MicroTCA(TM) workgroup elects SMT footprint proposal from FCI
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ETTERS, PA. (November 14, 2005) - Workgroup member companies, in support of the MicroTCA(TM) initiative, recently elected a connector system that allows for AMC(TM) interface cards to direct-mate with a MicroTCA back panel. As the mating interface was already fully compliant to the AMC specification, the footprint has now also been standardized in the draft specification for MicroTCA.
MicroTCA is a modular open system needed for constrained applications where ATCA(TM) is not a good fit due to size, cost and equipment practices. MicroTCA is a draft system architecture specification that gained status as a subcommittee under the PICMG® organization in October 2004. ATCA, AMC and MicroTCA provide an end-to-end framework that meets the requirements of a full spectrum of high-availability telecom applications, from core routers and IP-gateways, radio base stations and switching centers, to converged customer premises equipment.
"FCI collaborated with Tyco Electronics to define a footprint optimized for performance, cost and availability," said Pat Dipaola, FCI Regional Market Manager. "The collaboration between the two leading connector manufacturers put long years of expertise together and, combined with positive feedback from a wide range of potential end users, resulted in a proposal that the industry will benefit from in terms of availability and cost."
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The footprint supports low cost connector design. Low manufacturing cost is achieved by using proven connector manufacturing processes, low cost materials and a minimal number of components. The connector contains no proprietary design and no proprietary manufacturing processes are required. Low applied cost is achieved by low-cost surface-mount installation and by avoiding the need for costly hardware such as secondary mechanical retention devices and compensating board stiffeners.
The MicroTCA connector is designed to be compliant with Telcordia GR-1217-CORE uncontrolled environment (UE) specifications and will support data rates of up to 12.5 Gb/s while exhibiting very low cross talk performance.
Prototypes of the SMT MicroTCA connectors are expected to be available by the end of 2005 and production starts in early 2006.
For more information on the MicroTCA connector, please contact Pat Dipaola, FCI Regional Market Manager, at 825 Old Trail Road, Etters, PA 17319-9351; call 800-237-2374, e-mail at pdipaola@fciconnect.com or visit FCI on the web at www.fciconnect.com.
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Created in 1989, FCI rapidly secured its place among the world's top three manufacturers of connectors and interconnect systems. With a turnover of 1.29 billion Euros in 2004, FCI currently operates in 30 countries where it covers the following markets: communications, data, consumer, industrial, automotive and electrical power interconnect. The company employs around 13,000 staff worldwide.
For more information: www.fciconnect.com
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Press contacts:
Pat Dipaola, FCI Regional Market Manager, 717-938-7044, pdipaola@fciconnect.com
Patricia Staino, BTB Marketing, 919-872-8172, patricia@btbmarketing.com
