Press release

November 5, 2007
IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FC574

FCI Develops Connectors To Enable MicroTCA™ Architecture

ETTER, PA (November 5, 2007) - FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems has developed backplane signal connectors and power module input connectors that are fully compliant with the MicroTCA™ (µTCA™) specification issued by PICMG®.

The backplane connector line includes a press-fit, vertical card edge connector that provides 170 contacts on 0.75mm pitch and enable AdvancedMC™ (AMCTM) cards to be plugged directly to a backplane, accommodating speeds up to 10Gb/s. FCI can also provide a surface-mount version, which utilizes an optimized PCB footprint and will support differential signals at data rates up to 12.5 Gb/s. Both versions of the connector are compatible with the PCB connector footprints defined in the MicroTCA specification. Customers can choose the termination option that best suits their system design and manufacturing preferences.

FCI has also launched an innovative D-Subminiature connector range to enable DC input connections to the power modules used in µTCA shelves. Based on FCI’s proven D-Subminiature connector designs, connector options are available to handle 48V, 24V or 12V DC. The shielded connectors are designed to fit the power module faceplate on the front side of a power module made in accordance with the µTCA specification.

FCI can provide the board-mount connectors, cable connectors, accessories and cable assemblies needed for power input feeds to µTCA power modules. The board-mount connectors have the most compact footprint on the market, providing more space on the board for supplementary traces or components, and are available as a single port or as a dual-stacked version for redundant input feeds.

To support customers who are interested in designing their systems according to the MicroTCA standard, FCI now offers the MicroTCA designer kit. Each kit includes samples of the press-fit and surface-mount vertical card-edge connectors and the D-Subminiature 7W2 input connector to enable -48V input connections to power modules.

“In addition to the backplane and power input connectors defined in the MicroTCA specification, FCI can also provide a wide range of other interconnect products which can be used in a MicroTCA shelf or on AdvancedMC cards,” said Remco Innemee, global market manager, FCI.

PICMG®, MicroTCA™, µTCA™, AdvancedMC™, and AMC™ are trademarks of PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group.

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