Connector interfaces: Understanding SMA, SMP, SMPM, SMPS and their use cases

05-02-2026 | SV Microwave | Industrial

SV Microwave supply a large range of connector interfaces, such as SMPM, SMPS, NanoRF, BMB, mmWave, and more. Let’s dive into SMA, SMP, SMPM, and SMPS connector interfaces and their use cases.

 SMA

An SMA, or Subminiature Type A, is an RF coaxial connector interface that typically operates up to 18GHz; however, the company offers high-performance options working up to 26.5GHz. Using a threaded interface, SMAs are compact and have outstanding mechanical durability. Since they are built in accordance with MIL-PRF-39012 and CECC 22110/111, they can be mated with all connectors that meet these spec mating diameters, regardless of manufacturer. SMAs are commodity items and can be used in any RF applications, as well as inside and outside-the-box applications, due to their ability for environmental sealing.

Impedance (Ω)

50Ω

Frequency GHz

18GHz (select models to 26.5GHz)

Shielding Effectiveness

≥ -90dB

Dielectric withstanding Voltage

1000VRMS

Mating Cycles

500

Mating Torque

7 - 10 in - lbs

Inter-mate ability

2.92mm

Temperature Rating

-65°C to +165°C

Corrosion (salt spray)

MIL-STD-202, Method 101, Condition B

Vibration

MIL-STD-202, Method 204, Condition D

Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Condition I

Thermal Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Condition B

Moisture Resistance

MIL-STD-202, Method 106, Less Step 7B

Barometric Pressure (Altitude)

MIL-STD-202, Method 105, Condition C, 70k Ft.

SMP

The company offers a complete line of SMP, or Subminiature Push-on, connector interfaces that conform to DSCC 94007, 94008, and MIL-STD-348. The SMP connector was developed to meet the industry’s demand for a smaller, high-frequency, compact design. SMP includes ease of use and functionality. These are usually used in high-frequency compact applications. Also, SMP interfaces, as well as SMPM and SMPS, are used mostly for inside-the-box applications due to their lack of sealing at the interface.

Impedance (Ω)

50Ω

Frequency GHz

40GHz

Shielding Effectiveness

≥ -80dB DC - 3GHz
≥ -65dB 3-26.5GHz

Dielectric withstanding Voltage

500VRMS

Mating Cycles - SB

1000

Mating Cycles - LD

500

Mating Cycles - FD

100

Insertion Force - SB

3lbs

Insertion Force - LD

5lbs

Insertion Force - FD

7lbs

Withdrawal Force - SB

0.5lbs

Withdrawal Force - LD

7lbs

Withdrawal Force - FD

9lbs

Axial Misalignment

.010” Max

Radial Misalignment

3° Max

Temperature Rating

-65°C to +165°C

Corrosion (salt spray)

MIL-STD-202, Method 101, Condition B

Vibration

MIL-STD-202, Method 204, Condition D

Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Condition I

Thermal Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Condition B

Moisture Resistance

MIL-STD-202, Method 106, Less Step 7B

Barometric Pressure (Altitude)

MIL-STD-202, Method 105, Condition C, 70k Ft.


SMPM

The company offers a complete line of SMPM, or Subminiature Push-On Micro, connector interfaces. These connectors were developed to improve the application density and operating frequency range of the SMP connector, and are widely used in high-density, high-performance applications today.

Impedance (Ω)

50Ω

Frequency GHz

65GHz

Shielding Effectiveness

≥ -80dB DC - 3GHz
≥ -65dB 3 - 26.5GHz

Dielectric withstanding Voltage

325VRMS

Mating Cycles - SB

500

Mating Cycles - FD

100

Insertion Force - SB

2.5lbs

Insertion Force - FD

4.5lbs

Withdrawal Force - SB

1.5lbs

Withdrawal Force - FD

6.5lbs

Axial Misalignment

.010” Max

Radial Misalignment

3° Max

Temperature Rating

-65°C to +165°C

Corrosion (salt spray)

MIL-STD-202, Method 101, Condition B

Vibration

MIL-STD-202, Method 204, Condition D

Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Condition I

Thermal Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Condition B

Moisture Resistance

MIL-STD-202, Method 106, Less Step 7B

Barometric Pressure (Altitude)

MIL-STD-202, Method 105, Condition C, 70k Ft.

SMPS

The company offers a complete line of SMPS, or Subminiature Push-On, Sub-Micro, connector interfaces. The SMPS connector utilizes the same great features as the SMP and SMPM connector series, but in an even smaller package. This series is ideal for applications where density is of great importance.

Impedance (Ω)

50Ω

Frequency GHz

65GHz

Shielding Effectiveness

≥ -80dB DC - 3GHz
≥ -65dB 3 - 26.5 Hz

Dielectric withstanding Voltage

250VRMS

Mating Cycles - SB

500

Mating Cycles - FD

100

Insertion Force - SB

1.2lbs

Insertion Force - FD

2.5lbs

Withdrawal Force - SB

1lbs

Withdrawal Force - FD

4.5lbs

Axial Misalignment

.010” Max

Radial Misalignment

3° Max

Temperature Rating

-65°C to +165°C

Corrosion (salt spray)

MIL-STD-202, Method 101, Condition B

Vibration

MIL-STD-202, Method 204, Condition D

Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Condition I

Thermal Shock

MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Condition B

Moisture Resistance

MIL-STD-202, Method 106, Less Step 7B

Barometric Pressure (Altitude)

MIL-STD-202, Method 105, Condition C, 70k Ft.


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By Nigel Seymour

Nigel has worked in the advertising and magazine publishing industry for many years prior to helping publish articles in the early years of Electropages. He has worked with technical agencies producing documents and artwork for the web over the last few years. He has been products editor for Electropages for over five years.
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