Another possible title for this blog was "I Designed A 50 Ω Transmission Path; Why is My Return Loss or VSWR Higher Than Expected?" Another was "Maintaining 50 Ohms In A Channel Is Trickier Than It Looks." Hopefully, you understand the main point we're trying to make. This blog is a summary of a seminar by Samtec's Michael Griesi, presented at IMS 2023. For those of you who weren't able to attend, a video of the full presentation is above. In the meantime, here's an overview of what Michael … [Read more...]
Living On The Edge Rate
Edge Rate® is one of Samtec's most popular high-speed, high-bandwidth interconnect systems. Edge Rate is both the name of the pin and in this case, it’s also a product family. Edge Rate Contact Design Let’s begin with the contact system because that’s the star of the show. With some connectors, the mating edge of the contact is the cut edge of the pin. If you look at the edge under a microscope you may see micro burrs and edges. This reduces the life of the connector because … [Read more...]
Samtec Launches New Applications-Based Microsite
Samtec's customer base continues to expand and diversify. New technology enables emerging industries and groundbreaking applications. Customer requirements rapidly change based on the specific needs of certain applications. Mil/aero designers are interested in long-life, rugged solutions while data center architects demand bleeding edge performance. In an effort to meet these varying needs, Samtec proudly announces the launch of a new Applications microsite. This new tool offers a … [Read more...]
Samtec, Otava and Avnet Optimize the mmWave RF Signal Path
mmWave applications are all the rage. Why? Simply put, the 5G tidal wave is coming. Also, ADAS systems use 24 GHz for SRR applications and 77 GHz for LRR applications. Obviously, the world needs mmWave tech! Traditional mmWave technology spans the 30 - 300 GHz frequency range. Samtec defines mmWave technology as 18 - 110 GHz across our Precision RF portfolio of full cable assemblies, cable connectors, and board-level interconnects. High frequencies challenge designers like never before. … [Read more...]
Microwave and mmWave Technology for Emerging Applications Webinar
As consumers, wireless technology is often taken for granted. How difficult would everyday life be without it? Can I open my garage door today? How do I turn on my Smart TV? Where are my social networks? Most of our daily wireless connections - from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to cellular, SatNav and GPS - use carrier frequencies below ~6 GHz. Typical 50 ohm SMA connectors and cable assemblies (or similar) usually work in these types of applications. What about newer applications like 5G and … [Read more...]
Avnet XRF16™ Features Samtec Interconnect for 5G Applications
The roll-out of 5G continues despite COVID-19. 5G system development moves on for any number of applications. These include Test and Measurement, Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) and Active Antenna Systems (AAS), Network Equipment and more. The demand for data means design engineers need to quicken time to market. Modular system design provides peace of mind and commonalities from development to production for design-intensive 5G applications. Avnet XRF16™ RFSoC System-on-Module The … [Read more...]
Samtec, Mouser and Electronic Design Partner on New 5G Webinar
5G is coming! 5G is coming! Is 5G coming? The first two phrases literally described the global 5G rollout at the beginning of 2020. Handset manufacturers, equipment providers, mobile carriers and industry analysts anticipated a strong year. Is 5G still coming? Well, that depends. Like all parts of life, the 5G rollout has been upended by the unfortunate coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, conspiracy theories linking the virus to mobile towers led to acts of arson. Despite the … [Read more...]
AI, 5G and Automotive – Dispatches from XDF Silicon Valley
The FPGA (or ACAP) universe gathered at the San Jose Fairmount last week during the Xilinx Developer Forum. Engineers, data scientists, analysts, distributors, alliance partners and more came to learn about the latest hardware, software and system level solutions from Xilinx. Xilinx CEO Victor Peng set the theme of the event with his keynote. Xilinx (and thier partner's) business strategies revolve around three key growth drivers: Data Center, 5G and Automotive. The Samtec team … [Read more...]
Samtec and Avnet Target 5G Antennas to Bits Solutions
mmWave. Massive MIMO. Beamforming. Full duplex. Connectors. Connectors? Yes, connectors. Really! This may seem like a new take on the old childhood game of "One of These Things". However, all of these technologies (and others) are directly related to developing next-generation 5g antennas and systems. System designers have been challenged with bringing disparate technologies together for wireless. However, system integration and industry partnerships are now making 5G development … [Read more...]
Samtec Launches New 5G Solutions Microsite
"What's the hottest tech on the market?" From C-suites and market analysts to investors and system designers, that is a question that never becomes old. One technology having it's moment is 5G. Just in the last week, there has been major news on the topic. Apple announced its first 5G-capable iPhone coming next year. Apple is also buying Intel's 5G modem business for $1B. On the carrier side, T-Mobile and Sprint are merging to create a strong #3 carrier in the US. Verizon project … [Read more...]