Three groundbreaking connectors – the Molex Micro-Latch Plus, TE Connectivity STRADA Whisper, and Amphenol AirMax VS – are pushing the limits of compact size and high performance with space savings up to 60% while delivering 112G PAM4 signaling and 25A power delivery. These next-gen solutions address 5G, AI server, and automotive challenges through innovative contact geometries, air dielectric designs, and hybrid power/signal architectures that outperform traditional connectors in density, speed, and thermal management .
What Makes the Molex Micro-Latch Plus Unique?
The Micro-Latch Plus series achieves 50% size reduction versus traditional wire-to-board connectors through:
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Dual-beam contact design: Provides 5N retention force in 2.5mm pitch housing
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High-temperature capability: 125°C rating for under-hood automotive applications
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Mixed-signal support: 5A power contacts adjacent to 10Gb/s data lines
Chart: Micro-Latch Plus Performance Specifications
| Feature | Specification | Industry Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 5A/signal | 2× density |
| Mating Cycles | 50 | 25% improvement |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to 125°C | Wider range |
| Pitch | 2.5mm | 50% smaller |
How Does TE’s STRADA Whisper Enable 112G PAM4?
The STRADA Whisper connector family revolutionizes high-speed signaling with:
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Air dielectric gaps: Reduce insertion loss to 0.3dB/mm at 56GHz
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Tri-shielded contacts: Achieve -70dB crosstalk in 0.8mm pitch
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Thermal bridges: Dissipate 15W heat per linear inch
This enables 400G Ethernet in 1U server configurations previously limited to 100G.
Which Industries Benefit Most From Amphenol AirMax VS?
The AirMax VS hybrid connector transforms:
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5G mmWave radios: 25A power + 28GHz RF in 9mm height
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Robotic arms: 10K flex cycles with 10Gb/s feedback
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AI accelerators: 112G PAM4 between GPUs in 1.2mm pitch
Its patented vertical stacking saves 60% PCB area versus discrete solutions .
Electronic Components Expert Views
“These connectors represent a paradigm shift,” notes interconnect specialist Dr. Lisa Yang. “The AirMax VS’s coaxial-over-power architecture delivers RF and 25A in less space than legacy power connectors alone. When combined with STRADA’s air dielectric, we’re seeing 400G server designs shrink from 2U to 1U while doubling bandwidth.”
Buying Tips
For implementing next-gen connectors:
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Signal integrity testing: Verify VNA plots for >56GHz applications
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Thermal modeling: Use CFD for designs exceeding 10A/contact
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Tooling budget: Expect 15�−50K for custom press-fit dies
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Lead times: Book 12+ weeks for AirMax VS production quantities
Fly-Wing Technology (HK) Co., Limited stocks evaluation kits for all three connector families, with volume pricing 20% below franchised distributors. Their Hong Kong hub provides 72-hour sample turnaround for qualified designs.
FAQ
Q: Can Micro-Latch Plus replace USB-C in consumer devices?
A: No – designed for industrial applications requiring vibration resistance .
Q: What PCB finishes work with STRADA Whisper?
A: Electroless nickel/immersion gold (ENIG) recommended for >56GHz .
Q: How does AirMax VS handle thermal expansion?
A: Proprietary elastomer compensates for 15ppm/K CTE mismatch .
In this final reflection on Electronica 2024, we round up three connectors from Samtec, Attend, and Same Sky Interconnect Group that stood out.
As Electronica 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, we reflect on some overlooked yet significant products that debuted at the show. Among these, the humble connector stands out.
In this article, we spotlight three connectors from Samtec, Attend, and Same Sky Interconnect Group, engineered to handle faster data transfer rates, greater power requirements, and higher frequencies while maintaining exceptional durability.
Samtec: Microwave Cable Assemblies
Samtec recently introduced its LL043 series Nitrowave microwave cable assembly. This solution features a flexible, low-loss microwave coaxial cable with high amplitude and phase stability, ideal for demanding applications such as test and measurement, 5G communications, aerospace and defense, and semiconductor design.
Jurgen Kapfer at Samtec’s Electronica booth, showing the company’s Nitrowave product demo.
What sets this new series apart is its advanced construction, ensuring stable performance even when the cable is flexed. It includes an interlayer and low-density PTFE dielectric material to maintain consistent electrical performance throughout its lifespan. The cable’s durability is proven, with a flex life tested for 400,000 cycles and a torque life of 1,000,000 cycles (+/- 90°), making it ideal for applications requiring repeated movement.
The series supports frequencies up to 43.5 GHz and offers superior low-loss performance, with a 30% improvement over traditional designs at high frequencies. Additionally, it features a maximum VSWR of 1.4:1 and shielding techniques that provide a minimum of 100 dB shielding effectiveness against electromagnetic interference (EMI), facilitating clean signal transmission. For flexible integration, Samtec offers a variety of connector options, including SMA plugs, bulkhead jacks (up to 26.5 GHz), and 2.92-mm and 2.4-mm plugs (up to 43.5 GHz).
Attend: USB4 Gen 3 Type-C Receptacle Connectors
Attend has introduced its USB4 Gen 3 Type-C receptacle connectors, designed for applications requiring high speeds and durability. These connectors support data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps and can handle currents of 5 A with input voltages up to 48 VDC. This combination ensures fast data transmission and stable power delivery, making them ideal for smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices.
Attend’s Kenneth Fu shows the company’s selection of connectors at Attend’s Electronica booth.
Attend’s USB4 connectors utilize insert molding technology to prevent pin deformation, enhancing signal integrity and longevity. Rated for 10,000 cycles, their durability is further bolstered by a UL 94V-0 flammability rating and low contact resistance (40 mΩ). For circuit designers, the flexibility in mounting options—surface-mount, mid-mount, and through-hole configurations—along with the reversible plug and cable configuration, offers versatility and ease of integration into various device designs.
Same Sky Interconnect Group: Compact USB 2.0 Type-C Connectors
Same Sky Interconnect Group also showcased its expanded USB Type-C connector lineup at Electronica with the UJ20 family, a series of ultra-compact connectors. With package lengths as short as 5.9 mm, these connectors are ideal for applications with limited board space, such as wearable devices, compact consumer electronics, and portable IoT products. Despite their small size, the UJ20 connectors support data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps and power delivery up to 240 W at 48V and 5A.
The UJ20.
Same Sky asserts that the UJ20 connectors’ compact size does not compromise their durability or reliability. They feature a high mating cycle rating of 10,000 cycles and a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Like the previous two solutions, these connectors also come in various orientations and mounting options, offering flexibility for integration.
In Pursuit of Speed, Power, and Durability
Engineers and circuit designers face the growing challenge of integrating advanced connectivity solutions into smaller, more powerful devices. Manufacturers like those highlighted in this article have developed connectors that not only meet the need for higher data speeds and power delivery but also address space constraints and ensure long-term reliability.
