110 GHz Test Solution Enables 224 Gbps PAM4 SerDes Characterization
Designers are challenged because the demand for higher bandwidth is pushing test and measurement requirements to new limits of speed and performance.
This live product demonstration presents a solution to these challenges. The Samtec Bulls Eye® high-performance test system exhibits outstanding electrical performance at 110 GHz. In this video, Samtec’s Anthony Fellbaum discusses the equipment, results, and applications.
By the way, all of the coax cables in this demonstration are from Samtec. Nitrowave® is Samtec’s new line of high-performance microwave cables. In stylish Samtec orange, it provides improved stability with flexure, a lower-density dielectric to minimize loss, and extended frequency ranges to provide optimal insertion loss performance in emerging bands.
A 110 GHz Rohde and Schwarz ZVA vector network analyzer measures the insertion loss of the DUT up to 110 GHz.
The DUT is the Samtec BE90A Bulls Eye system, utilizing a 1.00 mm connector on end 2 of the cable assembly.
The BE90A is connected to a layer three stripline trace and the PCB is carefully designed to be transparent in the measurement up to 110 GHz. Both the PCB trace and the 1.00 mm vertical compression connector are de-embedded.
And the results are excellent. The insertion loss is flat all the way through the band, demonstrating the robust design of this 110 GHz test solution.
Bullseye is a solderless compression system that mates directly to a PCB footprint, removing the need for costly PCB connectors. The dense footprint allows for a large number of channels to be placed directly adjacent to the DUT being characterized, reducing PCB trace losses.
End 2 of the cable assembly connects to instrumentation using a 1.00 or 1.35 mm connector.
If you’re still reading, you might also be interested in another demo from DesignCon 2025: 224G Test Platform Provides Stability, Cost Benefits, Pathway to 448G.
For more information about this demonstration or any of the RF products shown, contact us at [email protected]/.
If you have questions about the PCB design or footprint optimization, contact us at [email protected].
