In the first two articles of this series, we have looked at the amount of time and effort that manufacturers spend to produce electrical contacts. It is easy to overlook their importance, but they lie at the heart of every connector. We have seen how the contacts are formed and plated, but it is vital that we understand how these processes affect their performance. It is rare for manufacturers to produce just one type of contact for all connectors. Choosing a … [Read more...]
Samtec Partners with eSilicon and Wild River Technology on High-Performance Communications Webinar
Data, data, data is everywhere. From streaming video to edge computing, system designers are challenged to meet the needs of the networks (and consumers). From servers and switches to networking equipment, OEMs developing next-gen devices with high performance communications face two common challenges. First, available silicon must support 56 Gbps PAM4 data rates. Second, test fixtures must support performance verification. Developing high-performance communications solutions requires … [Read more...]
A Dynamic, Dynamic Stress Test Proves Microwave Cable Maintains Signal Integrity
One topic that garnered much interest at the Samtec booth at the International Microwave Symposium was a dynamic stress test of Samtec's microwave cable. This demonstration proves that our low-loss, microwave cable withstands high flex cycles and still maintains signal integrity. In this video, Steve McGeary, Samtec’s Director of RF Business Development and Product Management, walks us through the demo and reviews the cable's insertion loss and return loss results, all in about two … [Read more...]
Samtec Showcases AI/ML Interconnect Demonstration at PCI-SIG Conference
The PCI-SIG Developers Conference is a free event for the 800+ member companies that develop and bring to market new products utilizing PCI Express® technology. Granted most people reading this blog won't be at the conference, but you might be interested in learning more about Samtec's demos and Technical Sessions. Demonstrations Scalable 32 GT/s Silicon Test Platform: This is a demonstration of configurable, next-generation GPU-based system combining a cable mesh … [Read more...]
The Fine Art of Contact Plating
In the first article of this series, we looked at how contacts are formed. This time, we'll investigate the next step in the manufacturing process - plating. Have you ever looked closely at an electrical contact? Contacts may be small and hard to see, but they are the most important component in any connector. With their intricate design and shiny gold plating, they have as much in common with fine art as they do with electronic components. But connector manufacturers do not invest … [Read more...]
Do You Care About Your Connector Contacts?
Have you ever wondered how the contacts get into a connector? Quite possibly not as they tend to be small and hidden, but the contact is at the very heart of connector design. This article is the first of a short series that looks at the life of a contact, from manufacturing to understanding its performance. Hopefully, by the end, you will have a better understanding of what the contact does and how it does it. At the simplest level, a connector is a device that allows the joining of … [Read more...]
Samtec Releases New High-Speed Backplane Connector Chalk Talk
Everybody loves webcasts, right? While some may view webcasts as these kids in Ferris Bueller's class, others love the on-demand technical education available via this popular medium. In an attempt to appeal to the second group, Samtec is pleased to announce a new Chalk Talk On-Demand Webcast focused on our expanding high-performance backplane connector portfolio. Enabling Next-Gen System Design: Samtec High-Speed Backplane Systems In this new webcast, Jonathan Sprigler, Samtec … [Read more...]
Can A 12G-SDI Signal Be Transmitted Through 12 Cable-to-Board Terminations?
Chris Shelly, Samtec’s RF/SI Modeling Engineer, walks us through a live 12G-SDI transmission line demonstration at NAB 2019. This demo showcases the signal processing capabilities of the Phabrix® QX UHDTV 12G-SDI generator/analyzer and the transmission of those signals through several other Samtec 75 ohm PCB connectors and cable assemblies. The Phabrix QX is generating a 12G-SDI signal, through two Samtec right-angle BNC connectors, and back into the Phabrix QX for analysis. We get a good … [Read more...]
The Engineer’s Cheese Sandwich
Design engineers are the heroes of the electronics industry. Responsible for creating everything from cell phones to satellites, it is the creativity of designers that drives the modern world. Engineers must respond to a specification. This is where the life of a design engineer becomes a little difficult. In an ideal world, a design specification should be clear and detailed, but I'm afraid that sometimes our design engineer might be given instructions that are less than … [Read more...]
VITA 57.1 FMC and VITA 57.4 FMC+ are like ‘Avengers: Endgame’ . . . Kinda
What’s that? There’s a new movie out? What’s it called? Avengers? Who are they? What do they do? I highly doubt anyone – except someone’s grandmother – has said the above. 'Avengers: Endgame' has been taking the world by storm. For superhero fanboys like yours truly, 'Avengers: Endgame' is the dream movie worth waiting for. In a similar way, the VITA 57 FMC and FMC+ specifications are the dream interface between FPGAs carrier cards and mezzanine cards. Like 'Avengers: Endgame' … [Read more...]
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