Samtec – Ultra Micro Blade and Beam Fine Pitch Connectors – PTM | DigiKey

Welcome to this Product Training Module for Samtec Ultra Micro Blade and Beam Fine Pitch Connectors. These board-to-board connectors provide a high-density and low-profile solution for small and fast applications. Samtec Ultra Micro Blade and Beam connectors are two-piece socket and header systems with surface mount terminations and slim body designs to increase board space savings. This includes the ST4 and SS4, ST5 and SS5, TLH and SLH, and LTH and LSH series.

The SS4 and ST4 series have a 0.40 millimeter pitch, offering the smallest footprint in the family while supporting PAM4 data rates up to 28 gigabits per second. They’re available with 20 to 100 positions and stack heights from 4 to 6 millimeters.

The SS5 and ST5 series feature a similar design on a 0.50 millimeter pitch. However, they support PAM4 data rates up to 56 gigabits per second, are available with up to 160 positions and are only available for mated heights of 4, 4.5 or 5 millimeters.

The TLH and SLH series use the same 0.50 millimeter pitch but in a body that achieves an extremely low 2 millimeter stack height for the most compact board stacking designs. They’re available with 20 to 60 positions and support 28 gigabits per second. They also have an optional alignment pin.

The LSH and LTH also offer a 0.5 millimeter pitch but in a slightly larger body with a 2.31 millimeter stack height and standard alignment pin feature for more mechanical robustness. They’re offered with 20 to 100 positions and support data rates up to 14 gigabits per second.

Together, these connectors provide designers with a variety of options to address high-speed interconnects in compact, board-to-board applications. The 40 position version of each connector is shown here along with different stacking heights available across the family for a relative size comparison of each series.

Samtec Ultra Micro Blade and Beam Connectors combine ultra-fine pitch options, slim bodies, and low mated stack heights thanks in part to the Samtec Razor Beam contact system. This rugged, high-retention contact system enables low-profile mating while delivering excellent signal integrity to enable the high-speed data transmission.

While all of the parts can operate from negative 55 to positive 125 degrees Celsius. the SS4, ST4, SS5, and ST5 are also available in automotive versions as, for example, the A-SS4. These are IATF 16494 certified and PPAP eligible, supporting the automotive industry’s quality management and documentation requirements.

Samtec Ultra Micro Blade and Beam Fine Pitch Connectors are positioned for space-constrained board-to-board interconnects in 5G networking, AI and machine learning systems, industrial equipment, military and aerospace electronics, test connectivity, medical systems, broadcast video equipment, automotive electronics, and instrumentation.