Samtec’s Flyover cable systems are designed to get signals off the PCB to improve signal integrity, increase design flexibility, and optimise thermal performance. These products route high-speed signals through low-loss, low-skew twinax cable. They operate across distances that can be up to several metres long, while removing the need for clock data recovery circuits (CDRs) or re-timers.
Figure 1. Samtec Flyover cable system.
In a recently published white paper, Samtec Senior Field Applications Engineer, Anthony Fellbaum, provides measured data and examples to explain why a cable solution can be better in a high-speed design than a PCB trace. It also addresses concerns such as cable management and cost.
In the published analysis, Samtec’s Flyover cable demonstrated significantly lower loss than and PCB grade material. Figure 1 shows a comparison of the magnitude (in dB) of insertion loss for three typical PCB materials and two gauges (30 and 34 AWG) of Samtec Flyover cable. For easier scaling and comparison, a 10-inch length of cable was used.
The figure shows that for a high-speed signal running at 14 GHz, the traditional PCB material (shown in yellow) is very lossy. As can be seen, even the best PCB performance is well below the Samtec low-skew high-speed twinax cable (30 AWG shown in green, 34 AWG shown in blue).
Specifically, a 30 AWG cable demonstrated an insertion loss of 1,21 dB for 56 Gbps PAM4, or -1,8 dB for 112 Gbps PAM4. The 34 AWG cable exhibited an insertion loss of -1,9 or -2,9 dB for the same data throughput.
Also shown in figure 1 is the affect that temperature has on the stability of the signals. PCB materials have a significant drop in performance over temperature. By comparison, the twinax cable has a very stable performance, which is thanks to the low moisture absorption properties of the dielectric used in the cable.
High current and voltage interconnect Hiconnex
Interconnection
The 972 series interconnect from Glenair ensures peak performance for the latest specification requirements in high-current, high-voltage, and high-frequency commercial aircraft applications.
Read more...M12 panel mount connectors Communica
Interconnection
Binder, a specialist in industrial circular connectors, offers a particularly wide range of M12 panel mount connectors that cover a wide variety of connection types, materials, and fastening solutions.
Read more...Blade terminals deliver greater power density Spectrum Concepts
Interconnection
[Sponsored] Connectivity has become more important as designers pack more power into smaller spaces, all while managing thermal loads and ensuring efficiency.
Read more...Halo mid-board optical transceiver Spectrum Concepts
Opto-Electronics
The Samtec Halo mid-board transceiver has been designed for next-generation embedded applications that require 56 and 112 Gbps PAM4 performance in low profile and ruggedised form factors.
Read more...Innovation in high-frequency cable design Spectrum Concepts
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
[Sponsored] With frequencies approaching 110 GHz, a mismatch in impedance, an increase in insertion loss, or minute phase distortion can be the difference between success and failure.
Read more...New connector for Push-X technology Phoenix Contact
Interconnection
Phoenix Contact is extending the series of PCB connectors with innovative Push-X technology to include a new connector for conductor cross-sections up to 2,5 mm2.
Read more...Test cable designed for maximum ruggedness Conical Technologies
Interconnection
The Anoison PT test cable is designed for maximum ruggedness using a high-quality raw cable, connector, and smart armouring module.
Read more...Safe connection under load Phoenix Contact
Interconnection
The ArcZero DC connectors from Phoenix Contact can be safely connected and disconnected under load, providing operators with reliable protection against hazardous electric arcs.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
Figure 2. Comparison of differential insertion loss (source Samtec).
printer friendly version