MOVING DATA FAST IN RUGGED ENVIRONMENTS
SMALLER LIGHTER FASTER
Introduction High data-rate transmission protocols—and interconnect hardware—have undergone significant upgrades over the past decade. Glenair has stayed on the forefront of this evolution by developing contacts, connector and wiring solutions with increasingly faster and better performance. Our approach has been a mix of upgrades to traditional packaging (such as new high-speed Micro-D designs), as well as the pioneering of entirely new solutions (such as our signature differential Twinax platform, VersaLink). This special edition of QwikConnect is a fairly technical “Deep-Dive” into the underpinnings of modern-day data-transmission protocols, and how Glenair ensures optimal signal integrity and rugged environmental performance throughout our extensive range of mil-aero caliber solutions. When appropriate, we also delve into the underlying physics of high- speed (copper) datalink transmission, especially when it may help to clarify key concepts and assist application engineers in making good technology choices and designs. High-speed copper links
Signaling (Protocol)
Four factors to consider for any high-speed communication system.
Data Rate
Distance
Price / Availability
have been established, mechanical, ergonomic, and environmental requirements may be applied to select a suitable interconnect package or envelope. Given the wide array of possible environmental conditions—such as extreme operating temperature or severe levels of vibration—this is often a significant challenge, especially when it comes to the specification of suitable cable. In high-speed digital data transmission, just as with RF links, connectors must always be selected in tandem with their wiring. In this regard, the wire-to-contact termination methods and quality can massively impact system performance. As all the EE’s reading this article know, electromagnetic energy does not exactly propagate inside the wires themselves but in the materials that surround them. So the definition of a cable and contact system
Product selection for high-speed copper datalinks normally revolves around four key parameters: distance, data rate, signaling (protocol), and price/availability. Once those parameters
involves much more than just picking a wire gauge or specifying insulation thickness. The devil here truly is in the details! More about this as we go.
A standard Ethernet segment is limited to 100 m in length over Cat5 cable—adequate for wiring the IP-enabled devices within an aircraft.
QwikConnect • July 2020
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