SMPM PCB connectors are non-magnetic for medical and quantum computers

Amphenol RF has introduced a non-magnetic series of PCB mounted SMPM jacks.

“These 50Ω non-magnetic SMPM jacks offer reliable electrical performance up to 26.5GHz and are engineered with gold-plated beryllium copper bodies – these parts can be clearly identified by the NM stamp on the body [photo below],” according to the company. “They are compatible with all existing non-magnetic SMPM bullets for a board-to-board or cable-to-board solution.”

Un-mated, they have a 4 x 4mm footprint on the board (4.5 x 4.5mm solder pad recommended) and stand 3.25mm tall.

The connector’s VSWR is 1.15 max from dc to 10GHz, then 1.25 max across 10GHz to 26.5GHz. “Results will vary based on board configuration,” said Amphenol.

SMPM connectors have a snap-on locking mechanism for mating and unmating.

There are two versions:

925-NM196J-51P is the ‘full detent’ version, rated at at least 100 mating cycles
925-NM197J-51P is the ‘smooth bore’ version, rated at at least 500 mating cycles

The difference is in the internal bore closest to the PCB – visible in drawings accessible from the web pages linked above.

Electronics Weekly has asked Amphenol what mating and retention force differences there are between the versions – watch this space if this is important to you.

insulation is rated to withstand 500Vrms minumum, and at lease 1GΩ.

Operation is over -65 to +165°C.

Applications are foreseen in where the presence of magnetic material may cause interference – medical equipment, quantum computers and aerospace technology, for example