Aerospace Systems
Interconnects for Avionics Modules
A line-replaceable unit exists so that a fault can be cleared on the ramp by swapping a box. That only works if the RF interface at the back of the rack mates blind, mates reliably, and gives the same performance on the two-hundredth insertion as on the first.
Blind-Mate
LRU
ARINC Rack
SMP
Backplane
500+
Mating Cycles
DC–40 GHz
Coverage
15 g
Vibration
Design Notes
What a Rack Interface Has to Do
Five requirements that separate a rack RF interface from a bench one.
01
Blind Mating
Nobody sees the connector when an LRU slides home. The interface has to find its partner and tolerate the misalignment the rack tolerances actually allow.
02
Misalignment Budget
Axial and radial float in the connector has to exceed the accumulated tolerance of the rack, the chassis and the module. This is a mechanical calculation done before the electrical one.
03
Insertion Force
A technician pushes the module in by hand. Multiply the mating force of one connector by the number in the backplane and the total has to stay reasonable.
04
Cycle Life
Modules come out for maintenance repeatedly across the airframe life. Contact plating and detent design set how many cycles the interface holds specification.
05
Vibration Retention
Once seated, the joint has to stay made under continuous vibration without the module being bolted at the connector.
Reference Data
Typical Rack Interface Requirements
Rack standards and programme drawings govern. These are representative.
| Parameter | Typical Requirement | Relevant Series | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mating | Blind-mate push-on | SMP, SMP adapters | Float accommodates rack tolerance |
| Misalignment | Axial and radial float | Bullet adapters | Sized to accumulated tolerance |
| Frequency | To 40 GHz | SMP series | Headroom above the band in use |
| Cycle life | 500+ insertions | Full detent | Plating dependent |
| Vibration | Per DO-160 Section 8 | Qualified series | Retention without fasteners |
| Temperature | -55 °C to +125 °C | Aerospace series | Equipment bay range |
Our Role
What We Supply for LRU Racks
01
Blind-Mate Interfaces
SMP connectors and bullet adapters whose float is matched to the rack tolerance stack, so the module seats without being coaxed.
02
Backplane Assemblies
Rack-side harnesses built to the chassis, so the interface presents where the drawing says it does.
03
Qualification Evidence
Cycle-life and vibration data with material traceability, in the form certification submissions expect.
Selected Products
Interfaces for LRU Backplanes
Typical starting points for rack and module interconnect. Send us the tolerance stack and we will propose the float.
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SMA Male to SMA Male System Interconnect Low-Loss RF Cable Assembly – Use CFS150H6 Coax
$20.00 Add to cartQuick View -
SMA Female 4-Hole Flange Mount RF Connector – Field Replaceable, 8.64mm Hole Spacing, 0.23mm Pin Diameter
$22.00 Add to cartQuick View -
SMP Female to SMP Female RF Adapter
$22.00 Add to cartQuick View -
SMP Male Smooth Bore RF Connector – Stub Terminal, Thread-In, Solder
$22.00 Add to cartQuick View
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LRU Engineering Support
Designing a Rack Interface?
Send us the tolerance stack, the channel count and the band, and our engineers will propose the blind-mate configuration.