Postek (HK) Co., Limited | VPXP Series
VPXP Ruggedized Hybrid Electro-Optic Connector
Plug (Daughter Card) · Configurable Optical/RF Modules · VITA 48 Compliant · 8-Key Orientation
VPXP Ruggedized Hybrid Connector — Isometric View
1. Product Overview
The VPXP Series is a ruggedized hybrid electro-optic rectangular connector designed for high-reliability embedded computing and high-altitude platform systems. It serves as the plug (daughter card) connector, mating with standard VPX series backplane connectors. The VPXP supports configurable optical and RF module positions, enabling high-speed data transmission alongside traditional power and signal contacts. Fully compliant with VITA 46, VITA 48, and VITA 65 standards, it integrates seamlessly into conduction-cooled and air-cooled chassis architectures.
Key Features
2. Technical Specifications
2.1 Part Number Configuration 📄 Datasheet
The VPXP part number follows a structured nomenclature that defines module count, connector type, keying, module type codes, shell material, and daughter card thickness. The example below illustrates the full configuration string.
| Segment | Parameter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VPXP | Series | Ruggedized Hybrid Electro-Optic Connector |
| -61 | Module Count | First digit: full modules (6); second digit: half modules (1) |
| T | Connector Type | T = Plug; RT = Rear-Mount Plug; LT = Liquid-Cooled Plug |
| 8 | Keying | 8 keying positions available; supplied unkeyed with loose hardware |
| aAA | Spectrum Code (P0/J0–P2/J2) | Lowercase = half module; Uppercase = full module |
| 8 | Keying | Repeat keying field |
| AAAA | Spectrum Code (P3/J3–P6/J6) | All full modules in this segment |
| 8 | Keying | Repeat keying field |
| A | Spectrum Identifier | A = default contacts; B, C, etc. for contact variations within same spectrum |
| -S | Shell Material/Plating | Blank = Aluminum alloy nickel-plated; S = Stainless steel passivated |
| -02 | Daughter Card Thickness | Blank = 1.6–2.6 mm; 02 = 2.6–3.5 mm |
2.2 Mechanical Specifications 📄 Datasheet
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector Type | Plug (Daughter Card) |
| Mating Interface | VPX Series Backplane Receptacle |
| Keying Positions | 8 |
| Daughter Card Thickness (Standard) | 1.6 – 2.6 mm |
| Daughter Card Thickness (-02 Option) | 2.6 – 3.5 mm |
| Shell Material Options | Aluminum Alloy Nickel-Plated; Stainless Steel Passivated |
| Module Types | Full modules and half modules; optical, RF, electrical |
| PCB Footprint | Identical to VPX series; VITA standard compliant |
2.3 Environmental & Platform Compatibility 📄 Datasheet
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Compliance | VITA 46, VITA 48, VITA 65 |
| Cooling Compatibility | Conduction-cooled per VITA 48; air-cooled per VITA 46 |
| Module Integration | Designed per VITA 48 module envelope; connector mates flush with module shell |
| Corrosion Resistance | 96-hour salt spray (stainless steel option for extended exposure) |
3. Nomenclature Diagram
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VPXP | Series designation — Ruggedized Hybrid Electro-Optic Connector |
| 2 | -61 | Module count: first digit = full modules (6), second digit = half modules (1) |
| 3 | T | Connector type: T = Plug, RT = Rear-Mount Plug, LT = Liquid-Cooled Plug |
| 4 | 8 | Keying orientation (8 positions available) |
| 5 | aAA | Spectrum code for P0/J0, P1/J1, P2/J2 positions (lowercase = half module) |
| 6 | 8 | Keying orientation (repeat) |
| 7 | AAAA | Spectrum code for P3/J3 through P6/J6 positions (all full modules) |
| 8 | 8 | Keying orientation (repeat) |
| 9 | A | Spectrum identifier: A = default contacts; B, C, etc. for variations |
| 10 | -S | Shell material: blank = aluminum nickel-plated; S = stainless steel passivated |
| 11 | -02 | Daughter card thickness: blank = 1.6–2.6 mm; 02 = 2.6–3.5 mm |
4. Dimensions & Drawings
4.1 VPXP-61T8aAA8AAAA8-A Outline Dimensions
4.2 VPXP-21T8aAA8-A Outline Dimensions
4.3 VPXP-31T8aAAA8-A Outline Dimensions
4.4 VPXP-40T8CAAA8-A Outline Dimensions
4.5 Module Integration — VITA 48 Installation
5. Certifications & Compliance
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VPXP and standard VPX connectors?
VPXP is the plug (daughter card) connector in the ruggedized hybrid family. It mates with standard VPX backplane receptacles but adds support for configurable optical and RF modules alongside traditional electrical contacts. The PCB footprint remains identical to VPX, enabling drop-in upgrades for high-speed electro-optic systems.
How are the keying pins configured?
VPXP connectors are supplied unkeyed with loose keying hardware. There are 8 possible keying orientations. The user installs the keying pins according to the slot position in the chassis to prevent incorrect module insertion.
Can VPXP be used in liquid-cooled systems?
Yes. The LT (Liquid-Cooled Plug) variant is specifically designed for liquid-cooled chassis architectures per VITA 48. Consult the datasheet for thermal interface specifications.
What daughter card thicknesses are supported?
Standard configuration supports 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm thick PCBs. The -02 option extends support to 2.6 mm to 3.5 mm thick daughter cards for applications requiring additional board rigidity.
7. Resources
- 📄 HK-VPXP Datasheet (PDF) — Complete mechanical drawings, module type codes, and PCB footprint details
- 📦 Request a Quote — Custom module configurations and volume pricing
📚 Related Technical Articles
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🔗 Related Products
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- HK-HSI Series — Hermetically sealed circular connectors for extreme environment interconnects