Mezzanine Connectors feature dual beam receptacle contact.
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Press Release Summary:
Available in stack heights from 12.5-30 mm, AirMax VS® Connectors accommodate clearance requirements of most board-mounted components. Connections are accomplished using press-fit vertical headers with system's vertical receptacles. Connectors use edge-coupling technology and air dielectric between adjacent conductors for high signal density with low crosstalk. They can be scaled by varying number of columns of contacts, number of contacts per column, and column spacing.
Original Press Release:
FCI expands AirMax VS® Family with High-Speed Mezzanine Connectors
ETTERS, PA. (September 19, 2005) - FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, has further expanded its popular AirMax VS® product offering with the development of mezzanine connectors to complement the shieldless high-speed backplane connector family. Available in stack heights ranging from 12.5mm up to 30mm in a variety of circuit counts, the newest AirMax VS connectors can accommodate the clearance requirements of most board-mounted components.
AirMax VS mezzanine connections are accomplished by using the recently-introduced press-fit vertical headers in combination with the system's vertical receptacles, the same proven receptacles used in backplane applications. The resulting stack height is dictated by the selection of the appropriate vertical header. The addition of mezzanine board-stacking options further increases the design flexibility of the AirMax VS connector system that already includes options for backplane and coplanar connections.
"Our customers have so fully embraced AirMax VS technology that they continue to press us to extend its use to additional applications, which is how this mezzanine version came about," said John Burkett, FCI product manager. "Each new option increases the scalability, flexibility, density and headroom performance of the AirMax VS connector family."
The AirMax VS system uses edge-coupling technology and an air dielectric between adjacent conductors, delivering high signal density with the industry's lowest insertion loss and lowest crosstalk, all without the use of costly and space-consuming metal shields.
In addition to superior electrical performance, the AirMax VS family offers designers the most versatile high-speed connectors available. Products can be scaled by varying the number of columns of contacts, the number of contacts per column (options for 3, 4 or 5 differential pairs) and column spacing (2mm or 3mm). Most importantly, AirMax VS connectors allow for custom pin assignments (differential or single-ended signals as well as power), so system data rates can grow from 2.5Gb/s to beyond 12Gb/s without requiring re-design of the basic platform.
The reliability of the AirMax VS connector system is further enhanced by its dual-beam receptacle contact. Most backplane connectors offer only single-beam receptacle contacts, so contact is only made on one side of the header pin, leaving the connector vulnerable to loss of contact when experiencing shock or vibration. In contrast, the AirMax VS dual-beam receptacle provides two points of contact, one on each side of the header blade, greatly increasing reliability and durability. In addition to the robust contact structure, the vertical header features a protective cover that also serves as press-in block during connector installation.
Pricing typically starts at $0.28 per mated differential pair with a lead time of 20 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/airmax.
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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 1.29 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.
