Benchmark for Test & Measurement.

Engineered to solve complexities of multi-channel signal routing in complicated test environments.

An industry benchmark for Test and Measurement (T&M) has been claimed with the introduction of Molex Cardinal Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies. Supporting frequencies up to 145 GHz, this product represents a strategic expansion of the Cardinal family, evolving its proven mechanical integrity into the high-bandwidth spectrum required to validate the next generation of AI-driven architectures and 6G wireless infrastructure.

“The expansion to 145 GHz represents a natural evolution of the Cardinal product line, which was built to solve the growing need for increased port density without compromising signal integrity,” said Roman Buff, general manager, RF, Molex. “This new high-speed solution integrates high-frequency contact technology in the Cardinal multi-port housing, empowering engineers to bridge the gap from AI to 6G and test the silicon of tomorrow using the infrastructure of today.”

Testing ahead of the curve.
While 110 GHz has been the benchmark for high-performance testing, the surge in 6G research and AI backhaul demands a raised ceiling. The new 145 GHz Cardinal product from Molex characterizes signals that were previously beyond the reach of standard coaxial interfaces. The new assemblies deliver phase-matched, high-precision connections up to 145 GHz, optimized for minimal insertion loss and superior return loss at extreme frequencies.

This latest Cardinal solution also supports data characterization rates up to 448 Gbps, enabling use with next-generation devices and systems. By pushing the measurement envelope, this versatile product helps engineers meet today's standards while validating the silicon and networking protocols that will define the next decade of global connectivity.

The multi-port design of the Cardinal assemblies supports simultaneous, high-density testing in a compact footprint, accelerating research and development cycles. Designed for seamless integration across the Cardinal product ecosystem, the new assemblies provide a high-performance connectivity solution for a broad spectrum of industries, encompassing next-gen AI clusters, 5G/6G infrastructure, satellite communications, mmWave radar and the emerging requirements of terahertz imaging.

Molex consolidates multiple RF connectors into a single, multi-port housing, reducing testing cycles and total cost of ownership (TCO). The high-performance RF connectors and compression-mounted, solderless Printed Circuit Board (PCB) attachment elevate testing flexibility while reducing installation and rework time. The integration of high-frequency contact technology into the multi-port assemblies provides engineers with a smooth upgrade path and trouble-free transition from 110 GHz testing to 145 GHz capabilities.

A hallmark of the Molex Cardinal assemblies is connector repeatability, which is crucial in test environments where connectors are mated and unmated frequently. Cardinal Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies are rated for reliable performance over 500 cycles. Most important, however, is that Molex uses highly precise connectors for greater repeatability, assuring consistent, repeatable performance from the first to the 500th measurement. This high-density PCB connector minimizes board real estate, allowing smaller evaluation boards to further reduce costs.

These Multi-Port High-Frequency Coaxial Assemblies are available now, with the Cardinal 145 GHz assemblies joining the existing lineup of 67 GHz Precision Coaxial Assemblies and 110 GHz Precision Coaxial Assemblies. Cardinal assemblies also offer versatile connector options, including vertical, right-angle and edge-mount PCB terminations, along with scalable, multi-port configurations, including 1x4, 1x8 and 2x8 for high-density setups.

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@MolexConnectors @mepaxIntPR  #TandM

Multiport Mini-SMP Connectors.

Multiport Mini-SMP cable assemblies and PCB connectors from Rosenberger can be mounted solderless on printed circuit boards. The PCB connectors offer superior signal integrity for all kinds of printed circuit boards and can be connected with Mini-SMP – RPC-2.92 cable assemblies for frequencies DC to 40 GHz, or with Mini-SMP – RPC-1.85 cable assemblies for frequencies up to 65GHz. The system is available with 8 or 16 channels.

The Multiport Mini-SMP system is very cost-effective – designed solderless, easy to assemble by using screws, reusable (high number of mating cycles), low abrasion, damage-free connection and compatible with standard Mini-SMP interface.

Challenging test & measurement applications are semiconductor test equipment testing, system testing or applications where the DUT changes frequently.

@PresseBox #RosenbergerGruppe  #TandM, #Connectivity

Scanning assembly!

The Ricoh SC-10 camera inspection system is designed to both provide assembly instructions to operators and verify each step has been completed correctly. The simple, self-contained camera system is having a major impact in many different manufacturing environments in Japan is now available in Europe through Stemmer Imaging.

Typical functionality includes: • Checking the presence of the correct number of parts necessary for assembly • Checking the arrangement of similar parts • Checking whether work is progressing according to work instructions displayed on the monitor • Checking for missing parts on mounted assemblies • Checking all of the assembled products/parts for mistakes in installation • Visual checking to eliminate human error, saving labour rework costs • Confirm whether packed items of the product are bundled according to the instructions

A set of work instructions are loaded into the camera and displayed on a monitor while the camera scans the work piece. The human operator follows the on-screen assembly instructions and after every action the system compares the result to the correct stored image before the next step can be taken. This reduces errors, helps operators learn new tasks and provides a digital audit trail of all operations.

The RICOH SC - 10 series automatically checks the assembly status and identifies incorrect or missing items by using either pattern matching, colour verification or identifying the presence of textures. In addition, when used in conjunction with a Barcode scanner it can record the part number and select the job instruction set, record the serial number and user ID. Each step completed is recorded in a CSV file including the time spent and an optional image of the inspection can be saved. This means that it can be used for assembly work analysis and traceability.

The camera features in-built software, which can be set up with a directly attached mouse and keyboard via USB. An HDMI monitor can be connected to display the assembly instructions and inspection state. No PC is required. Job configuration and instruction along with the inspection audit report can be stored either on the inbuilt SD card or on a network storage location via the inbuilt Ethernet port.

The Ricoh SC-10 is available in a standard and high magnification versions. The addition of the high magnification lens allows smaller parts to be inspected, for example on PCBs, and the inspection of a wider field of view.

 @stemmerimaging #Europe #PAuto