"Higher speeds and higher densities!" Some would say that the technical challenges faced by backplane system designers are certainly not unique. The need to remain 'future proof' and cost effective in this competitive sector does, however, present significant design challenges.
In launching the AirMax VS® connector system, FCI is giving backplane system designers the freedom to rethink the way products are designed. Based on a radical design concept, AirMax VS® ( 'Virtual Shield') connectors eliminate the need for interleaving ground shields by using air as a highly efficient dielectric.
The real beauty of the AirMax VS® connector system lies in the flexibility it gives board layouts. While the initial product offering is based on 2mm IMLA centerlines, wider spacings that help simplify signal routing are possible, by producing a housing that holds the IMLAs further apart.
The scalability of the connector solution means that backplane systems currently designed for 3.125Gb/s to 6.5Gb/s operation can be upgraded to 12.5Gb/s operation without redesigning the basic platform. At such speeds the AirMax VS® connector IMLA demonstrates exceptionally low insertion loss and cross talk characteristics.
Today AirMax VS® connectors are used in data, datacom and telecommunications equipment, such as servers & enterprise switches
