SMP

Originally marketed by the Gilbert company (now Corning Gilbert) during the 1980's under the trade name GPO, which signifies "Gilbert push-on". Subsequent versions of the connector include GPPO, G3PO, and G4PO, all of which are trademarks belonging to Corning.

The two snap-on interfaces Full Detent (FD) and Limited Detent (LD) each have different engage and disengage coupling forces. The LD is typically selected as the snap-on interface in PCB mount or blind-mate applications, while the FD is mainly used for cabled connections where higher retention forces are required.

The two slide-on interfaces Smooth Bore (SB) and Catcher’s Mitt (CM) allow for reduced connection forces as compared to the snap-on versions. The push-on interface creates a sliding connection that does not physically locate the mating reference planes, allowing for axial and radial misalignment. Both the SB and CM have the same engage/disengage forces; however the CM is typically specified as the shroud configuration in blind-mate applications as its generous lead-in chamfer helps capture and guide the bullet into place.

SMP connectors are a popular choice for board-to-board applications, and typically found in microwave-band military and high grade commercial systems such as in phased arrays, airborne radar, active antennas, satellites, and a range of other radar systems. A miniaturised variation capable of operating at higher frequencies is standardised under the Mini-SMP (SMPM) RF connector series.