FCI High-Performance Orthogonal Midplane Connectors

AirMax VS® and ZipLine™ high-performance orthogonal midplane connectors from FCI enable the implementation of orthogonal midplane architecture in switches, routers, and other data communications equipment. The orthogonal midplane system architecture provides direct connections between horizontal switch cards mounted on one side of the midplane and vertical line cards mounted on the opposite side.

The orthogonal midplane architecture is an efficient solution for systems that are built on star or dual-star network topologies, where connections are required from a number of line cards, or nodes, to one or two central switches, or hubs. Instead of routing all high-speed differential signal pairs across the backplane or midplane, a short electrical path connects each switch card to every line card to achieve improved signal integrity performance over the high-speed serial links.

FCI’s orthogonal midplane headers are designed to be installed back-to-back and oriented at 90 degrees to each other. The headers’ signal pins share the same via holes in the midplane, providing a direct, high-speed connection while eliminating the need for connecting traces on the midplane. Reducing the number of backplane signal traces also allows designers to reduce the complexity of the backplane design.

AirMax VS and ZipLine high-performance connectors use FCI’s unique shieldless technology to deliver low loss and crosstalk, supporting high-speed differential signaling at up to 12.5 Gb/s. Together the systems provide options for 16, 36, or 72 crossover pairs in an orthogonal midplane module. With 72 crossover pairs and 84.6 signal pairs/inch, the ZipLine modules provide the highest density in the industry. Other features include:

• Opposed dual-beam receptacle contact structure for high-reliability connections
• Qualification to Telcordia® GR-1217-CORE Central Office requirements
• Compatibility with Hard Metric equipment practice
• Ability to integrate a special power wafer, with up to 36A capacity, in a ZipLine signal module
• Compliant tails for press-fit PCB termination
• Halogen-free and environmentally friendly module designs
• Available options for backplane, midplane, coplanar, mezzanine, and cable-to-board applications