NASA Qualifies Hypertac's 2mm cPCI Connectors for Flight Use

The NASA GSFC cPCI team’s approval is based on the successful completion of an extensive test program that included qualification testing at the connector and cPCI 6U chassis levels. The testing also included material analysis with micro sections of plated surfaces as well as extensive data reviews and on-site audits.

Terry King, Lead Parts Engineer, Connector, Wire and Cable Specialist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center commented, “Because so many connector products have failed, this test protocol went over and above any that have ever been done. NASA Goddard has never before successfully tested a connector to this level of performance.”

Hypertac’s highly reliable 2mm connector is destined for NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), an unmanned satellite scheduled for launch in August 2008. SDO, a follow up to the space observatory SOHO programme, will study the solar variations that influence life on Earth and humanity’s technological systems. Hypertac 2mm board-mount connectors will be used in the satellite’s guidance and information distribution systems.

This NASA qualification confirms the superior reliability of the hyperboloid contact technology in safety critical applications operating in the most severe environments. It will enable NASA to design circuit boards to commercial standards, improving design lead times.