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Connector rationalises backplane design

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 27, 2004

The AirMax VS backplane connector allows designers to reduce the number of layers in high speed backplanes and daughtercards while improving the electrical performance of interconnections.

In launching the second variant of its AirMax VS backplane connector, FCI is helping system design engineers to reduce the number of layers in their high speed backplanes and daughtercards by as much as 50% while improving the electrical performance of interconnections.

Unique in its construction, the AirMax VS (Virtual Shield) connector uses an insert moulded leadframe assembly (or IMLA) to carry both differential pair and single ended signals.

Each signal path and each IMLA is separated by air, which eliminates the need for interleaving grounding shields.

The use of air as a dielectric minimises both insertion loss and crosstalk.

Comprising 10 IMLA columns each equipped with 12 signal contacts, the latest AirMax VS vertical-receptacle/right-angle-header connector configuration supports a reduced daughtercard slot spacing of 20mm and offers a maximum of 40 differential pairs or 120 single ended connections.

Compared to the previous 150-pin version, this 120-pin AirMax VS connector increases the air gap between the IMLAs from 2 to 3mm, thereby allowing system designers to route high speed signals using just two layers of PC board backplanes and daughtercards.

The consequent cost saving is accompanied by a further reduction in near-end multi-active crosstalk to less than 1.75% and far-end multi-active crosstalk to less than 2.25%.

In reference designs, the AirMax VS connector demonstrates excellent signal integrity at speeds ranging from 2.5 to 6.25Gbit/s, and allows users to scale systems to greater than 12Gbit/s without requiring a basic platform redesign.

The use of a common IMLA design for both differential and single ended signals provides system designers with complete freedom to mix-and-match pin assignments within and between the IMLAs.

This flexibility eliminates the need to define, order and stock unique part numbers for each application.

A complete solution, the AirMax VS connector is supported by power connector modules offering a current handling capacity of 80A.

An additional module provides protection against ESD and ensures correct alignment and keying of the complete connector assembly.