Card-edge connector supports MicroTCA standard
Etters, Pa. — FCI has developed surface-mount, card-edge connectors specifically for the MicroTCA (uTCA) standard currently under development by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG).

The backplane connectors provide a dual-row, 170-position card-edge interface on a 0.75-mm pitch so any standard AdvancedMC (AMC) card can be plugged directly to a MicroTCA backplane. The surface-mount connectors use an optimized PC-board footprint and will support differential signalling at data rates of 12.5 Gbits/s per lane with very low loss and crosstalk, according to the company.

In addition, the surface-mount termination eliminates the need for numerous drilled through holes for connector leads, which simplifies and provides increased flexibility in routing PC-board traces, said the company. The connectors also feature metal retention clips for additional mechanical strength after soldering. The MicroTCA connectors are lead free and RoHS compliant.

The MicroTCA form factor targets communications equipment, such as core routers and IP-gateways, radio base stations and switching centers and customer premises equipment, where small physical size and cost are key design constraints, said the company. The MicroTCA connectors are designed to comply with Telcordia Uncontrolled Environment (UE) requirements.

Pricing for MicroTCA connectors starts at $7.50 each. Delivery is from stock to six weeks.

FCI, 1-800-237-2374, www.fciconnect.com