FCI and Amphenol Sign Agreements for Next Generation High Speed Backpanel Connectors


ZipLine(TM), XCede(TM), Crossbow(TM) Connectors to Have Identical Second Sources

ETTERS, PA. (October 31, 2007) - FCI, a leading supplier of high speed, high density connectors and interconnect systems, and Amphenol, the leading provider of high performance backplane interconnect systems, have entered into second source agreements covering three connector product families: FCI's ZipLine(TM) connector system and Amphenol's XCede(TM) and Crossbow(TM) interconnect platforms.

"The licensing agreements, based on the sharing of innovative patented high speed backplane connector technologies, leverage the respective and complementary strengths of FCI and Amphenol," commented Jean Lamy, Chairman & CEO of FCI. "Building on the existing AirMax VS® relationship, the resulting broadened product offering of each company permits the immediate satisfaction of new market requirements."

"We are very excited about the expanded relationship between Amphenol and FCI as this brings closer together two leading companies in the backplane interconnect market" said Martin Loeffler, Chairman & CEO, Amphenol Corporation. "This relationship between the industry's technology leaders offers customers unmatched performance and density choices from the industry's most respected sources. Amphenol and FCI both have a strong track record of innovation, customer support, and commitment to true second source partnering. Amphenol pioneered this second source approach which includes a robust qualification program to insure interchangeability across all products for our customers."

FCI's ZipLine connector system offers designers the highest density in the industry at over 80 differential pairs per linear inch on a 25mm card pitch. This dense packaging also allows extra space for signal routing on the backplane and improved airflow for cooling, while delivering outstanding signal performance using FCI's unique shieldless technology. The ZipLine connector, selected by a number of OEM's for their next generation products, is available immediately and includes an orthogonal connector.

The XCede and Crossbow platforms are the highest performing backplane connectors in the market. Using Amphenol's innovative shielding technology, these products achieve over 20Gb/sec not only as a connector, but in a complete system. XCede and Crossbow have already achieved broad customer acceptance, are shipping in volume, and are rapidly becoming the standard for next generation backplane interconnect.

For more information 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.

About FCI

FCI, a privately held company, is a leading manufacture of electronic connectors with development and manufacturing operations in over 30 countries around the world. FCI serves the communications, data, consumer, industrial, automotive, electrical power transmission and microconnections markets through its worldwide sales and marketing organization. For more information: www.fciconnect.com.

About Amphenol

Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH) is one of the world's leading producers of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cable and interconnect systems. Amphenol's products are engineered and manufactured in the Americas, Europe, and Asia and sold by a worldwide sales and marketing organization. Amphenol has a diversified presence as a leader in high growth segments of the interconnection market including: Military, Commerical Aerospace, Automotive, Broadband Communication, Industrial, Information Technology and Data Communications Equipment, Mobile Devices and Wireless Infrastructure. For more information, visit www.amphenol-tcs.com.

Contacts:
John Burkett
717-938-7823
john.burkett@fciconnect.com

Patricia Staino
919-872-8172
patricia@btbmarketing.com

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