Demystifying SMPx Interface Detents: Unveiling the Hidden World of Snap-on Connectors
Introduction
Welcome back, Microwave Mavens!
Today, we delve into the world of SMPx (SMP, SMPM, and SMPS) connectors, focusing our attention on the interface detents. The mission is to shed light on this mysterious subject and unravel the secrets of these snap-on connectors.
Product History
Let's take a moment to appreciate the connectors themselves. SMP stands for Sub Miniature Push-on, SMPM adds “Mini” while SMPS appends it’s designation to an S because a gal’s got to have secrets. Every manufacturer agreed to disagree on the placement and meaning of all their extra S and P letters because it was determined the industry was not confusing enough. These connectors are a marvel of engineering designed with cantilever beams (also called “fingers,” “tines,” and most adorably, the “tulip”) that provide for a solid ground path and have found a home in a variety of high-frequency applications.
Now, let's get down to business regarding the intricacies of SMPx interface detents, which refer to the geometry within the internal diameters in the body of the male connector.
Detent Differences
A full detent has a prominent undercut that the female tines snap into, providing a robust and secure connection. All individual cable connections that rely on the withdrawal force of the SMPx to stay mated should utilize a full detent male.
Now let’s say you used a bunch of spring-loaded panel mount female connectors, and you got some other hardware keeping it attached to a panel of male mates. Or you’ve got some slick multiport with its own retention mechanism from your favorite RF connector vendor. Or you’re loading a circular multiport with size 12 contacts. You surely don’t have to rely on the SMPx interface to hold things together, and would rather not have the multiplying mating force of every connector to a full detent.
A smooth bore or catcher’s mitt interface utilizes no undercut at all. The female tines simply compress slightly, using the normal force of the heat-treated fingers to make solid ground contact.
Another use case for a smooth bore should only be used in board-to-board applications where a female-to-female SMPx adapter (bullet) bridges the connection. The other side of that bullet should mate to a full or limited detent so there are no surprises where the bullets end up when you take apart your system!
Only the SMP series offers a limited detent, which is the same as the full detent except not so grabby. This style isn’t possible on the smaller series because the manufacturing tolerances would overlap between full and smooth bore!
Conclusion
There you have it, folks-the inside scoop on SMP interface detents. These seemingly small components play a colossal role in ensuring the success of your high-frequency applications. When choosing an SMPx connector, carefully consider your specific requirements and select the detent design that best aligns with your needs.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into the intricate world of RF and microwave engineering. Until next time, keep those connectors snapping and those RF signals flowing!
recent releases
Demystifying SMPx Interface Detents: Unveiling the Hidden World of Snap-on Connectors
Introduction
Welcome back, Microwave Mavens!
Today, we delve into the world of SMPx (SMP, SMPM, and SMPS) connectors, focusing our attention on the interface detents. The mission is to shed light on this mysterious subject and unravel the secrets of these snap-on connectors.
Product History
Let's take a moment to appreciate the connectors themselves. SMP stands for Sub Miniature Push-on, SMPM adds “Mini” while SMPS appends it’s designation to an S because a gal’s got to have secrets. Every manufacturer agreed to disagree on the placement and meaning of all their extra S and P letters because it was determined the industry was not confusing enough. These connectors are a marvel of engineering designed with cantilever beams (also called “fingers,” “tines,” and most adorably, the “tulip”) that provide for a solid ground path and have found a home in a variety of high-frequency applications.
Now, let's get down to business regarding the intricacies of SMPx interface detents, which refer to the geometry within the internal diameters in the body of the male connector.
Detent Differences
A full detent has a prominent undercut that the female tines snap into, providing a robust and secure connection. All individual cable connections that rely on the withdrawal force of the SMPx to stay mated should utilize a full detent male.
Now let’s say you used a bunch of spring-loaded panel mount female connectors, and you got some other hardware keeping it attached to a panel of male mates. Or you’ve got some slick multiport with its own retention mechanism from your favorite RF connector vendor. Or you’re loading a circular multiport with size 12 contacts. You surely don’t have to rely on the SMPx interface to hold things together, and would rather not have the multiplying mating force of every connector to a full detent.
A smooth bore or catcher’s mitt interface utilizes no undercut at all. The female tines simply compress slightly, using the normal force of the heat-treated fingers to make solid ground contact.
Another use case for a smooth bore should only be used in board-to-board applications where a female-to-female SMPx adapter (bullet) bridges the connection. The other side of that bullet should mate to a full or limited detent so there are no surprises where the bullets end up when you take apart your system!
Only the SMP series offers a limited detent, which is the same as the full detent except not so grabby. This style isn’t possible on the smaller series because the manufacturing tolerances would overlap between full and smooth bore!
Conclusion
There you have it, folks-the inside scoop on SMP interface detents. These seemingly small components play a colossal role in ensuring the success of your high-frequency applications. When choosing an SMPx connector, carefully consider your specific requirements and select the detent design that best aligns with your needs.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into the intricate world of RF and microwave engineering. Until next time, keep those connectors snapping and those RF signals flowing!