Samtec Wiki

Overview

Samtec, Inc. is a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of advanced electronic interconnect solutions. The company specializes in high-speed, precision connectors, cables, optics, and system-level interconnects for industries including semiconductor, data centers, telecommunications, aerospace, and medical.

History & Foundation

Founded in 1976 by W. Samuel “Sam” Cozad in Indiana, Samtec began as a small connector manufacturer. Over time, the company expanded into a global enterprise with headquarters in New Albany, Indiana, and operating offices, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Product Portfolio & Technology

Samtec offers a broad range of interconnect products and systems, including:

• High‑Speed Board-to-Board Connectors – Precision, low‑profile, high-density connectors optimized for multi‑gigabit signal integrity applications.

• Cable Assemblies & Optics – Custom high-speed copper cables, optical links, active optical cable assemblies, and fiber-optic modules.

• Backplane & System-Level Connectors – Rugged solutions for telecom, server, industrial, and embedded infrastructure applications.

• Micro‑Pitch & Edge Connections – Mezzanine connectors, board-to-board plugs, and edge-launch connectors for minimized space and high performance.

• Test, Measurement & RF Solutions – High-frequency probes, coaxial connectors, RF adapters, and instrumentation cabling.

• Design Tools & Signal Integrity Services – Signal integrity modeling, reference designs, and simulation support for high-speed channel customization.

• Modular and Rugged Connectors – Solutions for avionics, defense, rail, and harsh-environment applications, including MIL‑rated and conformal-coated components.

Key Features & Competitive Advantages

• Exceptional signal integrity – High-speed interconnects designed for data rates up to 112+ Gbps PAM4 and beyond.

• Modular product design – Flexible platforms to support chip-to-chip, board-to-board, and system-level interconnect customization.

• Speed to market – Rapid prototyping and modular interface kits enable accelerated design cycles.

• Global manufacturing & support – On-shore and near-shore manufacturing allows for local assembly, agile response, and inventory control.

• Matched solutions – Co-designed cable, connector, and optics assemblies optimized for specific high-speed channel performance.

• Collaborative support model – Technical teams offer layout consulting, channel modeling, signal integrity analysis, and application-specific guidance.

Applications & Markets

Samtec enables connectivity for a broad range of markets:

• Semiconductor testing and packaging

• High-performance computing and data center infrastructure

• Telecommunications and network equipment

• Aerospace, defense, and ruggedized electronics

• Medical instrumentation and imaging systems

• Automotive electronics and autonomous systems

Business Model & Services

Samtec operates through a vertically integrated model—design, manufacturing, and distribution. It provides:

• Custom-engineered connector solutions based on customer specifications

• Design assistance and signal integrity consulting

• Pre-built interface modules, reference hardware kits, and compatibility matrices

• Training and support for high-speed design practices

• A mix of catalog and custom/off-the-shelf offerings for prototyping and production

Strategic Initiatives

• Expansion into optical and active interconnect technologies, including active copper and fiber-optic cable systems.

• Growth of modular connector platforms for chiplets, high-performance compute modules, and open compute standards.

• Investment in AI/ML‑driven signal integrity optimization tools, layout automation, and pre-certified design blocks.

• Partnership development with hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and hyperscale semiconductor test houses.

Vision & Mission

Samtec’s mission is to enable the fastest, most reliable and scalable electronic interconnect solutions for emerging technologies. Their vision is to become the world’s leading interconnect partner by delivering precision-engineered, future-ready connectors and systems that accelerate innovation across high-performance industries.