Samtec’s line of high-speed backplane interconnect systems are used in a variety of applications and designs. I spoke with Jonathan Sprigler, Samtec’s High-Speed Backplane Product Manager, about our products, the differences between them, and applications.
DANNY: Jonathan, can you give us a quick overview of Samtec’s high-speed backplane connector products?
JONATHAN: Our two high-speed backplane product families are ExaMAX® and XCede® HD. They are both press-fit connector families designed for blind mate connections in the middle or back of a chassis. We offer signal modules, guide modules, and power modules in both families.
DANNY: What are the differences between these two product lines?
JONATHAN: ExaMAX is primarily for differential pair systems with a few single ended signals, whereas XCede HD can be used more as an open pin field. You can use it for differential pairs or for single ended signals or a combination of the two.
DANNY: Is there a type of customer or an application that is better suited for ExaMAX? For XCede HD?
JONATHAN: ExaMAX is slightly bigger and can handle state-of-the-art next generation signal speeds. XCede HD is one of the most dense connector systems we have and can be used for signaling up to 16 Gbps per channel, and in some cases a little more. We sell both to all different types of customers, applications, and industries.
DANNY: What product is getting the most attention, and why?
JONATHAN: Right now we are seeing the most interest in our ExaMAX Cable. With our Direct Attach technology and ultra-low skew twinax, we are able to pass 112Gbps-PAM4 signaling per channel. Check out this product demonstration at DesignCon.
Our cable is giving system architects flexibility routing channels without expensive hard-to-design PCBs and with longer reach without retimers. In many cases we are also creating custom cables with ExaMAX on one end and one of our other product families like AcceleRate®, NovaRay®, or FQSFP-DD on the other end.
DANNY: How can people learn more about our high-speed connectors?
JONATHAN: Of course you can go to our website, and from there you can select a product family, or click directly on specific products. You can also email us at HSBP@samtec.com and we can help answer any specific questions you have or create a custom solution to fit your needs.
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