Stacking connectors meet VITA 46 for rugged computing

TE Connectivity has released VPX stacking connectors that are compliant to the VITA 46, or VPX, footprint for high-speed communication, supporting military, aerospace, and space embedded computing applications. Allowing users to cable off of the backplane or plug-in card, the stacking connectors are designed to operate in environments that require small, lightweight, and rugged connectors.

The VPX stacking connectors offer a 4-mm and 4.4-mm stack height, which fits VITA 46 half modules, and match the footprint of TE’s MULTIGIG RT 2 and MULTIGIG RT 2-R connector. These connectors can be used as a half module or stackable side-by-side to achieve the pin count required for the application.

The connectors, with compliant pin terminations on both sides, are well suited for rigid flex or board-to-board stacking where a separable interface is not required. In addition, the press-fit connection eases installation. Contact current rating is 1 A.

The PCB mount headers provide a dielectric withstanding voltage (max) of 500 VAC and an impedance of 100 Ω. The connectors provide data rates up to 12 Gbits/s.

Available with 56  (PCB mount header) or 72 (backplane connector) positions, the VPX connectors can be used in a variety of rugged environments and applications. These include military electronics/C41SR, avionics, ground and missile defense, and space. The operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.