FIVE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SPECIFYING RF COAXIAL CONNECTORS FOR HIGH SPEED WITH SIGNAL INTEGRITY APPLICATIONS BRIAN TEA, SALES MANAGER, COAX CONNECTORS LTD
signals. Variations in power and ground voltage and crosstalk between cables introduce noise which can seriously affect operation and data transmission. RF interconnect for high-speed digital applications requires high levels of isolation and protection from all electromagnetic interference. The design of the connector, including the base material and plating type used, is a major factor in ensuring low interference. Effective shielding and connector quality are therefore of great importance. In cable assemblies, connectors, and PCB traces, structural return loss can occur due to manufacturing imperfections and design errors. Spotting design flaws that might produce structural return loss can ensure the component
RF/microwave technologies are increasingly used in high-speed digital data exchange applications and the mix of connector and cable technologies is becoming more complex. The next generation of wireless technology, higher data rates, and greater demand for high integrity interconnect will require higher performance capabilities in all RF interconnection. To meet these high frequency and performance needs, RF interconnect product design and manufacturing is constantly changing and expanding to improve designs that are tested to meet the required high frequency performance, high durability cycles, and high data rate capability.
Signal integrity refers to the challenge of ensuring all connectors and cables carry uncorrupted
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