Experiences with a SpaceWire backplane connector

Prototype connectors have been developed by Smiths Connectors (Hypertac) for backplane applications, and testing has been performed by TASUK under ESA contract. The connector is a modular type with different pin inserts for power, signal and high-speed data, making it suitable for SpaceWire applications. This paper describes TASUK's experience designing a test setup and using the backplane connector.