Samtec has fully released its line of spring-loaded SMPM adaptors (also known as bullets or bullet adaptors), for SMPM axial misalignment.
They are part of our PRFIA in-series adaptor family. Spring-loaded bullet adaptors are designated with a -SP in the part number configuration. You also have your choice of lengths, designated with either a –SP1 or –SP2:
Spring-loaded bullet adaptors are designed to accommodate larger axial misalignment in RF board-to-board connector applications than traditional fixed-length bullets. The spring maintains constant signal contact therefore ensuring consistent electrical performance up to 65 GHz.
In applications with greater than .010″ axial misalignment, a typical fixed-length adaptor will inherently introduce a gap in the mating interface which has a detrimental effect on return loss. Instead, by selecting a spring-loaded bullet adaptor for high-density applications the gap is eliminated.
Due to the ability to absorb axial misalignment, spring-loaded SMPM bullet adaptors are most often found in ganged high-density board-to-board applications where multiple channels are required.
Applications include high-density arrays, phased arrays, satellite communication systems, military, aerospace, and test and measurement.
PRFIA Series spring-loaded SMPM bullet adaptors mate with single-channel SMPM interconnects but more often are used with ganged Magnum RF™ blocks (GPPB & GPPC Series).
Another advantage of push-on bullet adaptors (both fixed-length and spring-loaded) is that they accommodate radial misalignment. Radial misalignment is when centerlines are off-center, which often occurs in blind mate applications.