Press Release
For Immediate Release

Molex is the First to Offer High-Speed Connectors and Cable Assemblies to Support the External PCI Express Standards

LISLE, Ill. � June 5, 2006 � As computer components evolve to require increased speeds and bandwidths, the electronics industry is creating new specifications to fully enable next-generation communications platforms. The PCIe Working Group chose Molex Incorporated to be the first interconnect company to develop the External PCI Express (PCIe) offering. This offering includes a full line of high-speed connectors and cable assemblies that are specifically designed to support the new, multi-purpose, hot-pluggable input/output (I/O) interface standard for the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express.

�Technology devices are quickly out growing PCI and AGP performance standards and increased speed and bandwidth architectures continue to populate the technology markets,� said Jay Neer, strategic marketing manager, Molex Incorporated.

�In response to these ever-changing needs, Molex has developed the External PCI Express offering, which is a full range of solutions that are the first, to support the new serialized PCI Express speed and performance requirements to meet our customers� interconnection needs.�

The new External PCI Express offering fits all popular mechanical architectures. These interconnection systems offer future scalability and flexibility by supporting Generation I PCIe data rates at 2.5 Gbps through Generation II bandwidths of 5.0 Gbps. The External PCI Express connectors, guide frames and cable assemblies are available in multiple configurations, including a high durability x1 configuration (18-circuit TDP� connector), as well as x4, x8 (38 and 68-circuit iPass� connector) and x16 (136-circuit iPass� connector) configurations.

Molex�s range of products for the new PCI Express standards include:

External PCIe x 1 solution � Suitable for use in computers, consumer devices, test equipment, instrumentation equipment, industrial equipment and medical imaging applications; the PCIe x1 connector system includes a receptacle, plug and hex jack post. It also offers a shielded, dual-row, cable-to-board I/O system and data rates up to five Gbps with 100 Ohm impedance. The PCIe connector system provides high-volume PCB processing with tape and reel packaging for the receptacle. In addition, its split-beam receptacle contact provides two points of contact, offering optimal signal integrity. The PCIe cable assemblies have an overmold finish, providing a firm-grip surface, as well as an attractive finish at a competitive cost. These cable assemblies are Generation I and II PCIe compliant, which enables flexibility and ease for system upgrades.

External PCIe x4 and x8 solutions �With a 0.8mm (0.31�) pitch, the PCIe x4 and x8 SMT host connectors were specifically designed for placement beneath a guide frame, making them ideal for external applications, such as server and storage equipment, network equipment and computer applications. Their high-temperature, thermoplastic housing enables them to withstand lead-free processing, and the SMT design allows for ease of routing and provides the option for placement on both sides of the PCB.

The guide frames have a die-cast structure and alignment posts that provide a robust chassis-to-chassis interface and stable placement on the PCB. The accompanying screw attachment for the guide frames to the PCB provides a durable I/O connection for large cable bundle management. The cable assemblies also allow more dense cable management because of their streamlined, narrow, latch-pull design. The cables� flexible latch-pull provides an intuitive latch and unlatch mechanism for easy assembly. They also have a reduced plug width, enabling customers to populate two x4 ports or two x8 ports on a standard PCI Express card.

External PCIe x16 solution � Well-suited for networking and storage equipment, data communications equipment, industrial computer systems, PCIe add-in cards, and high-end graphics cards used in gaming; these x16 products include an integrated stacked connector and cage assembly and cable assemblies. The connector and assembly are held down by a four integral screw-mount, providing optimal retention of the die-cast assembly without taking up additional board real estate. The integrated stacked connector and cage assembly feature a low-profile height to accommodate standard and low-profile PCIe add-in cards. The cable assemblies have a streamlined, narrow, latch-pull design that enables them to handle more dense cable management applications.

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