FCI exhibit active optical cables at DesignCon 2014

Backwards compatible with both SAS 2.1 (6Gb/s) protocol legacy equipment and SAS 3.0 (12Gb/s) next-generation protocol equipment, the MSHD AOC assembly features discovery functionality, I2C bus communication, and the ability to customise cable labeling and EEPROM memory map extensions. Reliability and retention is assured thanks to rugged die cast bodies and a robust latching system. This cable solution also integrates an easy-to-actuate pull tab, enabling engineers and manufacturers to easily un-mate the cable.

The cable assembly utilises a small 3.0mm diameter and helix-based, 8-fibre optical cable architecture in order to allow the cable to be routed in any direction without compromising signal integrity. Supplied in a variety of different length options, the connector boosts versatility with a cable exit that can be configured with either a straight or 90-degree cable exit boot. Additionally, the MSHD AOC assemblies are compliant to applicable industry standards such as SFF-8644, as well as SAS and PCIe protocol standards.

In booth 403 at DesignCon 2014 (January 28-31), Santa Clara, California, USA, FCI will be demonstrating the use of MSHD AOC with PLX PCIe switch technology. Using a PLX PCIe switch card connected to a PLX five-bay PCIe expansion card mounted with FCI’s MSHD board connectors, this set-up will demonstrate MSHD AOC’s 32Gbps optical connectivity capability. It will also highlight its port’s ability to operate with either 1m of MSHD copper cabling or 10-100m of optical cables. This demonstration platform helps engineers to understand the performance benefits that can be realised in high-performance computing, communications and networking applications with MSHD AOC.

Roy Muscarella, VP and General Manager, HSIO business unit, FCI, comments: “The introduction of Mini-SAS HD Active Optical Cables is a strategic move to reinforce our Mini-SAS HD-based offerings so that engineers will have a more comprehensive selection of internal and external board connectors and copper-based cable assemblies for different applications. Our solutions consisting of a broad range of high-performance copper and optical-based cable and interconnect solutions will enable engineers to design the next-generation of communication and storage networks that are faster and more capable to meet the rapidly growing data demands in the market.”