Amphenol Ardent adds 90-GHz Multicoax connector

Amphenol Ardent Concepts has expanded its TR Multicoax connector series with the release of the 90-GHz TR90. The new connector supports high-speed signals up to 90 GHz, making it suited for engineers testing or designing systems operating in the E-Band (60 GHz to 90 GHz). Target applications include semiconductor, test & measurement, mobile communications and automotive.

“Developing ganged coaxial solutions which can effectively launch 90-GHz signals into a printed circuit board is a challenge felt industry-wide,” said Stephen Cristaldi, Product Manager of Cable Products at Ardent, in a statement. “Achieving 90 GHz repeatably with a completely solderless approach is even more difficult, but guarantees the many benefits our customers expect from our TR Multicoax product family.”

(Source: Amphenol Ardent Concepts)

The TR90 joins the TR Multicoax Series 20/40/70 GHz configurations and is designed for use in 112G/224G, 5G/6G and automotive radar applications. It is available in in-line 4- and 8-channel configurations, with the addition of a dual-row 16-channel form factor and right-angle configurations, which will be available later in 2023.

Signal-to-signal spacing is maintained from existing lower frequency configurations at 2.54-mm pitch. The connector supports microstrip, coplanar waveguide, and stripline printed circuit board (PCB) launches, ensuring compatibility with most PCB stackups.

Featuring a newly designed interface and PCB footprint for high signal integrity, the TR90 is suited for use in optical module, transmission line, switch/routing ASIC, SerDes IP, switch/routing box, datacenter chassis and AI accelerator products.

The TR90 features Ardent’s solderless compliant contact technology, called the RC Spring Probe. This contact technology provides a high-performance and mechanically reliable connector that can be securely mated to PCBs with just two screws, ensuring signal fidelity, said the company.

Compared to traditional solder-down coaxial connectors, the TR Multicoax can reduce connector real estate on PCBs by up to 80%. It also is easily re-usable since it can be moved from position to position without the need for any surface-mount components, said the company.