Emerson's new Johnson® line of SMP Blind-Mate Connectors offers our customers a Micro-Miniature, Slide-On/Snap-On Interconnect System that aid's in the design of high-density packaging as well as axial and radial misalignment issues. The SMP Interface offers superior performance up to 40 GHz and is compatible with all SMP and GPO® Connectors. They offer high electrical reliability where extreme shock and vibration condition's are experienced.

One of the key benefits of the SMP connector interface is its use in high frequency blind-mate applications. The design of the SMP bullet and shroud system allows for both axial and radial misalignment. The basic system is comprised of an inner "bullet" adapter, and two outer receptacles called "shrouds". The bullet provides a flexible link between the shroud connections.

In blind-mate applications, one shroud connector will be typically specified as a snap-on interface and the other as a slide-on. This ensures that the bullet adapter remains fixed in the same shroud connector when the connection is disengaged.
The two snap-on interfaces Full Detent (FD) and Limited Detent (LD) each have different engage and disengage coupling forces. The LD is typically selected as the snap-on interface in PCB mount or blind-mate applications, while the FD is mainly used for cabled connections where higher retention forces are required.

The two slide-on interfaces Smooth Bore (SM) and Catcher's Mitt (CM) allow for reduced connection forces as compared to the snap-on versions. The push-on interface creates a sliding connection that does not physically locate the mating reference planes, allowing for axial and radial misalignment. Both the SM and CM have the same engage/disengage forces; however the CM is typically specified as the shroud configuration in blind-mate applications as its generous lead-in chamfer helps capture and guide the bullet into place.