Cumbernauld, Scotland – Embedded World 2025 – Samtec mid-board optical transceivers are ideal for embedded and rugged applications, including phased array radar, ASIC emulation, medical imaging, and embedded computing.
The new Halo™ optical transceiver from Samtec delivers high accuracy and high data speeds for the next generation of embedded applications. Designed specifically for mid-board applications, Halo transceivers combine both copper and optical technologies to deliver versatility in embedded systems.
Expanding the Boundaries of Optical Innovation
Mid-board connectivity addresses the signal integrity problems in today’s high-performance computing applications. Transmission lines on traditional printed circuit boards suffer from significant signal attenuation at high data speeds, and getting the signal off the board improves performance. Samtec offers several product families of mid-board optical transceivers.
The Samtec Halo mid-board transceiver has been designed for next-generation embedded applications that require 56 and 112 Gbps PAM4 performance in low profile and ruggedized form factors. It supports both optical and copper systems which are interchangeable, using the same high-performance surface mount connector to greatly simplify PCB design.
The Halo system delivers bit rate errors (BER) as low as e-12 at 56 Gbps PAM4. Halo’s small footprint and low power usage per module enables placement close to the IC which delivers significant power savings in the overall system. Specifically designed to withstand high shock and vibe environments, Halo transceivers can also be equipped with a variety of heat sink options to provide thermal control in harsh environments and across wide temperature ranges.
Key Features:
- Low Profile: Less than 6.5 mm total assembly height; Two-piece contact system
- Rugged: Designed to withstand high shock and vibe; low center of gravity
- High speed: Capable of up to 112G PAM-4 per lane; Up to 16 channels (8 channel bi-directional)
- Versatile: Optically pluggable for easy field replacement; protocol agnostic
- Sampling Now
Samtec Mid-Board Solutions
Samtec’s mid-board optical transceiver solutions are built on the foundation of low power consumption, small form factors, and high-performance versatility. Samtec’s copper-based interconnects for embedded applications provide incredible flexibility with extreme density up to 224 Gbps PAM4 performance. These innovations are further enhanced with integrated thermal management to ensure optimal operation in demanding environments. This ensures reliable performance across industrial, military, and aerospace environments.
To support this comprehensive family of mid-board solutions, Samtec has published its Optics Mid-Board Transceiver Solutions Guide. This comprehensive resource offers a complete overview of Samtec’s cutting-edge optical solutions, robust technical support, and user-friendly design tools. Samtec’s renowned Sudden Service® offers rapid engineering support, advanced simulation tools, evaluation and development kits, and customization services tailored to each application’s needs.
For more information about the Halo family, visit www.samtec.com/halo. Samples are available now, and the Optics Mid-Board Transceiver Solutions Guide is available for immediate downlo
