FCI's Shield-less AirMax VS2 Connector for 12.5 Gb/s applications

Conscious that our customers are always looking for ways to optimize their cost to performance ratio, FCI is proud to introduce AirMax AirMax VS2 as a new industry benchmark for 12.5 Gb/s applications. AirMax VS2 leverages the signal integrity and mechanical improvements and innovations brought by AirMax VSe, retains a full drop-in and mating compatibility with AirMax VS, and provides a more competitive cost position for users.



In particular, AirMax VS2 brings the following improvements over AirMax VS:



. Better signal integrity at 12.5 Gb/s with IEEE 802.3ap compliance and significant headroom



. Better mechanical rigidity with wider IMLA wafers and longer engaging slots



. Easier automated application with Flat Rock application tools and Eye of Needle true position



. Better density and lower complexity through integrated guiding pins and power contacts



The AirMax VS2 has an identical footprint to AirMax VS connectors, making it compatible with existing board layouts. The open pin field design preserves critical pin assignments in existing AirMax VS designs, providing opportunities for cost savings as new or upgraded equipment is deployed.



For example, a backplane or chassis can be designed to allow the installation and continued use of legacy daughter cards, line cards, or blades that are already in the field as well as new or future higher speed module cards, said Fred Gilbert, Portfolio Director for High Speed backplane and mezzanine products at FCI. We have also engineered the AirMax VS2 to minimize manufacturing cost by applying best cost practices in materials and processes.



The new AirMax VS2 will become progressively available in mass production quantities for 3,4,5 and 6 pair configurations during the first half of 2013. Production samples for 3 pairs and 4 pairs will be available in early December from FCI sales representatives.



With the AirMax VS2 introduction, FCI is putting again innovation at work to better satisfy customer requirements for optimized performance and cost effective solutions. Airmax VS2 will allow them to meet their cost reduction targets and outperform their competition, concluded Fred Gilbert.