Hypertronics Launches Robust 2mm Connector

-- Interchangeable with cPCI COTS Systems --

Hudson, MA (July 19, 2004)— Hypertronics, a world leading provider of high performance Interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications, today announced the release of its 2mm connector, which is interchangeable with cPCI COTS Systems. The Hypertronics 2mm connector provides engineers with an interconnect solution that fits their application and is immune to shock and vibration.

The key benefits of the Hypertronics 2mm connector include high reliability Hypertac® contacts, immunity to shock and vibration fretting, standard 2mm footprint, EMI/RFI shielding, keying feature to ensure proper mating, and a high temperature LCP insulator that meets NASA outgassing requirements.

Tested to military standards, the Hypertronics 2mm connector delivers high performance and reliability in ruggedized Compact PCI and mission critical applications such as military land systems, shipboard, and aerospace. The connectors are interchangeable with the board layout on COTS systems and are reverse gender to commercial 2mm products. Adapters are available to mate with COTS 2mm connectors.

Following initial success in space and satellite, the Hypertronics 2mm connector is now available as a product family in both keyed and unkeyed configurations. Offering a modular design, the connector is variable in length and can be changed in increments of five contacts. Based on a 2mm center line with six rows, the Hypertronics 2mm connector uses 0.4mm Hypertac contacts that feature under 8 milliohms contact resistance and a current rating of 1.0A. The connectors are also compatible with standard reflow soldering processes.

According to Mark Wilkinson, Military & Aerospace Industry Manager for Hypertronics, ÿour customers require a 2mm connector that is immune to shock and vibration. They have not been able to find an interconnect solution that survives the harsh environments that their application faces ¶ so we developed one for them´.

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 technology is renowned for delivering unfailing performance in high-reliability applications. Market segments that demand this superior performance include medical, military, aerospace, test and measurement and industrial. The company offers a wide range of standard catalog products as well as custom-designed connectors for more specific application needs and performance requirements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smiths Group (UK: SMIN), a $5 billion multinational company headquartered in London, UK. More information about Hypertronics products can be found at www.hypertronics.com.

About Smiths Interconnect

Smiths Interconnect, a division of Smiths Group, is a global provider of electronic application specific components and sub-systems for the electronics interconnect, telecommunications, medical, industrial, aerospace as well as military and satellite markets worldwide.

Smiths Interconnect businesses comprise of; EMC Technology, Florida RF Labs, Hypertac Interconnect, LEA International, PolyPhaser, Radio Waves, Sabritec, Summitek Instruments, TECOM Industries, Times Microwave Systems, TRAK Microwave, Transtector Systems, Smiths Interconnect Shanghai and Smiths Interconnect Japan. Each business is a leader in its field and trades under their own strong brand name.