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Molex iPass+ zHD Vertical Connectors Operate at SAS-3 and Projected SAS-4 Bandwidths

MX0658 - iPass+ zHD connectorDriving next generation data rates and port-densities, low-profile iPass+ zHD connectors improve system airflow and signal integrity by eliminating midplane connections

Molex Incorporated introduces high density iPass+™ zHD vertical connectors for midplane or other non-edge-board applications.  The new iPass+ zHD vertical connector system provides a 0.75mm pitch vertical connector that meets requirements of SAS-3 and projected SAS-4 bandwidths.

“Limited airflow and high cross talk are becoming recurring problems in many servers and computing systems,” states Joe Dambach, new product development manager, Molex.  “The iPass+ zHD vertical connector solves these issues for customers with a one-step placement, low-profile design that provides excellent signal integrity performance while maintaining a small footprint on the PCB.”

Featuring a robust and secure connection, Molex iPass+ zHD connectors are scalable up to 96 Gbps data rates (24 Gbps over 4 lanes).  The new iPass+ zHD vertical connectors improve system airflow and reduce board-space constraints by providing flexible midplane design options.  The waferised connector design optimises the PCB footprint with low insertion loss, low integrated cross-talk noise, low return loss and only minimal performance variation across all high-speed channels.

The vertical press-fit iPass+ zHD connector nearly doubles the number of ports on the PCB, compared to convention iPass™ connectors.  One-step placement reduces both the time and costs associated with the wave solder process.  The iPass+ zHD connectors mate to all current miniSAS HD (Molex iPass+ HD) passive copper, active copper and optical cable assemblies.  A positive locking latch ensures secure mating retention to cable assemblies.

“Innovative iPass+ zHD vertical connectors deliver Molex customers a virtually future-proof new connector design for SAS-3 and projected SAS-4 high-speed server-storage networks,” adds Dambach.

Available in multiple configurations (1-by-1, 1-by-2, 1-by-4), versatile press-fit iPass+ zHD connectors accommodate a range of high density data and networking applications.  For additional information visit:  www.molex.com/link/ipassplushd.html. To receive information and updates on Molex products and industry solutions, please sign up for the Molex e-newsletter at www.molex.com/link/register/.