Interconnects conserve space in consumer electronics.
Press Release Summary:
Based on Molex small media interconnect (SMI), plastic optical fiber data link product offers seamless optical data links compatible with IEEE 802.3u. Surface or through-hole solder mounting options are available, and device offers duplex, push-pull positive latching. Available in active device transceivers, adapters, cables, and field termination tooling, system utilizes Firecomms RCLED-based 650 nm FOT TX/RX transceivers and offers up to 250 Mbps links up to 50 m.
Original Press Release:
New Molex SMI Interconnects Provide Space Saving Solutions for Compact Consumer Devices at NXTcomm 2007
LISLE, Ill. - June 19, 2007 - New compact designs in consumer electronics have increased the demand for smaller interconnect solutions. To meet this need, Molex Incorporated (NASDAQ: MOLX and MOLXA) announced a new plastic optical fiber data link solution. Based on the Molex small media interconnect "SMI", this solution offers seamless, low cost optical data link solutions, as well as space saving qualities through its reduced size and added surface mount capabilities. This new interconnect will be showcased at NXTcomm 2007, booth 3754.
As a complete duplex POF solution, the Molex SMI connector and transceiver interconnect system has been adopted by the IEEE 1394 trade committee and is now gaining momentum as the industry standard for POF interconnects. The optical data links have low power consumption and are compatible with IEEE 802.3u fast Ethernet data communications standards, making them an attractive interface for a variety of applications. Available in active device transceivers, adapters, cables and field termination tooling, this system can be employed in consumer electronic devices such as audio, video, home networking and entertainment equipment. They are also well-suited in OEM equipment applications such as data link solutions and networking markets, including industrial, home/office network PC and server applications.
"By re-tooling the SMI optical transceivers, Molex is able to continue providing innovative technologies and designs in high speed data connections," said Tom Marrapode, director of marketing, Molex Incorporated. "Its flexible mounting capabilities and reduced housing space frees valuable PCB real estate, quickly making the SMI POF interconnect system vital to compact POF based product designs."
Utilizing Firecomms RCLED-based 650 nm FOT TX/RX transceivers, Molex SMI based data links offer high speed long distance links with data speeds up to 250 Mbps for 50 meters. The Firecomms FOTs have digitally integrated driver circuitry to reduce PCB real estate and are compatible with CML signaling for seamless integration into Ethernet hubs. The FOT system's high sensitivity receiver IC and pin-diode for one-step light to digital conversion also allows integrated optics to efficiently focus and direct light.
"The newly redesigned SMI component system from Molex is well positioned to support the continued growth of POF in the consumer and industrial marketplace," said Lawrence Thorne, vice president, sales and marketing, Firecomms. "Firecomms is pleased to power Molex's SMI transceivers with our industry leading FOT products."
With surface or through-hole soldering mounting options, the SMI transceivers have been reduced in size and now allow for lower cost, high volume surface mount processing. SMI offers duplex, push-pull positive latching with a safe-release mechanism for consumer applications, providing secure and safe de-mating features. Additionally, the easy no-epoxy, no-polish field termination process, with specialized tooling, gives installers quick and simple field terminations.
The SMI transceiver will be available for sampling in July 2007 with a six to eight week lead time. Additionally, the complete line of Molex SMI products, including adapters, cable assemblies, tooling and receptacles, is available in the United States through Fiber Optic Center, a stocking distributor of Molex fiber optics products located in New Bedford, Mass.: focenter.com; or by Compricon, a stocking distributor located in the Netherlands: www.compricon-shop.nl. For more information on the Molex SMI Interconnect Products, visit: www.molex.com/fiber/smipof.html.
About Molex
Molex is a 68-year-old global manufacturer of electronic, electrical and fiber optic interconnection systems. Based in Lisle, Illinois, USA, the company operates 54 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. The Molex website is www.molex.com.
About Firecomms Ltd.
Firecomms, a compound semiconductor company, develops high-speed light sources in visible range wavelengths. Firecomms' lasers and LEDs provide the groundwork that will revolutionize optical data communications for small area networks, such as in-car networks and home networks. Firecomms' low power visible lasers unleash the potential for advances in medical devices, barcode scanners, and optical storage devices.
The Ireland-based company leverages its ten years of photonics research experience, optical expertise, and extensive IP portfolio to develop cost-effective solutions for applications in which the use of glass fiber optics is prohibitively expensive. Additional information about Firecomms is available at www.firecomms.com.
Molex® is a registered trademark
