Size 16 PkZ® High Density RF Contacts: High-Performance 67 GHz Solutions for mmWave and Quantum Computing Applications

156 Series (Size 16) PkZ® High Density RF Contacts High-Performance 67 GHz Solutions for mmWave, Quantum Computing, and Test & Measurement Applications

Millimeter waves (mmWave) are a specific segment of the radio frequency spectrum that sits between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. They are called “millimeter” waves because their wavelengths are incredibly short – ranging from 10 mm down to 1 mm. These are used to carry a massive amount of “traffic” (data) simultaneously, enabling speeds of 10 Gbps or more. This mmWave spectrum contains several workhorse bands, such as K-Band, V-Band, E-Band, W-Band etc. The V-band (traditionally 40 GHz to 75 GHz, but most associated with the 60 GHz range) has become the “go-to” spectrum for high-capacity, short-range wireless applications. This part of the spectrum is highly utilized for its ability to transmit vast amounts of data due to its shorter wavelength and wider available bandwidth. To achieve high performance and increased information throughput, this band has become the “go-to” spectrum due to its bandwidth availability and minimal interference.

Various sub-bands are now developed for cellular and other communication applications. One of the important sub-band frequency ranges is between 40 – 67 GHz, which is the current “performance ceiling” for most standard laboratory testing equipment. It is the point where the hardware transitions from “standard high frequency” to “extreme high frequency,” requiring specialized contacts and connectors to maintain signal integrity. These V-Band mmWaves were used for military, satellite, test & instrumentation, telecommunication, and scientific applications.

To meet the demand for high performance and high-speed data transfer while balancing the ability to fit into standard test equipment, The Phoenix Company of Chicago, Inc. has developed the 156 Series Size 16 PkZ RF Contact design. These contacts are designed to accommodate extremely high frequency cables, such as S/R .047” and Flexible .047”, performing up to 67 GHz with low loss and high throughput. These Size 16 PkZ RF contacts are designed for Phoenix’s PX16 and PRX Connector Housing families, and custom connector housings with a mating tolerance from full mate to a .050” separation.

Throughout this mating separation, the Size 16 PkZ RF contacts are designed to produce a constant impedance of 50 Ohms unlike other industry standard connections. This constant impedance over separation ensures high performance reliability (see VNA Plots S11 and S22 below) over this axial tolerance to operate at high frequencies.

These 156 Series Size 16 PkZ® RF contacts are not just limited to mmWave applications as described above, but their reach has expanded into Quantum applications as well. To meet the demands for high density, connectivity, and throughput, the 156 Series Size 16 PkZ contacts are currently deployed in quantum dilution refrigerators and cryostats, including systems manufactured by Bluefors and other cryogenically cooled platforms. The 156 Series Size 16 PkZ contact designs with their part numbers and typical VSWR (loss) performance for three separations are listed below:

156-0302-0470: Size 16 PkZ Plug (Pin) Contact, for PX16 & PRX Connector Housings, Solder/Clamp Termination for S/R-047 (.047” Semi-Rigid) & Flex-047 Cables (such as KOAXIS KF047, TIMES TF-047, IW 0471, EZ-Microflex.47), operating to 67 GHz frequency.

156-1302-0470: Size 16 PkZ Receptacle (Socket) Contact, for PX16 & PRX Connector Housings, Solder/Clamp Termination for S/R-047 (.047” Semi-Rigid) & Flex-047 Cables (such as KOAXIS KF047, TIMES TF047, IW0471, EZ-Microflex.47), operating to 67 GHz frequency.

***156 Series Size 16 PkZ Plug (Pin), and Receptacle (Socket) Cable Assemblies terminated with Flexible KF047 Cable.***

Key Features and Specifications:

Frequency Range: DC to 67 GHz (typical).
Impedance: 50 Ω standard (constant over separation up to .050”) for RF applications.
Insertion Loss: Extremely low for optimal signal integrity.
Material: Precision-machined bodies with gold-plated interfaces for corrosion resistance and conductivity.
Cable Compatibility: Semi-rigid (e.g., S/R 033, S/R 047, RG‑405) or flexible coaxial cables (e.g., IW0341, KF047, TF047, IW0471, TFLEX405, SS405 etc.).

67 GHz frequency RF contacts are used for high-bandwidth, millimeter wave applications. Primary uses include 5G/6G telecom fronthaul, V-band satellite communications, high-speed military radar, and precision testing for defense electronics, ensuring low-loss transmission up to 67 GHz.

Common Applications and Uses:

Next-Generation Telecommunications: 5G/6G fronthaul and remote radio heads (RRH) requiring millimeter-wave performance.
Satellite Communication (SatCom): Used in Q/V bands for high-capacity and Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS).
Test & Measurement Equipment: Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) cables, adapters, and RF probes for high-frequency testing.
Defense and Aerospace: Electronic warfare testing (radar, jammers) and microwave backhaul.
High-Density Packaging: RF contacts used in VPX embedded computing, suitable for radar and surveillance systems.
Research and Development: Signal generators and testers for design verification of components.
Quantum Computing: High density packaging of RF contacts and interconnects for increased qubit count in quantum computing processors.