But you may not have considered that FCI is also a world leader in I/O solutions, offering a wide range of solutions that meet various standards such as Ethernet, SFF, InfiniBand, USB, Serial ATA, SCSI, PCMCIA, and HDMI. They also offer custom I/O solutions to meet the specific requirements of certain applications, as well as wired solutions.All these I/O connections differ in their design, performance, and use. Therefore, when defining I/O connectors, several design criteria must be considered:
- Form factors and industry standards.
- The appropriate connector for the intended application.
- Signal speed and current requirements.
- Retention and mechanical requirements.
- Cable construction and electrical performance.
FCI's extensive experience and broad range of I/O connectors meet these design criteria: you will gain the advantage of being able to send your signals outside the equipment with optimal cost and performance.
From high-speed interconnect technologies for networks, storage, and memory, and complementary products for power distribution, to well-known solutions for low-speed I/O in demanding applications such as industry, instrumentation, and electromedicine. So, what's really behind the terms "well-known," "high-speed," and "power" in I/O connections?
I/O Classics - Still in high demand!
Sub-D connectors remain one of the most widely used I/O connectors in a variety of applications, and consequently, FCI continues to add new products such as the recent "Pin in Paste" versions, which allow for soldering through-pin connectors using an SMD process. Similarly, industry standards like USB and HDMI are finding their place in applications beyond data and consumer electronics. They thus complement the range of Modular Jack telephone connectors and the highly reliable Latch-N-Lok systems.
The Need for Speed!
The continuous demand for higher bandwidths due to the growth of IP video, internet, and mobile traffic is forcing today's design engineers to use cables that allow for higher data transmission frequencies and greater I/O signal density in current and future systems. The core of FCI's EyeMax, DensiShield, and Mini Multilane high-speed cable offerings for server, data, and telecommunications applications meets the connectivity requirements for InfiniBand, 10Gbase-CX4 Ethernet, and Multilane SAS or SATA. FCI's expertise in designing high-speed, signal-integrity interconnect systems provides engineers with the knowledge to implement high-speed, point-to-point connections throughout the application, regardless of whether a standard SFF-8470 or SFF-8088 link or custom cabling is required.
Power in the connector!
FCI offers a variety of power I/O connector systems, the most well-known being the Pwr Profile+, PwrBlade, and Pxr TwinBlade. All of them utilize stamped contact technology, providing optimal reliability and cost-effectiveness. The Pwr Profile+ solution is the most compact option, offering a low profile for high-performance cable-to-board connections. The PwrBlade signal and power solution is available with push-to-release mechanical locking options for applications requiring active retention, and in panel-mount configurations for modular installation in large power distribution systems. The Pwr TwinBlade cable system is designed for applications requiring high-power supply (up to 100 A per double contact).
FCI's I/O Microsite:
To help you find the right I/O connector for the right application, FCI has developed a dedicated microsite for I/O solutions. This microsite offers an easy-to-use, web-based system with direct access to various product selection tools.
Based on a variety of predefined design criteria, the product finders help you identify the I/O connector that best suits your application. Selection tables for each product help you navigate through the extensive range of I/O products, while various search functions help you locate key product information such as drawings and specifications, 3D models, and stock availability. You can find the I/O solutions microsite at www.fciconnect.com/io
Author: Rob Poort; FCI Global Business Line Director, Commercial Products.
