Connectors provide reliable SI performance in rugged environments

FMC+ modules provide a standardised mezzanine card often employed in FPGA development solutions and by COTS manufacturers.

Due to features such as their small form factor and user defined pins, FMC+ provides attractive features to the end user while maintaining modularity.

In addition to providing backwards compatibility with FMC mezzanine cards, FMC+ also extends computing performance and bandwidth, all fitting within the same form factor as FMC.

Samtec’s SEARAY vertical connectors are featured in the VITA 57.4 standard, which specifies 8.5mm and 10mm stack heights. SEARAY is capable of speeds up to 28Gbps, provides low insertion/extraction forces, and also features solder charge terminations.

In addition, the FMC+ standard also specifies the use of an optional extension connector (the High Serial Pin Connector extension, or HSPCe). Employing this extension connector increases the total pin count by 80 positions, arranged in a 4x20 array.

This brings data rates from 28-32Gbps over full duplex channels. The expanded SEARAY connector was chosen based on its successful performance in the VITA 57.1 FMC Standard, as well as its high speed capabilities and rugged design.

“Samtec is proud to offer the next generation FMC+ connector solution,” said David Givens, Standards Director at Samtec. “The customised SEARAY has flawless reliability. It provides extensive flexibility to FPGA developers and VITA-hardware users alike, while maintaining ideal signal integrity.”