Posted by John Keller

HUDSON, Mass., 25 Aug. 2011. Hypertronics Corp. in Hudson, Mass., is introducing the KVPX ruggedized connector for VITA 46/48 VPX embedded computing applications. The KVPX high-reliability VPX connector links single-board computers, mezzanine board computers, and other board products via the VITA 46/48 VPX high-speed switch fabric networking architecture in aerospace and defense, industrial, marine, space, data transfer, telecommunications, and medical applications.

The shielded, high-density, high-speed, modular interconnect system uses the Hypertronics Hypertac contact system, which acts like a bank of tiny Chinese finger traps to hold pins fast inside the connector. Any pulling force that otherwise unmate the connection simply holds on tighter. This system makes the KVPX connector immune to shock and vibration fretting, Hypertronics officials say.

The connector, which is among the first to be designed from the ground up for ruggedness and high reliability in VPX embedded computing applications, is optimized for differential pair architectures on a 1.8 by 1.35-millimeter grid. The waferized daughtercard assembly also provides single-ended and power wafer options.

Hypertronics officials were showing the KVPX connectors to potential beta customers last week at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Systems North America trade show in Washington.

The backplane modules are available in 8- and 16-row increments on a 1.8-by-1.8-millimeter grid, with user-configurable keying and integrated stainless steel guidepin and keys. The KVPX connector moves data at speeds from 80 megabits per second to 10 gigabits per second while retaining the same Vita 46 backplane slot pitch at 20.3 to 25.4 millimeters, company officials say.

The 0.40-millimeter Hypertac hyperboloid contact also provides immunity to numerous linear paths of contact, and a self-cleaning wipe action that improves signal integrity. Hypertac offers low insertion and extraction forces, low contact resistance, many mating cycles.

Hypertronics manufactures the KVPX connectors 30 percent glass-filled liquid crystal polymer insulators and potted contacts that withstand high temperatures and exceed NASA space requirements for outgassing, company officials say.

For more information contact Hypertronics online at www.hypertronics.com.

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