Samtec's new patent-pending FireFly™ Micro Flyover System is the first interconnect system that gives designers the option of using either a miniature optical or copper interconnect to meet current and next-generation data rate requirements. The FireFly™ system utilizes either low-cost copper cables or high-performance active optical motors to achieve speeds up to 28 Gbps. Data "flies" over the board, avoiding design complexity, improving electrical performance, and eliminating signal integrity issues.

The FireFly™ active optical cable assembly uses proven VCSEL 850 nm series and multi-mode fiber technology and contains all the necessary controls to ensure the optical motor provides maximum power dissipation. The FireFly™ copper cable assembly features Samtec 38 AWG coaxial cable, widely used for current high-speed copper cable assemblies, enabling seamless integration of new designs with existing ones. The two-piece connector system mates with both cable assemblies, making it easy to upgrade from copper to optical when that level of performance is required.

Samtec's high-speed, high-density SEARAY™ Open Pin Field Arrays maximize grounding and routing flexibility and feature Edge Rate™ contacts optimized for signal integrity. The 1.27 mm (0.050") pitch system (SEAM/SEAF series) is available with up to 500 I/O in stackable heights from 4.00 mm to 40.00 mm. Right-angle designs are available for micro backplane applications, while snap-in mounting options provide greater system flexibility. The 0.80 mm (0.0315") pitch offers up to 50 percent board space savings with 7.00 mm and 10.00 mm stackable heights. Both SEARAY™ systems are 25+ Gbps solutions since they either achieve a data rate of 25 Gbps or more, at 3 dB insertion loss, or comply with the 25 Gbps per channel standard (100 Gigabit Ethernet), depending on the required stacking height.

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