Connecting Test And Measurement

Test and measurement (T&M) systems are indispensable for validating cutting-edge technologies, from 5G chipsets to PCIe interfaces. The precision of these systems hinges on one key component: the connector. As frequencies exceed 100 GHz and data rates soar past 56 Gbps, connectors must ensure signal integrity, mechanical durability, and flexibility to meet the stringent demands of modern testing environments.

In T&M applications, even the slightest impedance mismatch, insertion loss, or crosstalk can skew data or trigger false failures in the device under test. Therefore, specialized connectors must maintain consistent electrical performance across high frequencies, while also withstanding the physical demands of repeated lab use. Today’s test setups often undergo frequent reconfiguration, requiring connectors to endure thousands of mating cycles without degradation.

Moreover, as engineers work across RF, digital, and optical domains, modular and customized connector solutions are essential. From custom cable lengths to hybrid digital-optical assemblies, flexibility is critical.

Samtec addresses these needs with a suite of precision connectors. The Bulls Eye® system delivers RF performance up to 110 GHz in a compact, high-density format ideal for mmWave applications. AcceleRate® HD and NovaRay® support high-speed digital testing at 56 Gbps+, offering low-loss signaling in rugged packages. For EMI-sensitive environments, FireFly™ optical interconnects provide high-throughput performance while minimizing interference and signal distortion.

Together, these solutions empower engineers to achieve reliable, repeatable measurements across increasingly complex systems—ensuring performance is validated accurately and efficiently in any testing scenario.