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In the field of millimeter wave testing, engineers are no stranger to the laws of physics: the maximum usable frequency of a connector is inversely proportional to the inner diameter of the housing conductor. In other words, to support higher frequencies, the size of the connector must be reduced. The 1.0mm connector is the product of this law-it is much smaller than the common 2.92mm or 2.4mm connector, but it also brings new challenges: how to ensure the accuracy of such a small connector? Will it produce resonance or signal distortion at high frequencies?
1.0mm standard interface size
Samtec's 100-CM series of 1.0mm vertical compression mount connectors are designed to solve these problems. It supports the DC to 120 GHz frequency range, covering W-band and emerging D-band applications, while avoiding the hassle of transitioning to complex waveguides or more expensive 0.8mm connectors.
The heart of the Samtec 100-CM series is an optimized coaxial structure. It has a wider performance margin than the typical 1.0mm/110 GHz connector. This means that at frequencies close to 120 GHz, it can still maintain stable signal transmission without significant resonance or loss changes.
Samtec 100-CM Series Connectors, DC to 120 GHz
This is key for engineers working on the next generation of test measurements. W-band (75-110 GHz) and D-band (110-170 GHz) applications are increasing, such as automotive radar, high-speed wireless backhaul, radio astronomy, and material characterization. These scenarios often require connecting test equipment to microstrip lines or coplanar waveguides on the PCB, and the small size of the 1.0mm connector reduces interference with the PCB layout.
Conventional high-frequency connectors usually need to be soldered to the PCB. The soldering process itself has risks: poor temperature control may damage the PCB, and uneven solder joints will introduce impedance discontinuities. Once the connector is damaged, it is very troublesome to replace it, and the whole board may even be scrapped.
The 100-CM series adopts a welding-free compression mounting design. It fixes the connector on the pad of the PCB by mechanical pressure and does not require solder. The benefits of this approach are several:
Field replaceable: If the connector is broken, remove it directly and replace it with a new one without moving the soldering iron.
Flexible layout: The same connector can be used in different positions on the PCB for easy debugging and evaluation.
Repeatable millimeter-wave performance: The contact consistency of the compression installation is very good, and the performance difference after each installation is small.
When installed, the threaded coupling structure at the bottom of the connector provides mechanical stability, and the recommended installation torque is 0.5 to 0.8 inch-pounds. The board thickness supports 0.016 "to 0.125" (about 0.4mm to 3.2mm), and if screws are added, it can support up to 0.178 "(about 4.5mm).
Small size connector is most afraid of is not allowed. The center conductor of the 1.0mm connector is only about 1mm. If it is offset by tens of microns during installation, it may cause impedance mismatch or poor contact.
Samtec has milled alignment slots in the bottom of the 100-CM series connectors to match the fiducial marks (fiducials) on the PCB to ensure that the alignment pins are accurately centered on the pads. In this way, visual misalignment is eliminated, and the best performance of the connector can be achieved every time it is installed. For test scenarios that require repeated disassembly and assembly, this design can save a lot of debugging time.
The connector is only half of the link, the other half is the cable. Samtec offers several solutions for 1.0mm interfaces:
Nitrowave®High Performance Microwave Cable: The orange Nitrowave cable has excellent phase and amplitude stability at high frequencies. There are currently options for DC to 95 GHz(LL095) and DC to 110 GHz(LL110), and DC to 130 GHz(LL130) is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026.
RF047-A cable assembly: Low-loss. 047 inch flexible microwave cable with 1.0mm interface, supporting DC to 110 GHz.
PRF10 Precision 1.0mm Cable Connector:. The 047 semi-rigid cable is a soldered clamp-on connector that supports up to 110 GHz.
These cable assemblies can be Solutionator via Samtec's RF Cable®The tool is quickly configured, and engineers can place orders or obtain quotations online.
In millimeter wave testing, the launch design of the connector is critical. Even if the performance of the connector itself is good, if the transition structure on the PCB is not designed, the signal will be reflected at the interface. Samtec provides signal integrity support, including board-level transmit optimization, electric field simulation and 3D modeling to help engineers tune the performance of the entire link to the best.
For example, when a research organization developed a D-band communication prototype, it needed to connect a vector network analyzer to a high-frequency PCB. Initially, they used soldered 1.0mm connectors, but each time the test sample was replaced, it was time-consuming and easy to damage the PCB. Later, Samtec 100-CM compression connector was used to install the connector. To replace the sample, you only need to loosen the screw, remove the connector, replace with a new board, and tighten it again. The test efficiency is obviously improved, and the performance consistency is very good after repeated disassembly and assembly.
Another scenario is the millimeter wave module test on the production line. Since the compression mount connector can be replaced in the field, the maintenance cost of the test fixture is reduced. If the connector is worn out, just change it directly without stopping the line and welding.
For domestic high-frequency test engineers and R & D teams, choosing the right connector is only the first step. How to get samples quickly, how to ensure the stability of batch supply, and how to obtain localized technical support are equally important.
Bangjing Technology (BonChip)AsSamtec Authorized Distributor, committed to providing customersFull line of Samtec RF connector productsSales and ordering services. Whether you need 100-CM series 1.0mm compression mount connectors, PRF10 cable connectors, or Nitrowave high-performance cable assemblies, Boncrystal Technology can provide:
Quick sample support: Small batch samples in the research and development stage, arrange delivery within 48 hours.
In stock: Common models are available in stock to shorten the procurement cycle.
professional technology docking: Assist in selection, provide 3D models and specifications, and connect with Samtec original signal integrity support.
stable batch supply: From trial production to mass production, materials are guaranteed to be in file.
The most competitive price and delivery time: Relying on a mature supply chain system to help customers control costs and speed up project progress.
If you are planning a W-band or D-band test system, or need to choose a reliable interconnection scheme for the next generation of millimeter wave products, please contact Bangjing Technology for technical information and sample support for Samtec 100-CM series.
