Smiths Interconnect has announced the release of its highly anticipated space-qualified version of the KVPX connector series. This significant advancement reinforces the company's commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of the defense & space and commercial aerospace industries.

The space-qualified KVPX connectors series builds upon Smiths Interconnect's existing portfolio of ruggedized standards-compliant connectors, offering an embedded system interconnect that seamlessly integrates into high-reliability backplane architectures. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of VITA 46 and VITA 48 standards, this new series not only delivers high-speed electrical performance but also provides enhanced mechanical reliability and physical ruggedness for unmated connectors and modules.

One of the key features of the space-qualified KVPX Connectors Series is its qualification and screening to EEE-INST-002, Level 1, ensuring optimal performance in the challenging environments of space. Level 1 parts are selected and processed to this level for missions requiring the highest reliability and lowest level of risk. The parts have been re-qualified to the higher environmental levels outlined by Table 3D of EEE-INST-002 and are delivered with a screening data-pack that conforms to Table 2D, Level 1, of EEE-INST-002. All of the materials used in the manufacturing of KVPX meet the low level outgassing requirements as defined by NASA. The connectors incorporate a front face plate that safeguards the male contacts when unmated and offers excellent electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, making it an ideal choice for defense and aerospace systems that require two-level maintenance.

By leveraging the renowned Hypertac® Hyperboloid technology, the space qualified KVPX connectors can deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of extreme environmental conditions. Notably, they maintain low insertion and extraction forces, minimal contact resistance, industry-leading mating cycles, and demonstrate remarkable immunity to shock, vibration, and fretting. Importantly, the Space Qualified version of the KVPX connector series offers the same level of speed and performance as its non-Space counterpart.

"Our commitment to providing customers with comprehensive and reliable connectivity solutions has led to the development of the space qualified KVPX connector series," said Mark Kelleher, Vice President and General Manager of the Connector Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. "This highly engineered solution is designed to deliver top performance in the demanding environments associated with defense, space, and commercial aviation applications."

With the introduction of the space-qualified KVPX connectors series, Smiths Interconnect solidifies its position as a leader in interconnect solutions, offering customers a competitive edge in industries where reliability and performance are critical.

Click here to learn more about the space qualified KVPX connector series.

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