Omnetics’ Miniature Connectors Provide Up to 2 Gb/s Speed in Rugged Environments
Omnetics Miniature Connectors Provide Up to 2 Gb/s Speed in Rugged Environments
Omnetics’ Nano-miniature connectors are designed and connected to impedance-controlled cable systems to provide high-quality signal integrity for high-speed Gigabit signal processing between components and systems in extremely rugged environments.
Previous versions of microconnectors at .050″ pitch, and even larger mil/spec circular connectors such as 38999, have been used in the past but do not meet the miniaturization requirements for the overall portability of many systems. Omnetics employs its standard line of nano-sized Bi-lobe connectors at .025″ pitch that are mated with high-speed cable using differential signal hook-up methods that include dedicated drain wires to achieve the highest speeds possible. Up to and over 2 Gb/s have been achieved as cable lengths are maintained at a minimum length, and impedance matching is managed to retain the best possible performance. The key to achieving good performance lies within a unique wiring methodology, precision processing of the interface between cable and connectors, and an understanding of high-speed digital transmission technology. Significantly faster digital speeds can be achieved by using custom design and layouts provided by Omnetics engineering.
Omnetics maintains a high-speed modeling and testing facility that is staffed with experienced engineers to work directly with the designer. This attention to detail early in the design stage helps save time and money, while achieving the highest signal integrity performance needed for the application. The Omnetics design team recommends using surface-mount nano connectors as the main interface to the printed circuit boards to maximize signal launch from the boards to the interconnections as opposed to thru-hole. Design options are available and can be discussed as new design sizes, shapes, and challenges arise.
EMI (electro-magnetic interference) needs serious attention as digital speeds increase and components are physically squeezed into smaller and tighter environments. Cable shielding and drain-wire methods are changing too, mainly as a way of protecting the signals being sent from one end to the other. The all-metal shells and shielded cable in Omnetics nano-connectors provide an excellent source of ground management. Ruggedized and miniaturized equipment that require higher speeds abound as new surveillance and communication products are designed. Helicopter systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and soldiers all employ high-speed digital systems. Size and weight reduction combined with increased circuit speeds is the challenge of the day.
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