PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objective is to identify the technology that offers the best potential to accomplish the realization of a SMA compatible fast locking connector for cable assemblies and establish a complete and self-consistent set of technical requirements for the development.
The targeted improvements are to achieve TRL level 5 and to get an increased layout density for payload equipment in the order of 20% together with up to 30% reduction in assembly, integration and testing (AIT) time of payloads.
Challenges
Today SMA connectors are tightened to a specific torque using a torque wrench by AIT operators during the integration phase. The need to have sufficient space to access these connectors and to use a torque wrench requires a specific area around the connectors to be reserved in the interface design. The challenge is to remove the need to use a wrench to increase freedom in the design of the equipment interfaces and locations.
System Architecture
Dimensions: L 30 mm Ø 10 mm
Mass: 11g
Fast and self-locking coupling system with double security
Compatible with all SMA standard jack
Plan
The program lasted 18 months.
The prototype has reached a level of TRL5.
The following Milestones have been considered:
- PDR – Preliminary Design Review: T0 + 8 months
- TRR – Test Readiness Review: T0 + 12 months
- FR – Final Review: T0 + 18 months
Current Status
Project completed. September 2018 – March 2020
The project is ready for improvement in order to reach a TRL8.
