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.
Designing with PCIe Spectrum Concepts
Editor's Choice Interconnection
PCI Express has become the backbone of modern high-performance systems with each new generation promising higher bandwidth, but that performance comes with a cost.
Read more...Connectivity solutions for hydrogen technologies Hiconnex
Interconnection
As the production distribution and utilisation of hydrogen continue to scale, connectivity becomes a key enabler for efficient energy transmission, data communication, and system control.
Read more...Robust single-pole power connectivity Hiconnex
Interconnection
Designed for cable-to-cable and cable-to-equipment use, Radiall’s single-pole power connector support current ratings from 250 A to 750 A and operating voltages up to 1000 V AC or DC.
Read more...M12 push-pull connectors IOT Electronics
Interconnection
Phoenix Contact’s M12 push-pull connectors with internal locking set a new benchmark for fast, secure, and space-saving connectivity in industrial automation.
Read more...Versatile outdoor waterproof connectors Vepac Electronics
Interconnection
The LP-20 outdoor waterproof connector series offers a versatile range of rugged, circular connectors with 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 14-pin configurations.
Read more...Comprehensive range of data connectors IOT Electronics
Interconnection
Phoenix Contact’s comprehensive range of data connectors provides reliable connection solutions for modern networked applications across industrial, infrastructure, and commercial environments.
Read more...Compact inline connector for aerospace Hiconnex
Interconnection
Radiall’s Small Inline Connector series is a fully qualified wire-to-wire solution designed to simplify harness creation, installation, and modification in aerospace applications.
Read more...Compact hybrid power storage connector IOT Electronics
Interconnection
Phoenix Contact has introduced a new hybrid connector for electrical energy storage systems, designed to combine power, signal, and data transmission in a single, compact interface.
Read more...MIL-spec connector series Future Electronics
Interconnection
The MIL-HD2 connector series from Amphenol is the company’s next-generation, SOSA-aligned solution engineered to meet the most demanding requirements of modern military embedded systems.
Read more...DC connectors approved for 2000 V IOT Electronics
Interconnection
Phoneix Contact’s Sunclix DC connectors are now approved for system voltages of up to 2000 V in accordance with TÜV Rheinland’s new test specification, opening the door to higher-voltage PV designs and reduced system costs.
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