Samtec Introduces 1.0 mm RF Connectors with Frequency Coverage up to 120 GHz

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 15, Samtec released the 100-CM series 1.0 mm precision RF connectors, operating from DC to 120 GHz, targeting W-band and higher frequency millimeter-wave test, measurement, and RF board-level interconnect applications. The series features 50 Ω impedance and a vertical solderless compression mount structure, can be mounted directly on printed circuit boards, and supports field removal and replacement.

The 100-CM uses an optimized coaxial structure that extends the typical 110 GHz upper operating limit of conventional 1.0 mm interfaces to 120 GHz. The connector employs an air dielectric structure to reduce VSWR and insertion loss at high frequencies, and supports microstrip and coplanar waveguide transmission structures. The product is suitable for millimeter-wave test equipment, RF evaluation boards, chip test platforms, and high-frequency experimental systems.

The series uses a solderless compression mount installation method and supports standard board thicknesses from 0.016 to 0.125 inches; when used with screw mounting, it can accommodate board thicknesses from 0.069 to 0.178 inches. The board-level mounting torque is 0.5 to 0.8 inch-pounds, and the connector uses a threaded coupling structure to improve the mechanical stability of the interface during high-frequency testing.

To address the issue that the small size of the 1.0 mm interface makes installation position deviation likely to affect high-frequency performance, the 100-CM features a positioning slot at the bottom of the connector and assists alignment through reference marks on the PCB, enabling the center pin to maintain repeatable positioning with the pad. This design is intended to reduce the impact of installation deviation on millimeter-wave signal integrity and test repeatability.

Samtec is simultaneously expanding its companion high-frequency cable assemblies. The existing Nitrowave series includes the LL095 version from DC to 95 GHz and the LL110 version from DC to 110 GHz, with the LL130 version from DC to 130 GHz planned for release by the end of the fourth quarter of 2026. The company also offers the RF047-A low-loss flexible microwave cable assembly equipped with a 1.0 mm interface, operating from DC to 110 GHz.

The 100-CM series also targets the growing D-band applications. Samtec provides board-level RF transition optimization, electric field simulation, and 3D modeling support to match connectors, PCB transmission lines, and high-frequency cable assemblies. The product is currently available for configuration and ordering.