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Novel backplane connector gains second source

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 21, 2004

FCI has signed a second source licence agreement granting Amphenol the right to manufacture, market, and sell the four- and five-pair AirMax VS (Virtual Shield) connector worldwide.

FCI has signed a second source licence agreement granting Amphenol the right to manufacture, market, and sell the four- and five-pair AirMax VS (Virtual Shield) connector worldwide.

FCI's AirMax VS connector is a revolutionary high-speed shieldless backplane connector that exhibits excellent signal integrity at speeds from 2.5 to greater than 12Gbit/s without requiring a basic platform redesign.

The AirMax VS connector provides designers with flexibility in backplane signal routing and fabrication through the ability to vary column spacing without impacting electrical performance.

The AirMax VS two-piece header-receptacle connector system is currently available in 2 and 3mm column spacing.

Richard Kaleida, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FCI Communications, Data, Consumer Division stated: "FCI has been extremely gratified by the marketplace acceptance of the AirMax VS connector product family".

"Other connector companies recognised the revolutionary leap in connector performance and have expressed interest in licensing the AirMax VS proprietary technology".

"We are pleased to announce Amphenol has agreed to be the certified second source for AirMax VS four-pair and five-pair connectors".

John Burkett, FCI Product Manager said: "With the broad customer acceptance and early design opportunities, it was important that FCI establish a comprehensive second source program to support our customer base".

"As a part of the certified second source programme, we will assure our customers true mechanical compatibility, electrical equivalency and documented test results".

Mark Twaalfhoven, Senior Vice President of Amphenol stated: "As a recognised leader in the connector industry, our customers have been looking for us to broaden our product portfolio into backplane connectors".

"We believe the AirMax VS connectors have superior electrical characteristics while providing system designers with superb flexibility".

"We recognise FCI to be a leader in connector innovation and are excited to add AirMax VS connectors to our product offering".