• May 05, 2026

Power connectors are a critical weak point in high‑current battery systems. Discover how advanced hyperboloid contact technology reduces power loss, heat and reliability risks in demanding applications.

• January 16, 2026

The landscape of high-speed radio frequency (RF) interconnects is continuously evolving, driven by the need for enhanced performance, simplified assembly, and improved durability. For decades, the Subminiature Push-On (SMP) connector has been a staple in many RF applications. However, a new, solder-less, spring-loaded solution, EZiCoax, offers significant advantages over traditional SMP contacts, particularly in complex, board-to-board architectures.

• June 03, 2025

From enabling communication in deep space to ensuring the reliability of equipment in harsh environments, Smiths Interconnect’s components have played an integral role in advancing our understanding of the universe.

• April 21, 2025

In today’s high-frequency applications, maintaining signal integrity is crucial for optimal system performance. Smiths Interconnect’s Fixed Attenuators – Small Signal products are designed to provide precise signal attenuation, ensuring reliable and stable performance in critical industries such as aerospace, space, defense, and telecommunications technology.

• February 19, 2025

Ruggedizing cables can help extend the life and increase performance of RF cables. Mission-critical systems are exposed to different harsh environments, providing a high-quality RF/microwave transmit signal is crucial for electrical systems.

• January 24, 2025

Julian Fagge introduces our latest Engineering Explained on the Europa Clipper mission

• November 27, 2024

November 27th, 2024 marks the anniversary of Smiths Interconnect's award from the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF), where we secured funding to advance our capabilities in the space industry.

• August 12, 2024

The impressive outcome of the trial not only attracted a major new contract, but also match-funding from the UK Space Agency that’s now enabling the establishment of a £3.8m single-site CAD-to-FAB facility in Dundee.

• By Julian Fagge
• June 24, 2024

Smiths Interconnect is one of Smiths Group’s four businesses. We have a truly global reach, with sites in locations around the world including Mexico, Italy, North America, China, and the UK.

• By Federica Nappi
• April 08, 2024

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity solutions continues to surge. Enter high-speed data connectors – the unsung heroes powering the backbone of our digital infrastructure.

• By Mike Schweyer
• March 13, 2024

In the space and defense industry, the requirements for RF filters are stringent due to the demanding environments and critical applications they serve. RF filters are commonly used in space and defense applications for several reasons.

• March 04, 2024

To meet the demands of mission-critical applications, Smiths Interconnect offers a comprehensive range of backplane connectors, known for their performance and reliability.

• February 26, 2024

The electronic system development supply chain that has become increasingly diverse and global, with components provided from various regions around the world. This comes with several challenges including variability in supply and demand, geopolitical tensions and unforeseen events that may lead to delays, increased costs and supply chain inefficiencies.

• By Dave Raymond
• February 05, 2024

HR TSX Series represents a significant leap forward in the realm of high-frequency surface mount chip attenuators. Its combination of small form factor, robust construction, and versatile performance make it an attractive choice for space and defense applications.

• By Dave Raymond
• October 10, 2023

In the realms of space exploration and defense technology, electronic components play a pivotal role in ensuring mission success and national security. Among these components, fixed attenuators stand out as essential tools for signal management, maintaining the integrity of electronic systems amidst the most challenging environments

• September 19, 2023

Space missions expose electronic components to intense radiation, a challenge that can compromise the functionality of conventional devices. However, Smiths Interconnect's SpaceABLE® line of products is purposefully designed to withstand these extreme conditions.

• By Federica Nappi
• January 03, 2023

Space satellites market is evolving from RF Analog-based payloads providing low speed telecommunication signaling, to a new Digital Transparent Processor architecture for high throughput satellites. This type of architecture increases the demand for rugged and higher speed connectivity.

• October 20, 2022

Modern therapeutic systems for the treatment of weight loss for both health and aesthetic purposes are evolving to help people live a better life. To achieve the necessary results, medical devices need to ensure long-lasting, constant and high-level performance with reliable components able to support harsh conditions.

• By Arlen Martin and Jon Lundberg
• October 10, 2022

Optical interconnectivity has a significant impact on the defense industry. Not only does it allow greater amounts of data to be passed over longer distances, but it also minimizes SWaP (size, weight, and power) relative to copper alternatives. In fact, cabling weight can be reduced more than 90% with no interference and carry high-speed data 15 to 20 times further.

• September 29, 2022

From military aircraft to radar applications to satellite communication links, we rely on cable assemblies to transmit signals between multiple devices, internally in a single device, or as part of testing processes.

• By Dave Raymond and Tim Meehan
• August 23, 2022

Current space and defense industries are putting pressure on electronic manufacturers to deliver high performance with smaller form factor. For applications in these industries, from radios to drones and satellites, miniaturizing components such as RF chip attenuators with broad frequency ranges is becoming critical for developing technology and meeting the challenging demands of defense and space applications.

• By Alan McNeill
• November 15, 2021

Understanding the basics of microwave microstrip isolator and circulator technologies

• By Chris Hawn
• March 10, 2021

Understanding RF wideband microwave gain slope, installation and reliability

• By Andrew Breslin
• February 17, 2021

Having the proper guidelines in place for your RF semi-rigid cable assembly helps minimize cost, improve electrical performance, and increase reliability.

• February 02, 2021

The explosion of worldwide communications over the past 25 years has led to the pervasive use of mobile and land communications equipment with an abundance of platforms, applications, and devices all driving the growth of many of the largest businesses in the world. There is no doubt that this trend will continue through the Internet of Things (IoT), and the arrival of the 5G technology along with improvements to the underlying network infrastructure. However, the next, ‘Small Step’ for man in terms of ubiquitous communications will be the ‘Giant Leap’ into the Internet of Space.

• November 19, 2020

The requirements of space flight components must be carefully taken in account when designing a spring-loaded connector.

• By Chris Hawn
• July 07, 2020

Understanding RF Filter technology to get the most effective solution.

• By Roberta Rebora
• June 03, 2020

As Space Missions evolve, so do Smiths Interconnect’s light and compact connectivity solutions.

• By Jocelyn Lauzon, Guillaume Blanchette, Pierre Cardi
• December 01, 2019

Optical communication is a proven technology that has been deployed in harsh defense and avionics applications for a large number of years.

• By Jocelyn “Justin” Lauzon,
• June 03, 2019

In space, high performance components must be able to deliver reliably in the punishing environment. It is optical transceivers that drive transmissions, converting signals to and from a copper-resident format. Fiber optics communications provide high bandwidth and low latency signaling. Signal transmissions through fiber optic cables (FOCs) provide immunity to EM/RFI interference, crosstalk, and voltage level surges. Fiber optics’ accuracy and reliability exceeds traditional cabling. Covering 1,000 feet requires four pounds of FOC versus 39 pounds of copper wiring, and fiber optics also consume less energy than copper. To convert electrical signals from circuitries with copper output to fiber optics, optical fiber transceivers are usually required.

• By Guillaume Blanchette, David Rolston
• September 23, 2018

Aeronautical applications face many design challenges that are unique to their intended environment. The best practices for optical interconnect design for space applications include the use of radiation-resistant technology to defend against space radiation, the use of components and devices that are designed to operate in harsh environments, and meeting size, weight, and power (SWaP) and long-term reliability requirements. Finally, it is recommended to follow open standards like VPX and to look for solutions that comply with MIL and quality standards.