Samtec launches IsoRate interconnect line

New Albany, Ind.--To meet the need for high isolation interconnect systems but at a lower price point than traditional screw machined RF, Samtec developed the IsoRate series of isolated transmission line interconnects for board level and cable-to-board applications in wireless communications and telecommunications systems.

IsoRate products can provide greater than 70dB of isolation with a VSWR of >1.4, achieving mid-range RF-level performance at approximately 50% of the cost, according to Samtec. IsoRate products are an alternative to ganged, stamped RF connectors, including micro-miniature coaxial (MMCX), micro coaxial (MCX), MHF micro coaxial and SubMiniature B (SMB).

"The time to stamp/form the contacts and load into the body is the fraction of the time it takes to mill a traditional RF connector," said Adam Linderman, Samtec’s RF Segment Manager. "Also, expensive plating and metal is reduced considerably. The only material cost is plastic body and the stamped contacts. All this lead to greater throughput in production and more inexpensive component cost."

IsoRate allows design flexibility with up to 8 positions per row, single and double row and ganged strips. For board-to-board applications, the IsoRate isolated transmission line jacks and plugs (IJ5 and IP5 series) comprise a two-piece system; using machined RF for board stacking usually requires three pieces—two jacks and an adaptor.

The IJ5 and IP5 series are available in a 50W system on 4mm centerline.  The 50W board-to-board system provides 70dB isolation at 7.6 GHZ. The strips are available in single or double row with 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 rugged Edge Rate contacts per row. Guide posts for blind mating applications are also available. A 75W system (IJ7 & IP7 Series) is currently in design.

The 50W IsoRate Cable Assembly (IJ5C Series) provides 60dB isolation at 3.1 GHZ and is available in a single row design with high performance 26 AWG, RG 316 coax cable.  The 4mm pitch system mates with IsoRate Connector Strip Plugs (IP5 Series) and is available either as a single channel discrete wire assembly or as a ganged 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-pin assembly for consolidated signal applications. A positive latching system increases unmating force, making it suitable for rugged applications.

Performance:

Pricing: In quantities of 500, the IJ5-04-05.0-L-S-1-TR costs $4.010 and the IP5-04-05.0-L-S-1-TR is $4.180, both with a minimum order quantity per reel of 125 pcs. The IJ5C-04-0200-S-D-NUS-2 costs $15.120.

Availability: Now.

Product brief: Click here.

Video product demonstration: Click here.