New 130 GHz Test Solution: Samtec Bulls Eye BE130
At IMS 2026, Samtec presented the latest in our Bulls Eye® high-performance test systems, now up to 130 GHz.
The demonstration at IMS showcased two live product demonstrations of Samtec’s new BE130 Bulls Eye test system. The first was a BE130 vertical cable solution that was measured on an evaluation board. It was tested by a Keysight VNA (N5295AX03) with extender heads to 125 GHz.
Like all Bulls Eye® products, the BE130 is field-replaceable, allowing for the replacement of individual cables and supporting phase-matched pairs down to half a picosecond.
The second DUT is an early prototype of our low-profile Bulls Eye solution, which also supports up to 130 GHz. The architecture allows us to test the connectors end-to-end without a PCB in between, so we can see the cable performance without the effects of the PCB.
The measurements show a flat response in insertion loss and low return loss across the entire bandwidth.
Both of these products are powered by Nitrowave®, Samtec’s stable over-flexure coax cable. We have optimized this demonstration to 130 GHz, which means you are getting the optimal insertion loss all the way through the global bandwidth that the product is able to support.
BE130 To 130 GHz
The BE130 phase and amplitude stable test assembly provides:
- Mode-free performance to 130 GHz
- Ideal for 1.0 mm-based test equipment, which is less costly than 0.8 mm or 0.5 mm solutions
- Lowest insertion loss and highest frequency possible for 1.0 mm-based equipment
- Expanded mode-free bandwidth beyond 448 Gbps fundamental frequency
- Nitrowave® cable technology: phase and amplitude stable during flexure
- Single or double row
- Microstrip/CPW or stripline PCB transmission
- 50 ohm impedance
Bulls Eye Product Overview
Bulls Eye high-performance test assembly features a high-density space-saving design that enables smaller evaluation boards and shorter trace lengths in test and measurement applications.
The block compression mounts to the board for placement directly adjacent to the SerDes being characterized. The solderless design reduces overall costs and is easy to use within a lab setting.
A variety of footprint and position densities are available, supporting test requirements up to 448 Gbps. Phase-matching is available at 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 picoseconds (cable dependent).
All Bulls Eye assemblies feature high-frequency, low-loss, flexible microwave cable. However, as repeatability and loss margins at millimeter-wave frequencies continue to narrow, Bulls Eye products now incorporate Samtec’s proprietary Nitrowave cable technology. Nitrowave™ phase and amplitude-stable cable — recognizable by its distinctive orange color — improves overall electrical performance with lower insertion loss and phase matching down to 0.5-picosend.
End 2 connects directly to instrumentation using any of the following connector options: 1.00 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.85 mm, 2.40 mm or 2.92 mm.
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