Molex Impact 100-ohm orthogonal direct connector architecture delivers up to 25 Gbps data rates

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. recently launched the Impact 100-Ohm orthogonal direct connector system designed for a direct connection of printed circuit boards using the same daughtercard. Featuring options of 3-through 6-pair, the Impact orthogonal direct technology supports high-speed 25 Gbps data rates and substantially eliminates airflow, cross-talk, and capacitance constraints in high-speed channels which are introduced through current backplane/midplane laminates.

“The direct connector solution leverages the density, signal integrity and high-speed advantages of Impact technology, without added cost and press-fit assembly,” explains Pete Soupir, new product development manager, Molex. “The space saving combination of the direct right-angle male connector and daughtercard simplifies component management for our manufacturing customers and enhances performance in data, telecommunications, medical, networking and other high-speed devices.”

Molex Impact orthogonal direct connectors feature two compliant-pin attach options and 18 to 72 differential pairs per orthogonal node. The 3-through 6-pair configurations include a complete range of options for the PCB and mating interface. The system leverages the field-proven Impact mating interface, which offers the lowest mating force in the backplane industry, and patented compliant-pin technology to provide design flexibility and balance for superior mechanical and electrical performance.

Designed to meet IEEE 10GBASE-KR and Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) Stat Eye Compliant channel performance requirements, the Molex Impact orthogonal direct connector system ensures end-to-end compliance. Featuring shorter line cards and switch-module signal paths, the simple 2.15 by 1.35mm grid on both the Impact backplane and daughtercard reduces PCB routing complexity and costs.