Connector supports 10 Gbps on copper—not fiber—path

If you think that conveying signals at 10 Gbps mandates fiber-based interconnection, think again. The Connector-X from Winchester Electronics handles 12 differential signal pairs, each at the 10-Gbps rate—three to four times that of currently available copper interconnects—in a compression-mount interface connector system (Picture). The fuzz-button contacts resemble miniature steel-wool pads and withstand 250 mating cycles. To use this connector, the associated pc board needs no holes or vias for signals, saving cost, improving fabrication yield, and enhancing signal integrity. You can achieve the 10-Gbps performance with standard FR-4 pc-board material rather than more costly substrates. Available for sampling now, the 1-in.- (2.5-cm)-long connector costs $250 to $300 and requires just two attachment points to the board.

Winchester Electronics, 1-860-945-5000, www.litton-wed.com.