Array connectors add analog support

Samtec, Inc. has enhanced its open-pin-field array connectors to run analog, digital and power signals, releasing new reference designs that enable its high-performance connector arrays including the SEARAY to support analog signals.

For use in high-density RF applications, the Analog over Array reference designs enables dense, open pin-field connectors to support digital and analog differential or single-ended signaling, and power. Analog Over Array connectors can replace dozens of precision RF connectors while offering a smaller footprint, less weight and cost optimization, Samtec said. Their differential ground pattern supports RF SoCs as well as applications such as 5G wireless, remote PHY/MSOs, phased array radar, test and measurement and LEO/MEO satellites.

Samtec’s Analog over Array technology adds analog differential pairs and single-ended signals. (Source: Samtec, Inc.)

Performance specifications include 8-GHz bandwidth and 50-ohm system impedance for single-ended and 100-ohm for differential. Return loss is -12 dB up to 4 GHZ and -10 dB up to 8 GHz, and crosstalk isolation between channels is -69 dBc to 4 GHz and -63 dBc to 8 GHz. As an example, the return loss of a SEARAY connector running six differential pairs of RF is better than -10 dB from 0-15 GHz.

As part of a full characterization report, reference designs feature recommended pin mapping. Samtec is in the process of developing additional reference designs for applications up to 40 GHz.