Connector System Mates High-Speed Backplanes

The GbX connector system enables signal speeds from 6 Gb/s to 10 Gb/s while providing high packing density with up to 69 differential pairs per linear inch (27 differential pairs per 10 mm). It is intended for high-performance backplane interconnect designs that will undergo a speed upgrade to 10 Gbps in the future. Both speeds can be attained with crosstalk below 5% and 100 differential performance. The system consists of daughter card assemblies unitized with a stainless steel stiffener and an integrated guidance system that uses stainless steel guide pins to provide free mating. Thick-walled, glass-filled resin construction on both the daughter card and header provide proven, durable mating. The system is available in 5-pair and 4-pair configurations, with a 3-pair to be available in 2005. An integrated power solution is available capable of 200A per linear inch using multiple power-blade configurations to provide three mating levels for hot-swap capability. Pricing in large production volumes is $0.13 to $0.16 per mated signal. MOLEX INC., Lisle, IL. (630) 527-4241.