Miniature and Micro Miniature Connectors

Contents

1. SSMA Connector

2. SSMB Connector

3. SSMT Connector
   

4. MCX and MMCX Connectors
   

5. OSSM Connector
   

6. OSMT M/A-Com Connector
   

7. OS-50P M/A-Com Connector
   

8. BMA and OSP Connectors
   

9. OSMP M/A-Com Connector
   

10. OSSP M/A-Com Connector
    

11. GPO and GPPO Gilbert Connectors
    

12. SMP and SSMP Connectors
    

13. Nanohex ITT Connector
    

14. WSMA Connector
    
     

1. SSMA Connector

SSMA or “Sub-SMA” is a microminiature version of the SMA connector. It is about 70% smaller in size than the SMA connector. SSMA size is 0.19 inch x 36 threads per inch.

                                       
SSMA connector with a flexible cable can operate up to 26.5 GHz of frequency and with a semi-rigid cable can operate up to 40 GHz. SSMA was initially selected to be used for millimetre wave application. It has a durability of 500 cycles. SSMA is available as a 50-ohm impedance connector. SSMA characteristics include a typical value of VSWR less than or equal to 1.2: 1. Physical features include: the center conductor made of gold plated brass for a male center conductor and gold plated beryllium copper for a female center conductor. The body of the SSMA is brass; gold plated and it uses TFE insulators. The sealing gasket is silicone rubber. The crimp ferrule is nickel-plated copper. SSMA connector is available in bulkhead and flange mount connector version.

Important Features:

• Frequency of Operation: Up to 26.5 GHz for normal use, and up to 40GHz for precision connectors.
• Applications: The connector is optimised for use on high component density PC boards, and as panel receptacles with two-hole flange.
• Available Types: Panel mount, bulkhead mount, strip transmission line type, micro-strip transmission type and hermetically sealed connectors.
• Applicable Standards: MIL-PRF-39012, and interface requirements of MIL-STD-348

2. SSMB Connector

SSMB or Sub-SMB connector is 50-ohm connector, which is about 70% smaller in size than the SMB connector. Like SMB, SSMB has a snap on interface for quick and easy installation. SSMB connectors conform to the European standard CECC 22220 and were introduced in the 1980s.

                    
Amphenol’s (www.amphenolrf.com) SSMB connector specifies its performance from DC through 12.4 GHz with VSWR as 1.05 between DC and 3 GHz and 1.12 from 3 to 6 GHz. Lightweight and having a microminiature footprint, SSMB connectors are useful in applications such as cable assemblies, base stations, instrumentation, military/aerospace, PC/LAN and satellite radio receiver applications.

Important Features:

• Frequency of Operation: The connector can be used for frequencies up to 3 GHz for low VSWR applications, however, for applications where reflection coefficient can be high, it goes up to 12.4 GHz.
• Applications: The connector is optimised for use on high component density PC boards.
• Applicable Cable types: RG174, 188A, 316 , etc.
• Applicable Standards: SSMB connectors conform to the European standard CECC 22220

3. SSMT Connector

SSMT is a Sub-Subminiature or microminiature surface mount RF connector. Like SMB it is a snap on type of connector for quick connections. Available in tape and reel package from Tyco Electronics (www.tycoelectronics.com), SSMT connector is like other SMT components; it is assembled directly on the PCB board. It has a mating height of 3 mm (0.118 in) and because of its compactness can be used in densely populated PCBs. Tyco’s SSMT connector has a VSWR of 1.2:1 at 2 GHz and be used from DC to 6 GHz. Usually the male is mounted on a circuit board.

                      

Tyco SSMT Connector

The SSMT utilizes a common plug receptacle,designed for high volume assembly using surface mount technology and is available in tape and reel packaging for automatic pick and place board assembly. The mating cable jack is available terminated to a highly flexible micro-coax cable as a pigtail, jumper or standard inter series connector assembly. The SSMT Interconnect System can be manually mated, facilitating high volume assembly and eliminating the need for special engagement tooling. The SSMT interface design aligns the center contacts prior to full mating to ensure a robust mechanical engagement. Interface durability is rated at 100 mating cycles.

4. OSMT M/A-Com Connector

A surface mount and a blind mating connector, OSMT connector is very similar to the SSMT connector but slightly larger in size.

The OSMT Interconnect System (OSMT/SSMT RF Connectors) is designed in accordance with the surface mount RF connector technology and is driven by the growing market demand for SMT connectors. This is so, because OSMT connector occupies less PCB space as compared to the conventional through-hole coaxial connectors.

The connector design is based on a microstrip mounting pattern and plug-receptacle design, which ensures reliable grounding and PCB retention characteristics. With a fully mated height of 4.2 mm or 0.165 in, the OSMT saves on PCB space by allowing closer PCB pitch. A new higher cable retention plug receptacle has been introduced which addresses applications where force is applied to the mated connector interface as a result of cable flexure between boards or around other PCB components.

