As RF and high-speed digital systems push to higher frequencies and greater channel density, routing every signal to the board edge is not always practical. Vertical-launch connectors bring the coaxial interface straight down to the PCB surface, minimizing trace length, via stubs, and routing complexity. This helps reduce insertion loss and reflection, and frees up valuable board perimeter for other functions.

A well-designed vertical launch must maintain controlled impedance and smooth field transition from coaxial to PCB mode, while fitting into tight layout constraints near front-end modules, transceivers, and critical test points. It also needs sufficient mechanical robustness to handle repeated mating, cable strain, and fixture assembly.

WithWave vertical-launch solutions are engineered to meet these requirements. Optimized launch geometries and carefully tuned pad/via structures deliver stable return loss and low loss over wide frequency ranges, enabling repeatable, accurate measurements and reliable system interconnects.