand or modernize production facilities, a significant portion of the budget will be allocated to instrument purchases. Consequently, when real plant and equipment spending rises as it did during 1999 and 2000, the market climbs. Now that this trend has reversed we see the tremendous negative effects.

To counter the effects of a sluggish market, instrument manufactures are busy developing new instruments that focus on speed performance and ease of use.

The Amphenol APC-3.5 precision connector series addresses this current market trend. Operating mode-free DC to 34 GHz with 1.15 maximum VSWR and 0.09db maximum insertion loss, these high-performance 50 ohm connectors offer ruggedness and reliability for use in testing and measurement where repeatability through many mating cycles is required. Although the APC-3.5 series was originally designed as interconnects for equipment used to test SMA assemblies in microwave devices and systems, these connectors have found a variety of uses where high-frequency and low-reflection are needed in a moderate environment. Designs are available to terminate to 3.5 mm rigid airline and .086 and .141 semi-rigid cable. Also available are a variety of in-line series as well as between series adapters.

Another popular series is the Amphenol APC-7. These 50 ohm precision connectors are designed to operate mode-free DC – 18 GHz with 1.04 maximum VSWR and 0.03DB maximum insertion loss. Since their introduction in the 1960’s, the APC-7 connectors have become the test port interconnection of choice for a variety of microwave measurement systems and equipment. Their accuracy and repeatability are derived from a sexless co-planar mating face that yields long life with minimum contact wear and distortion. For attachment to APC-7 test ports, Amphenol RF offers a full line of precision between-series adapters for the most popular interfaces.

For more information about Amphenol’s precision line of connectors and adapters, consult our Amphenol RF catalog, search our online catalog, or call our factory direct at 1-800-627-7100.

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What is the Difference Between Return Loss and VSWR?

This question addresses VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Return Loss, which are both a measure of the same parameter. That is, the amount of signal reflected by a connector. It is the major factor contributing to the total signal efficiency of the connector.

Return Loss is the portion of a signal that is lost due to a reflection of power at a line discontinuity. Return Loss is similar to VSWR and is generally preferred in the cable industry to a VSWR specification. Since it is a logarithmic measurement, it is very useful when displaying very small reflections.

VSWR is an acronym for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. VSWR is the ratio of voltage applied to voltage reflected. VSWR is similar to Return Loss and is generally preferred in the connector industry to a Return Loss specification. Since it is a linear measurement, it can be useful when displaying larger reflections due to the fact that small differences are not compressed as they are in a logarithmic measurement.