Molex introduces new Design Enhancements to its Impact Connector System

“Molex is committed to providing interconnect solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations on every level,” said Pete Soupir, global product manager, Molex. “For example, our Impact Orthogonal technology not only meets the demand for high-speed connectors, but due to specific design enhancements we have improved the signal and lowered the mating force. Additionally, the new design configurations allow engineers to make the most out of the printed circuit board (PCB) real-estate.”

The standard Impact Backplane Connector System provides data rates of up to 25 Gbps and features a simple 1.90 by 1.35mm (.075 by .053”) grid on both backplane and daughtercard, increasing PCB routing flexibility while reducing complexity and costs. The products also include a broad-edge-coupled transmission technology, enabling low cross-talk and high-signal bandwidth while minimising channel-performance variation across every differential pair within the system.

In addition to their overall design characteristics, the new products feature the following specific attributes:

Impact Orthogonal Direct Connector System: This two-piece connector system allows a right angle male connector to mate with the standard orthogonal daughtercard connector, creating a direct right angle male connector solution. The design improves airflow and reduces PCB space constraints by directly connecting vertical and horizontal add-in cards and eliminating backplane and midplane connections. In addition, its shorter line cards and switch-mode signal paths allow for more overall robust signal channels.

Impact 85-Ohm Backplane Connector System: With up to 80 differential pairs per linear inch, the new Impact 85-Ohm system has the highest density per square inch in the industry In addition, its common signal ground reduces insertion loss and cross-talk resonance to provide more efficient transmit and receive (Tx/Rx) signals. The 85-Ohm connector is polarised to mate only with 85-Ohm receptacles and uses a grey housing design colour to differentiate it from the black housing colour of the 100-Ohm connector system.