When designing surface mount or PC style connectors, the connector manufacturer generally does not know on what type of environment the connector will be launched. The connector is designed as a coaxial device and its performance is optimized using High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) software. However, depending on the type of PC board (microstrip, stripline, coplanar, etc.), and board parameters (dielectric constant, thickness, trace width, etc.), different compensation schemes will be necessary at the launch because a discontinuity capacitance is introduced at the point of launch, and it can severely degrade system performance.

At Amphenol RF, we use ANSOFT HFSS to model a connector on a customer's PCB. After simulating the performance and examining the frequency and time domain results, we make changes to the pads and/or trace to achieve a better broadband impedance match. We will then advise the customer as to what changes will result in optimum performance.

If you need assistance optimizing your PCB launch Contact Us for assistance.