The march to faster data rates never seems to stop. Communications protocols used in the data center provide the proof. Fiber Channel signals can run up to 32 Gbps. 25G Ethernet 802.3bj and Ethernet 100G signals can run up to 25Gbps. InfiniBand EDR 104G serial channels support 26 Gbps data rates.
This presents engineers of high-speed serial channels with a number of PCB design challenges. Some of the key limitations of PCBs running at 28+ Gbps include trace length, skew, and insertion loss.
As data rates increase, practical PCB trace lengths decrease. 28 Gbps data signals can travel less than 2” in FR408 material. High speed PCB materials like MEGTRON 6 only extend the reach to about 5”.
Skew is introduced into high-speed signals when typical PCB materials are used. Skew results from variation in the fiberglass weave patterns inside the PCB. As these variations increase, the skew increases thus degrading the signal. Skew can be minimized by using higher quality PCB materials, but these are expensive and lack economies of scale.
Insertion loss in high-speed signals also increases as data rates increase. High speed PCB materials like MEGTRON 6 minimize this effect, but they are not always options.
In an effort to help engineers overcome these PCB design challenges, Samtec has released the Twinax Flyover Application Design Guide. This is the second in a series of Application Design Guides that Samtec will release throughout 2016 targeted at easing the design-in process of differentiated interconnect technology.
The new Twinax Flyover Application Design Guide fully explains Samtec “Flyover” design approach. Instead of routing 28+ Gbps signals through lossy PCBs, vias and other components, they route through ultra low skew twinax cable assemblies in system. This minimizes signal degradation due to the factors mentions while also eliminating the need for more expensive PCB materials
Key “Flyover” technologies featured in the Twinax Flyover Application Design Guide include:
- The Problem: PCB Reach at Next Gen Speeds
- The Solution: Samtec Flyover™ Systems
- The Solution: Support for Next Gen Challenges
- Next Gen Performance: Without Added Cost
- 28+ Gbps Interconnect Technology
- Ultra Low Skew Cable technology
- Flyover Practical Applications
- 56+ Gbps Direct Attach Technology
Please send enquiries of pricing, support and technical detail on Samtec Twinax Flyover capabilities to any of the following e-mail addresses: