February 25, 2026
The embedded computing industry has reached a major milestone with the ratification of the ANSI/VITA 90 (VNX+) family of standards. Announced on February 19, 2026, by VITA, this new standard represents a significant leap forward in compact, rugged, high‑performance embedded design. Samtec interconnects were selected for the VNX+ VITA 90 standard to improve signal integrity, advance functionality and reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP).
VNX+ delivers meaningful advancements while maintaining mechanical compatibility with the original VNX framework. Key enhancements include improved mechanical robustness, conduction‑cooled operation, and advanced high‑speed signaling capabilities (enabled by Samtec interconnects). All are critical features for systems operating in harsh or space‑constrained industrial, military and aerospace environments.
Samtec has been an active and influential member of the VITA 90 Working Group. “The ratification of VNX+ marks a pivotal moment in embedded systems technology and enhanced small form factor system design,” said David Givens, VITA 90 Working Group Chair and Industry Standards VP at Samtec. “The family of VNX+ standards empowers embedded developers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in rugged, high-performance environments, unlocking new frontiers in aerospace, defense, and beyond.”
The VITA 90 VNX+ Samtec connector portfolio includes high‑density RF backplane systems supporting frequencies up to 110 GHz, rugged blind‑mate guidance solutions, and SEARAY™ 56 Gbps PAM4 high-density arrays. Optics slots are pluggable with Samtec’s FireFly™ or FireHawk™ assemblies using an MT ferrule on End 2. Samec also offers QMC™ mezzanine card interconnect solutions that fit inside small form factor VNX+ modules. QMC provides expansion capabilities, adding I/O ports and computation capabilities for both front and rear I/O systems.
Multiple “dot standards” define VNX+ interface profiles, providing a scalable and interoperable platform. The VNX+ ecosystem is positioned to redefine what’s possible in next‑generation rugged embedded computing for years to come.
If you have any questions regarding the VNX+ standard or Samtec interconnects used within the standard, please feel free to contact VNX@samtec.com . For part number details and ordering information visit samtec.com/vnx-plus.
Link to Press Release
The embedded computing industry has reached a major milestone with the ratification of the ANSI/VITA 90 (VNX+) family of standards. Announced on February 19, 2026, by VITA, this new standard represents a significant leap forward in compact, rugged, high‑performance embedded design. Samtec interconnects were selected for the VNX+ VITA 90 standard to improve signal integrity, advance functionality and reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP).
VNX+ delivers meaningful advancements while maintaining mechanical compatibility with the original VNX framework. Key enhancements include improved mechanical robustness, conduction‑cooled operation, and advanced high‑speed signaling capabilities (enabled by Samtec interconnects). All are critical features for systems operating in harsh or space‑constrained industrial, military and aerospace environments.
Samtec has been an active and influential member of the VITA 90 Working Group. “The ratification of VNX+ marks a pivotal moment in embedded systems technology and enhanced small form factor system design,” said David Givens, VITA 90 Working Group Chair and Industry Standards VP at Samtec. “The family of VNX+ standards empowers embedded developers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in rugged, high-performance environments, unlocking new frontiers in aerospace, defense, and beyond.”
The VITA 90 VNX+ Samtec connector portfolio includes high‑density RF backplane systems supporting frequencies up to 110 GHz, rugged blind‑mate guidance solutions, and SEARAY™ 56 Gbps PAM4 high-density arrays. Optics slots are pluggable with Samtec’s FireFly™ or FireHawk™ assemblies using an MT ferrule on End 2. Samec also offers QMC™ mezzanine card interconnect solutions that fit inside small form factor VNX+ modules. QMC provides expansion capabilities, adding I/O ports and computation capabilities for both front and rear I/O systems.
Multiple “dot standards” define VNX+ interface profiles, providing a scalable and interoperable platform. The VNX+ ecosystem is positioned to redefine what’s possible in next‑generation rugged embedded computing for years to come.
If you have any questions regarding the VNX+ standard or Samtec interconnects used within the standard, please feel free to contact VNX@samtec.com . For part number details and ordering information visit samtec.com/vnx-plus.
Link to Press Release