The OSMT connector has a broadband electrical performance through 6 GHz with a maximum VSWR of 1.20:1 at 2 GHz and 1.40:1 at 6 GHz. This performance reliability allows future system upgrades without performance degradation concerns.

The OSMT/SSMT plug receptacle is designed for high volume assembly using surface mount technology and is available in tape and reel packaging for automated pick and place board assembly. The mating cable jack is available terminated to a specially designed coax cable, as a pigtail, jumper or standard inter series connector assembly. Specially designed engage/disengage tooling is available to ensure proper alignment of the OSMT interface during assembly.

The OSMT connector is used in applications such as Wireless communication systems, Consumer applications, Automotive, and GPS.

 

5. MCX and MMCX Connectors

The MCX Family of connector consists of MCX and MMCX connectors. Similar to SMB connector, they are snap on connectors. Designed as per the European standard CECC 22220, it was introduced in the 1980s.

Both MCX and MMCX series of connectors perform from DC to 6 GHz. The MCX connector is available in 50 ohm and 75 ohm version while the MMCX connector is a 50-ohm connector system.

Compared to the SMB connector, the MCX connector is about 30% smaller, since its outer conductor diameter of the plug is 0.140 in, although both have identical inner contact and insulator dimension.

Combined with its snap on feature, the MCX connector offers a reliable and cheaper option to the designers where weight and space is a constraint. As mentioned, MCX provides broadband capability through 6 GHz with low reflection coefficient, and are available in different forms, such as, the printed circuit board and cable connector option. Due to its snap on mechanism, MCX connector reduces installation time. It provides customer the flexibility in design and manufacturing, as it can be assembled with a wide range of miniature RG flexible coaxial cables.

Available in both 50 ohms and 75 ohms version, the MCX connector can be used in a variety of applications, such as, Automotive, Base Station, Components, GPS, Head End Equipment, Instrumentation, PC/LAN, Radios, Telecom, WLAN, and Wireless/Networks Antenna.

Given below are some of the electrical specifications for the MCX connector.

Frequency range: DC-6 GHz

• 50 ohms MCX connector:
  VSWR: 1: 1.06 max. at DC-2.5 GHz (straight)
  1: 1.1 max. at DC-2.5 GHz (right angle)
  Voltage rating: ≥ 335 Vrms
• 75 ohms MCX connector:
  VSWR: 1: 1.06 max. at DC-2.5 GHz (straight)
  1: 1.1 max. at DC-2.5 GHz (right angle)
  Voltage rating: ≥ 170 Vrms

These connectors are designed for a minimum of 500 interconnects cycles. M/A-Com part OSX connector is equivalent to the MCX.

MMCX

The MMCX series is also called Micro Mate C connector. It was designed and developed in the 1990s and is one of the industries smallest RF connector. The MMCX connector conforms to the European standard CECC 22000 specifications. The MMCX is a micro-miniature connector series with a lock-snap mechanism, which allows 360 degrees of rotation enabling flexibility in PCB layouts.

                          
The micromate MMCX family of connectors perform through DC to 6 GHz and are 50 ohms interconnect system. It is available in different options such as surface mount, thru-hole mount, edge card, and cable connectors.

The MMCX connector gives a broadband performance with low reflection from DC to 6 GHz, and provides designers with a reliable and low-cost option. Like MCX, its snap on mechanism reduces the installation time. Designers have an option to use MMCX in different forms, such as, straight or right angle plugs or printed circuit board connectors.

Available in 50-ohm version, the MMCX connector is useful in a variety of applications, such as, Antennas, Base stations, Broadband communications, Cable assemblies, Components, GPS, Instrumentation, PCMCIA cards, Radio boards, Satcom, and Telecom.

Given below are some of the electrical specifications for the MMCX connector

Frequency Range : DC-6 GHz
  VSWR: 1: 1.15 max. at DC-4 GHz
               1: 1.40 max. at 4-6 GHz
  Voltage Rating: ≤ 170 Vrms

These connectors are designed to permit at least 500 interconnect cycles.

6. OSSM Connector

The OSSM connector was promoted by Omni Spectra. It is a microminiature version of the SMA. It is a 50-ohm connector system with performance from DC to 26.5 GHz with a flexible coaxial cable and up to 40 GHz when assembled with a semi-rigid cable. The OSSM (SSMA) series was designed to a size compatible with smaller diameter semi-rigid cable. The coupling thread is 10-36 UNS thread.

OSSM connector is designed for use with 0.086-diameter semi-rigid cable and is a scaled down version of the SMA connector. Like the SMA connector, it is a coplanar pin-and-socket, dielectric interface connector. OSSM connectors are available for both semi-rigid and flexible coaxial cable. Panel and bulkhead mount, strip transmission line type, microstrip transmission type and hermetically sealed connectors and in-series adapters give designers complete flexibility for component and system design.

