Backplane Connector offers design flexibility.
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Press Release Summary:
Offered with 3 and 2 mm column spacing in 150- and 120-position configurations, AirMax VS® 2-piece header-receptacle connector system allows for allocation of signals within connector. Insert molded leadframe assembly enables same connector to be used for differential pair signals, single ended signals, or power. Enabling systems to grow from 2.5-25 Gbps, part accommodates 63 differential pairs or 95 single ended lines per inch for 25 mm card slot.
Original Press Release:
FCI's AirMax VS®'s Unmatched Design Flexibility Spurs Customer Requests for New Versions
ETTERS, Penn. (December 13, 2004) --The need for customizable high speed backplane connectors is driving an increase in special development projects at FCI due to customer response to the company's AirMax VS® system's design flexibility. The success of the AirMax VS connector system, which offers high speed computing and networking system designers more versatility in structuring their backplane signal routing, is attributable to the use of air as the dielectric between adjacent conductors and a design that does not require metal shields. The one-of-a-kind solution facilitates high signal density while exhibiting the industry's lowest insertion loss and lowest crosstalk, all without the use of costly and space-consuming metal shields.
For example, the recently-developed 3mm version with its expanded column spacing enables system design engineers to reduce the number of layers in their high speed backplanes and daughtercards by as much as 50 percent while improving the connector's electrical properties.
"Our customers are excited by the flexibility of AirMax VS and are incorporating it into next-generation routers, servers, and workstations," said John Burkett, product manager for FCI. "By removing the metal shields, we've increased the performance of our connectors, but reduced cost, weight and delivery time, as well as the hassle designers face when systems need to grow and expand."
This capability is due to AirMax VS's Insert Molded Leadframe Assembly (IMLA) design that enables the same connector to be used for Differential Pair signals, Single Ended signals or power.
"By combining EMI optimization with the use of air as a dielectric we provide system designers complete freedom to mix Differential Pair and Single Ended signals, and even power, in one connector without any sacrifices in electrical performance. No other connector lets you do that," said Burkett.
The AirMax VS is also the only high speed backplane connector that allows for any allocation of signals within one connector. "The design engineer can now say, 'This is how I want to route my signals,' and we can make it do that." In addition to eliminating the need to specify, order and inventory multiple or custom connector parts, this design allows customers' systems to grow from 2.5Gb/s to 25Gb/s without necessitating redesign of the basic platform.
AirMax VS also provides the highest signal density available, accommodating 63 differential pairs or 95 single ended lines per inch for a 25mm card slot.
Configured as edge-coupled differential pairs (5 pairs per IMLA/63 pairs/inch), the AirMax VS connector features insertion losses of 0.7dB(max.) through 6.25Gb/s and 2.0dB(max.) through 20.0Gb/s, with impedance of 100(±5) ohms. Near-end multi-active crosstalk is characterized as 2.5%(max); while far-end multi-active crosstalk is 3%(max.). These differential parameters are characterized with a rise time of 55ps (20-80%).
In the single-ended signal configuration (95 lines/inch), the AirMax VS connector features insertion losses of 2.0dB(max.) through 6.25Gb/s with impedance of 60 ohms (nominal). Near-end multi-active crosstalk is characterized as 9%(max); and far-end multi-active crosstalk is 3%(max.). The single-ended parameters are characterized with a rise time of 150ps (20 - 80%).
All the AirMax VS electrical performance specified above is for the highest density 2.0mm column spacing. The 3.0mm spaced version has even lower crosstalk with near-end multi-active crosstalk <2.0%(max).
The AirMax VS two-piece header-receptacle connector system is available in 3mm and 2mm column spacing, in a 150-position (5-pair x 10 columns) configuration for 1.0"/25mm slot pitch applications and a 120-position (4-pair x 10 columns) AirMax VS connector for 0.8"/20mm slot pitch applications. A complete system of power modules (80 Amp current capacity), alignment pins and other accessories is also available.
Several test boards for high-speed backplane applications have also been developed for advanced testing and characterization of the AirMax VS connector system.
Volume pricing for the 3mm 150-poisition AirMax VS connector is under $0.08 per header/receptacle pair. Samples are available for immediate delivery, with production lead-times from stock to 8 weeks.
For more information about the AirMax VS connector system, contact FCI at 825 Old Trail Road, Etters, PA 17319-7883; call 800-237-2374, email at electronics.us@fciconnect.com or visit FCI on the web at www.fciconnect.com.
Created in 1989, FCI - an Areva Group company - rapidly secured its place among the world's top three manufacturers of connectors and interconnect systems. With a turnover of 1.34 billion Euros in 2003, FCI currently operates in 18 countries where it covers the following markets: communications, data, consumer, automotive and electrical power interconnect. The company employs about 12,500 staff worldwide.
For more information: www.fciconnect.com
