Anritsu Characterizes Samtec High-Speed Interconnects in Live Demo
Anritsu and Samtec teamed up at DesignCon 2026 and demonstrated how Anritsu’s scalable, production-ready signal integrity test equipment can characterize large numbers of Samtec high-speed interconnect paths. In this brief video, Krishna Krishore (Anritsu) and Matt Burns (Samtec) review the products and processes in the live demonstration.
Anritsu Scalable Signal Solution
The demo showcased Anritsu’s automated, scalable solution for high-speed data cable testing. The solution is based on the Anritsu ShockLine MS46524B Vector Network Analyzer, tightly integrated with ATS test software, and an external multiport RF switch box.
In this demo, Anritsu is using an eight-differential-lane backplane cable with two Samtec high-speed connector evaluation boards on each side (16 coaxial connections on each side). We see 32 of the 64 ports on the RF switch. The software measures each lane’s signal integrity parameters, including insertion loss, return loss, near-end crosstalk (NEXT), far-end crosstalk (FEXT), and skew, among others. It generates reports in PDF and CSV formats and saves S-parameters.
Samtec High-Speed Interconnects
The DUT is a Samtec ExaMAX® backplane cable system. ExaMAX systems improve signal integrity and routability using Samtec Flyover® technology, which routes the signal above a lossy PCB using co-extruded, ultra-low skew twinax for improved bandwidth and reach. Direct solder attachment to contacts optimizes the signal path, further enhancing performance. ExaMAX supports 112 Gbps PAM4 applications and is PCIe® 6.0/CXL® 3.2 capable.
The test cables are Samtec orange Nitrowave® RF cables, specifically used for test and measurement applications. Samtec’s next-generation RF coaxial cable offers improved stability under flexure. The coaxial structure — with an outer jacket colored in distinctive Samtec orange — is designed to meet increased demands placed systems used in aerospace, defense, datacom, computer/semiconductor, and instrumentation markets.
Samtec Nitrowave cable provides superior stability when flexed through a Dynamic Performance Layer (DPL), which is a specialized PTFE layer between the helical foil and braid shields. This design eliminates friction between shield elements during movement, preventing damage, ensuring consistent signal performance (low phase/amplitude variance), and extending durability under harsh, continuous flexing.
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