SMP Precision RF Connectors
Miniature push-on RF interfaces for high-density board-level, module-to-module and blind-mate microwave interconnects up to DCā40 GHz.
Start with the mating behavior
SMP selection starts with the required retention and alignment behavior: secure full detent, serviceable limited detent, or smooth bore for low engagement force and blind-mate tolerance.
Full Detent
Used when the SMP interface requires stronger mechanical hold and stable board-level or module mating.
Limited Detent
Used when the connection should remain removable for serviceable modules, test boards and repeated mating cycles.
Smooth Bore
Used when lower engagement force, floating alignment or blind-mate tolerance is more important than retention force.
SMP connector product types
Shortlist by connector side first: SMP plug / male, SMP jack / female, or non-magnetic SMP configurations. Detent style and mounting structure can then be confirmed by drawing.
SMP Plug / Male Connectors
For board-level mating, cable-side transition and RF module interconnects where the plug side defines the SMP mating behavior.
- Representative model: VST-CPSMPM-16.
- Full detent male interface for stronger retention.
- Selected configurations up to DCā40 GHz.
- Limited detent and smooth bore plug variants can be matched by drawing.
SMP Jack / Female Connectors
For receptacle-side SMP interfaces, PCB mount structures, panel access points and mating-side completion in compact RF modules.
- Jack / female-side structures matched by interface drawing.
- Used for PCB, module, fixture and panel-side mating.
- Detent counterpart and mating envelope should be confirmed.
- Suitable model can be shortlisted from layout or mechanical drawing.
Non-Magnetic SMP Connectors
For magnetic-sensitive RF systems, scientific instruments and specialized PCB interconnects where material selection matters.
- Representative model: VST-CPSMPM-15.
- 50 Ī© design, DCā18 GHz frequency range.
- Limited detent SMP male PCB connector structure.
- VST-CPSMPM-17 also available for non-magnetic PCB mount use.
Need full detent, limited detent, smooth bore or a different SMP mounting style?
After choosing plug / jack / non-magnetic direction, confirm the mating behavior and mechanical envelope. Send the drawing, PCB layout or mating-side requirement for exact SMP model matching.
- Full detent / limited detent
- Smooth bore / blind-mate
- PCB mount / panel / module side
- Material or plating requirements
What SMP connectors are used for
SMP connectors are compact push-on RF interfaces used where packaging density, fast mating, blind-mate behavior and repeatable board-level RF performance matter.
Key features
- Miniature push-on RF interface for compact microwave layouts.
- Selected configurations support applications up to DCā40 GHz.
- Full detent, limited detent and smooth bore options for retention control.
- PCB mount, plug, jack and drawing-based custom configurations.
- Suitable for module-to-module, board-level and blind-mate systems.
Typical applications
- High-density RF modules and compact microwave assemblies.
- Radar, phased-array and communication equipment.
- Board-to-board RF interconnects and blind-mate systems.
- Test fixtures, evaluation boards and prototype RF modules.
- Custom drawing-based RF systems and compact microwave modules.
Selection reference
SMP plug, jack / female, board-mount and non-magnetic connector configurations are selected by connector side, detent style, mating direction, frequency range and mechanical envelope. Use retention behavior and application structure as the first filter, then confirm frequency, PCB mounting style, mating interface and mechanical constraints by drawing.
| Selection path | Best used when | Typical SMP behavior | Check first | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Detent | Secure mechanical hold is required for a fixed RF module or stable board-level interface. | Higher retention / stronger snap-on hold | Mating interface, retention force, mating cycles, axial / radial float | Request full detent match ā |
| Limited Detent | The connection must remain serviceable while retaining controlled mating behavior. | Medium retention / serviceable mating | Service access, mating cycles, retention target, available alignment tolerance | Request limited detent match ā |
| Smooth Bore | Lower engagement force or blind-mate tolerance is more important than retention force. | Low engagement force / blind-mate tolerance | Available radial float, blind-mate envelope, board-to-board alignment | Request smooth bore review ā |
| PCB Mount / Jack | Board-level SMP interface completion or compact RF module layout is required. | SMP plug / jack / board-mount interface | PCB footprint, stack-up, mating side, mounting style and mechanical envelope | Send PCB layout ā |
Common selection questions
What are SMP RF connectors?
SMP RF connectors are miniature push-on coaxial interfaces used for high-density board-level, module-to-module and blind-mate microwave interconnects.
What is the difference between full detent, limited detent and smooth bore?
Full detent provides stronger retention, limited detent balances retention with removability, and smooth bore supports lower engagement force and blind-mate alignment tolerance.
Where are SMP push-on RF connectors typically used?
SMP connectors are used in compact RF modules, board-to-board interconnects, blind-mate systems, phased-array layouts, test fixtures and microwave assemblies.
What information is required for a quote?
Please provide target frequency, SMP male or jack configuration, detent preference, PCB or panel drawing, material requirements and estimated quantity.
Engineering review for SMP connector integration
For SMP board-level RF modules, blind-mate systems, PCB mount structures or custom drawing-based configurations, send your requirements for detent selection, mating-interface review and quotation support.