Press Release

Robust Space-Grade Interconnect Solution from Hypertronics Plays a Key Role in Successful Landing on Mars by Science Lab Rover Curiosity

By SpaceRef Editor
September 4, 2012
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Hypertronics Corporation, a Smiths Interconnect business and world-leading provider of high performance interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications today announces its involvement with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of Pasadena, CA on the successful landing of the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity.

A key ingredient in the complex technological mix that went into the Curiosity rover was the JPL requirement for robust space grade connectors that could guarantee signal reliability from liftoff to landing. Hypertronics’ Compact PCI (cPCI) connectors were used by JPL, and proved to play a pivotal role in providing flawless signal integrity throughout the mission.

Hypertronics world renowned Hypertac(R) contact technology successfully underwent extensive pre-mission testing dealing with the critical requirements associated with stringent signal reliability demands needed for the Mars mission. The Mars Science Laboratory required technology that had the proven capability to perform flawlessly in extremely harsh environments. In addition, JPL demanded an interconnect solution that was robust enough to handle the severe conditions of space flight and those on the surface of Mars. Signal integrity is ensured by electrical connectors that join single-board computers to a cPCI backplane bus architecture that functions as the central nervous system for the Curiosity rover. The Hypertronics connectors delivered the level of performance and reliability that was called for by mission planners, playing a key role in the success of the mission.

“Hypertronics Corporation congratulates NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory on this momentous achievement,” said Vadim Radunsky, President of Hypertronics. “We are gratified and delighted to have our cPCI interconnect solution play a significant role in contributing to what is indeed a major success in space exploration. Our connectors have undergone rigorous testing by JPL that involved extreme environmental conditions as well as extraordinary shock and vibration, and they have definitely lived up to their billing of fail-proof performance.”

About Hypertronics Corporation

Hypertronics, based in Hudson, Massachusetts, has been a leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of specialty connectors for the electronics industry since 1970. Its Hypertac(R) technology is renowned for delivering unfailing performance in high-reliability applications in the medical, military/aerospace, test and measurement and industrial market segments. The company offers a wide range of standard catalog products as well as custom-designed connectors for more specific application needs and performance requirements. Hypertronics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smiths Group (SMIN.L), a multinational company headquartered in London, UK. For more information about Hypertronics product and solution offerings can be found at www.hypertronics.com.

About Smiths Interconnect

Smiths Interconnect www.smithsinterconnect.com is a leader in technically differentiated electronic and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical systems for the wireless telecommunications, aerospace, defense, space, medical, rail, test and industrial markets. It is part of Smiths Group www.smiths.com, a world leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.

Contact:
Hypertronics Corporation
Paul Collins, 978-568-2780
Public Relations
paul.collins@hypertronics.com

SpaceRef staff editor.