Smiths Interconnect Develops High-Density & High-Speed Interconnect Solution for Space Applications

Smiths Interconnect Develops High-Density & High-Speed Interconnect Solution for Space Applications

Smiths Interconnect has developed the NXS Series, an advanced ultra-high-density, high-speed interconnect solution that is specifically designed and tested for critical high-speed space applications and satisfies both point-to-point and backplane connector requirements.

The satellite market is evolving from RF Analog-based payloads providing low-speed telecommunication signaling, to a new Digital Transparent Processor architecture for high throughput satellites. This type of architecture increases the demand for rugged and higher-speed connectivity.

Space architectures are continuing to follow the trend of either daughter card to backplane or point-to-point system designs. The highest degree of flexibility is typically achieved using a point-to-point approach as seen in frame slice and SpaceWire or SpaceFibre architectures.

The NXS series offers a reliable way to implement high-density interconnections with high-speed signal transmission requirements, enabling a scalable satellite design. This series combines controlled impedance differential pair signals together with the ability to add customizable modules. All with solderless board mounting. This technology will revolutionize the way in which spacecraft are designed and built by providing an unparalleled level of signal density and flexibility.

The NXS series not only meets the requirements, but exceeds them: indeed, recent tests have proven that the NXS system can withstand data rate application up to 50 Gbps per bay requirements, including extreme levels of vibration, shock, and climatic testing above 2100 G. It is built to the highest Space standards and qualified to rigorous testing and performance criteria: ESCC 3401, ESCC 3402, ECSS-Q-ST-70C, ECSS-Q-ST-70-02, ECSS-Q-ST-70-08C, ECSS-Q-ST-70-38C and ECSS-Q-70-71.

NXS is equipped with the proven and well-known Hypertac® hyperboloid contact technology at the interface, ensuring the highest level of performance and reliability for critical applications. Multiple linear contact paths give low contact resistance which remains stable over the lifetime of the equipment, critical for space applications. Along with long-term reliability, the Hyperboloid contact has low insertion and extraction forces, giving high durability and long life, as well as an immunity to shock and vibration.

The NXS interface contact, named ‘Micro-boloid’ has a male pin of nominal diameter 0.4mm. Its compact dimensions are designed for optimal signal density, whilst also being compatible with typical shielded twinax cable, PCB layout design and isolation between modules. Each product is engineered using 3D Electromagnetic Simulation (EM) software to provide excellent performance in a total thin film process.

Click here to learn more about the NXS Series from Smith Interconnect.

Publisher: SatNow
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GNSS Constellations - A list of all GNSS satellites by constellations

beidou

Satellite NameOrbit Date
BeiDou-3 G4Geostationary Orbit (GEO)17 May, 2023
BeiDou-3 G2Geostationary Orbit (GEO)09 Mar, 2020
Compass-IGSO7Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)09 Feb, 2020
BeiDou-3 M19Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M20Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M21Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M22Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 I3Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M23Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019
BeiDou-3 M24Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019

galileo

Satellite NameOrbit Date
GSAT0223MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0224MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0219MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0220MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0221MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0222MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0215MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0216MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0217MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0218MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017

glonass

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Kosmos 2569--07 Aug, 2023
Kosmos 2564--28 Nov, 2022
Kosmos 2559--10 Oct, 2022
Kosmos 2557--07 Jul, 2022
Kosmos 2547--25 Oct, 2020
Kosmos 2545--16 Mar, 2020
Kosmos 2544--11 Dec, 2019
Kosmos 2534--27 May, 2019
Kosmos 2529--03 Nov, 2018
Kosmos 2527--16 Jun, 2018

gps

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Navstar 82Medium Earth Orbit19 Jan, 2023
Navstar 81Medium Earth Orbit17 Jun, 2021
Navstar 78Medium Earth Orbit22 Aug, 2019
Navstar 77Medium Earth Orbit23 Dec, 2018
Navstar 76Medium Earth Orbit05 Feb, 2016
Navstar 75Medium Earth Orbit31 Oct, 2015
Navstar 74Medium Earth Orbit15 Jul, 2015
Navstar 73Medium Earth Orbit25 Mar, 2015
Navstar 72Medium Earth Orbit29 Oct, 2014
Navstar 71Medium Earth Orbit02 Aug, 2014

irnss

Satellite NameOrbit Date
NVS-01Geostationary Orbit (GEO)29 May, 2023
IRNSS-1IInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)12 Apr, 2018
IRNSS-1HSub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO)31 Aug, 2017
IRNSS-1GGeostationary Orbit (GEO)28 Apr, 2016
IRNSS-1FGeostationary Orbit (GEO)10 Mar, 2016
IRNSS-1EGeosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)20 Jan, 2016
IRNSS-1DInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)28 Mar, 2015
IRNSS-1CGeostationary Orbit (GEO)16 Oct, 2014
IRNSS-1BInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Apr, 2014
IRNSS-1AInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)01 Jul, 2013