Molex's EXTreme Guardian system receives DesignVision award

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. introduced the EXTreme Guardian header and cable solution for high-end servers in the computing and telecommunication markets. Recognized with the 2012 DesignVision Award in the Interconnect Technologies and Components category, this next generation solution features a three circuit, wire-to-board configuration that delivers up to 80 Amps of current per circuit, a PCB header with centerline spacing of 11.00 mm (0.433”) for increased PCB real estate savings and an EMI-shielding option to reduce cable crosstalk and improve immunity to external noise.

“Winning the prestigious DesignVision Award recognizes the innovation of the EXTreme Guardian solution. When developing the system, the Molex technical team focused on several critical requirements expressed by customers, including small package size, high amperage support and good shielding characteristics,” said Ken Stead, new product development manager, Molex. “By gaining a full understanding of these needs, we were able to develop a solution to meet all of the unique physical, mechanical and electrical specifications required by the end user.”

The EXTreme Guardian PCB header assembly reduces network downtime with a recessed, first-mate/last-break terminal that allows for hot-swapping of power units. The headers also include several unique design features, such as insert-molding for higher insert placement accuracy, integral screw threads on the header housing flange for easy and secure mating and locating pegs that enable accurate through-hole positioning of the connector.

The EXTreme Guardian cable assemblies are capable of handling up to 600 V, supporting high voltage with the lowest feasible voltage drop and I2R (irreversible dissipative power) losses. Other mechanical features of the cable solution include thumb-screws on the cable overmold that can withstand a minimum extraction force of 1.5 kgf (3.3 lb), a jacket-included strain-relief that can take a minimum pull force of 9.98 kgf (22 lb) in any direction and a secondary terminal lock to secure the cable from accidental pull out and disconnection.