“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 characterises signals that were previously beyond the reach of standard coaxial interfaces. The new assemblies can deliver phase-matched, high-precision connections up to 145 GHz, optimised for minimal insertion loss and superior return loss at extreme frequencies.

This latest Cardinal solution also supports data characterisation 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.

Configurable, Multi-Port Advantage

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 says it 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.

Consistent, Repeatable Performance

The company says 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 500^th measurement.

This high-density PCB connector minimises board real estate, allowing smaller evaluation boards to further reduce costs.