For more than twenty-five years, Samtec has been engaged in developing interconnect products and supporting the standards for systems that launch into space. The first stage of Samtec’s space legacy began when one of the company’s earliest products, the SamArray® High-Density Open-Pin-Field Array, was selected as part of the VITA42 XMC standard in 2002. Since then, Samtec engineers have continued to engage with numerous standards bodies to develop the standards and interconnects that make … [Read more...]
From Elon Musk to ISS – LEO Satellites Fly Over our Heads
Elon Musk is in the news again. But when is Elon Musk not in the news? Of course, many people have an opinion about his purchase of Twitter. More importantly, Mr. Musk is revolutionizing internet access and soon future mobile phone access with LEO satellites. Starlink is a constellation of satellites providing internet access (and eventually mobile phone service) to ~40 countries. Starlink has been in the news for its reach into Ukraine and potentially even Iran. Via SpaceX, currently … [Read more...]
The Rockets Red Glare, our VITA 90 VNX+ Industry Standards Landing Page is now On Air
My poetry may not be as polished as Francis Scott Key with the lyrics of the United States National Anthem. The United States is celebrating Independance Day and it seems fitting to make a reference to rockets. The VITA 90 standard is designed to be the smallest standardized form factor that could be used in todays "rockets", or small tubular things that fly. The Rockets Red glare mentioned in the anthem where what Key saw from Fort McHenry during the war of 1812. These rockets were not a … [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...]
The Importance of Communications in the Military
One of the greatest challenges faced by military commanders is that of communications. Clear and concise exchange of information has always been vital to any successful military operation, and none more so than in modern times. Effective command and control have always been at the heart of leadership. Even during pre-industrial times, when commanders could often survey an entire battlefield from a single vantage point, ensuring that orders were relayed quickly and accurately was … [Read more...]
Satellite Communications
Our armed forces need to be able to function in some of the most remote and desolate places on earth. Far from conventional infrastructure, and operating over wide areas, the military cannot depend on conventional wired systems or line-of-sight radio, and so rely on satellite communications. The Value of Satcom At the same time, the battlefield is a connected space. The machine-to-machine communications that are so fundamental to the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming vital to … [Read more...]
New Ultra Rugged Product & Testing Solutions
I recently purchased my first home. Never having a yard before, I’ve spent the last few months purchasing all the tools and gadgets needed to keep it well maintained. After all those trips to the hardware store, I’ve learned that purchasing durability and reliability is an investment for future seasons of cutting, trimming, and watering. We’ve recently released an updated Micro Rugged Design Guide introducing new Ultra Rugged products and Ultra Rugged testing that provide durability and … [Read more...]
Mil/Aero Upcoming Webinars
Samtec offers flexibility in Military/Aerospace Applications through COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) parts. When compared with traditional Mil/Aero suppliers, Samtec provides engineers and designers cost-effective COTS solutions with short lead-times. We are excited to participate in 2 upcoming webinars this month to share how we do this. Even though these are promoted through traditional Mil/Aero markets anyone is welcome to registrar. If you work on an embedded system and size, weight, and … [Read more...]
Radar Detection
The popular concept of radar detection can be seen in a hundred movies – a group of serious-looking controllers studies a circular screen intently in a darkened room. They could be civilians or soldiers, but the sweeping radar display is very familiar to most of us. Radar has become an essential tool in the aerospace, marine and even land-based theaters. The concept behind radar is very simple and the name itself – RADAR – is short for Radio Detection and Ranging. Radio waves are emitted … [Read more...]
Designing Munitions For The Last Resort
We all hope for peace and a world free from conflict. Despite this, it is the duty of governments to provide their armed forces with the tools they need to deter aggression from foreign powers who have different aspirations and, if necessary, take action to safeguard the lives of its citizens. It is necessary to design munitions that will be ready in the last resort. Modern weapons and munitions make the most of the latest technology. The driving goal of modern munition design is … [Read more...]