The standard OSSM series allows operation to 38.0 GHz. The extended frequency OSSM series allows high order mode free operation beyond 40.0 GHz. The extended frequency series directly mates with the standard OSSM series with minimum discontinuity.

7. OS-50P M/A-Com Connector

OS-50 is a 2.4 mm blind mating connector and performs through 40 GHz. It is about half the size of a SMA connector with a durability of 500 interconnect cycles. It is a smaller version of OSP blind-mate connector. OSP stands for "Omni-Spectra push-on", a blind-mate connector with zero detent.

8. BMA & OSP Connectors

Introduced by M/A-Com, it is a blind mating connector, and performs through 6 GHz with a durability of 500 interconnect cycles.

 

 

An improved version performs up to 18 GHz. There is a stainless steel high-grade version which performs through 22 GHz, and is designed to operate 5,000 interconnect cycles.

9. OSMP M/A-Com Connector

Introduced by M/A-Com, OSMP is a microminiature push-on connector, which performs through 40 GHz connector. It is designed to operate 100 interconnect cycles

10. OSSP M/A-Com Connector

OSSP stands for "Omni-Spectra subminiature push-on". It is a smaller version of OSP connector. It is a blind mating connector and performs through 28 GHz. It is designed to operate 1,000 interconnect cycles.

11. GPO and GPPO Gilbert Connectors

The GPO^® or Gilbert Push On, was introduced by Corning Gilbert in 1980s, as a sub-miniature, push on, blind mate, and  high frequency connector system. It has a compact design that offers higher performance and ease of use in a high-frequency RF connector.

 

 

 

 

The GPO design incorporates a floating “blindmatable adapter” referred to as a bullet, which is captivated between two-panel or circuit-mounted receptacles called “shrouds.” This floating interconnect system enables the system designer to work with looser alignment tolerances, by lowering the manufacturing assembly time and complexity. The push connector does not require a fastener or a nut as in the case of SMA or similar threaded connectors, suitable for dense and compact packaging configurations.

Connector features:

• Center-to-center spacing of 0.170" available for increased package density.
• The GPO® blindmate interconnect, Part No. A1A1-0001-01 weighs just 0.17 grams.
• RF Performance from DC to 40 GHz
• Designed to accommodate both radial and axial misalignment with negligible VSWR change.
• A full range of adapter support.
• Snap together mate for reduced assembly and test time.
• Complies with SMP interface of MIL-STD-348 in accordance with MIL-PRF-39012, DESC 94007/9400

The GPPO^® interconnect series is a high-performance, push-on interconnect system with frequency ranging from DC to 65 GHz. It is smaller than the compact GPO design, and is used in military and commercial applications where vibration resistance, compact design, and high performance are required.

GPPO connector features:

 Center-to-center spacing of 0.135" available for increased package density.

• The GPPO® blindmate interconnect, Part No. B1B1-0001-01 weighs just 0.09 grams.
• RF Performance from DC to 65 GHz
• Designed to accommodate both radial and axial misalignment with negligible VSWR change.
• Adapters available to SMA, 2.4mm and 1.85mm.

12. SMP and SSMP Connectors

SMP is a surface mount connector and SSMP stands for Sub-Small Solder Mount Push-On or Sub-Miniature-Push-On connector. They are feedthru RF/Microwave type of connectors designed for military and commercial applications where environmental conditions require rugged and reliable hermetic seal.

 

 

 

Low-loss Corning 7070 glass is used for improved electrical performance. Souriau PA&E(www.pacaero.com) manufactures these connectors from a variety of compatible shell and contact materials, in both laser weld and solder-in styles, which provide excellent electrical and environmental performance characteristics. The family of 50-Ohm Push-On RF/Microwave Connectors  are compatible with lightweight materials such as Aluminium and Titanium, as well as conventional Iron/Nickel Alloys. These connectors are available for both laser weld and solder-in applications. Various other options are available, such as,  a standard laser weld option (LWP™), a miniature version (LLWP™), a standard solder mount option (SMP) and a miniature version (SSMP). The Push-On connectors are manufactured in accordance with MIL-STD-348 and the connector interfaces are equivalent to GPO/GPPO.

13. Nanohex ITT Connector

Nanohex ITT connector is a sub subminiature connector designed in both snap on and threaded interconnect mechanism interface. Nanohex is the trademark of ITT Sealectro. It gives a performance through a frequency of operation up to 12.4 GHz.

14. WSMA Connector

The WSMA or the Wiltron SMA is a precision SMA connector manufactured by Wiltron/Anritsu Corporation, a test and measurement equipment company. It is used for precision measurements in a laboratory environment. When mated with the Wiltron K connector it gives performance through 33 GHz and is similar to HP 3.5 mm connector.