The range combines the company's expertise in precision RF connectors with proprietary cable technology, optimizing the performance of the entire signal path, from the cable and its terminations to the connection with the printed circuit board. Samtec is also working on new Nitrowave solutions designed to reach frequencies of 130 GHz.
In microwave and millimeter-wave applications, the performance of an interconnect depends on all the elements involved in signal transmission. For this reason, Samtec has developed a cable technology that allows for the joint optimization of connectors, terminations, and the transmission medium itself. Nitrowave cables incorporate a low-density PTFE dielectric, designed to minimize signal loss, along with improved shielding techniques. Among its main innovations is the Dynamic Performance Layer (DPL), a layer that reinforces the cable's structural integrity and helps maintain its electrical characteristics during movement and flexing.
Amplitude stability of ±0.1 dB during bending
In test and measurement applications, RF cables are often moved and repositioned repeatedly, which can lead to variations in their electrical behavior. Nitrowave's DPL technology is designed to reduce these changes and maintain greater phase and amplitude stability, improving measurement accuracy and repeatability. According to tests conducted by Samtec, the Nitrowave LL043 series has demonstrated a resistance of up to 400,000 flex cycles under specified test conditions. Furthermore, the amplitude variation during flexing can be kept within a range of ±0.1 dB.
The Nitrowave family includes solutions optimized for different frequency ranges, from 18 to 110 GHz, while Samtec continues to develop technology for applications up to 130 GHz. The company is also expanding its range with armored cable versions, designed for environments requiring greater resistance to crushing, abrasion, and other mechanical damage. These features allow them to address diverse high-frequency connectivity needs, especially in systems where signal integrity and mechanical resistance are critical factors.
Integration into Bulls Eye testing systems
Samtec is incorporating Nitrowave technology into its high-performance Bulls Eye test suites, designed to meet the growing verification demands of semiconductors and next-generation electronic systems. The integration of microwave cables with the company's precision connectors and interconnect design capabilities allows for a comprehensive approach to RF path performance.
