Signal Integrity and High Speed
The reliable, rapid transfer of data is increasingly important as our homes, vehicles and workplaces use more and more sensors and processors to exchange data.
Ethernet and USB are among the industry standards for data transmission. They define the parameters for signal loss (insertion loss), signal discontinuity (return loss) or undesired effects (crosstalk, noise). The upper and lower limits of these parameters are prescribed for every component of a transmission line: cable, cable length, connector etc. When these parameters are respected, the transmission line can perform to its maximum specified data speed (expressed in Mb/s or Gb/s).
The Importance of Reliable Connections
The environmental conditions, distance, weight and cost are factors in the choice of appropriate connectivity solutions for a given application. High-speed and high-frequency data transfer - anything above 25Mb/s - is usually achieved with twisted pairs cabling, coaxial or fibre optic cables.
As with data transmission, protocols for the cables and connectors themselves have been developed. Standard connectors are used across a wide variety of applications but they often lack the durability to function under demanding conditions.
Recognising this important fact, LEMO developed specific inserts to match the electrical parameters for various high-speed norms, housing them in optimised, resistant connector designs.
Connectors play a critical role in data transfer and integrity. However, the cable assembly must also be properly executed, tested and certified to guarantee full compliance with the appropriate protocols.
Technical Challenges
The unrelenting speed of data transmission has coupled with greater security and quality. A connector's pin configuration must adhere to specific design requirements for each new protocol. Particular materials are required to reduce interference and maintain integrity. Designing proprietary connectors to satisfy the protocols is a significant challenge which requires simulations, proof of concept and rigorous testing.
The continual appetite for miniaturisation is a consistent challenge which must be taken into account when designing high-speed connections.
The Advantages of LEMO Solutions
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No matter how harsh the environment may be, LEMO has a solution ready for you to implement today.
If not, we promise to relentlessly innovate and develop one for you.
Please take a moment to reach out and describe your project, technical specifications and deadlines. We’re standing by and looking forward to hearing from you – and adding your business to our thousands of longstanding satisfied customers, partners and employees – very soon.