Flexibility leads to PCB space savings

Nadine Dytko-Madsen, New Product Development Manager at Molex, said: “The modular system - with tunable differential pairs, low stack heights, and compliant-pin terminations with a staggered interface configuration - offers data rates up to 28Gbps.” Dytko-Madsen claimed that this makes it well suited for new, space constrained telecom, automation and medical applications that demand higher speeds and smaller form factors.

A mirrored interface also allows compact stack height and simplified PCB routing. “PCBs sometimes need to be reused or reworked,” Dytko-Madsen added. “Traditional SMT connectors are permanently affixed, making it virtually impossible to reuse PCBs, and when an SMT termination fails, attempting to rework it creates a short. An alternative, press-fit mezzanine connectors, would allow reuse, but they typically offer lower signal integrity.”

The NeoPress System solves these issues by providing compliant-pin termination while minimising near-end and far-end crosstalk, matching the signal integrity of NeoScale SMT connectors. Moreover, the compliant-pin allows designers to rework the board and maximise system utility without sacrificing signal integrity.

A patent pending modular triad wafer design includes high speed differential pairs that can be tuned to 85 to 100Ohm impedances, creating a flexible, customisable system. System options include four triad configurations, high speed single ended traces and low speed single ended lines and power contacts. These options allow PCB designers to conserve PCB real estate by supporting low and high speed signals and power requirements with one compact connector.