FCI and Molex Sign License for iPass+ HDTM Connector System Technology

Molex Incorporated and FCI, two leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, announce that the two parties have agreed to a technology license for Molex's iPass+ HDTM Connector System technology. This technology was developed by Molex for the next-generation Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) I/O connectors standardized in the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS). The connectors are identified within the SAS 2.1 revision of the standard as mini-SAS HD. FCI has undertaken extensive simulation studies and empirical laboratory verification of the signal integrity performance of the mini-SAS HD connectors and cable assemblies and has supported the Molex presentations of the mini-SAS HD proposal to the T10 technical committee of INCITS. Both companies recognize the value of having two major sources of supply for the mini-SAS HD connectors in the marketplace and the fact that the connectors are certified interchangeable and intermateable should encourage earlier adoption of this significant improvement in I/O technology. "FCI has strategically chosen to partner with Molex on the mini-SAS HD I/O interconnect system as we see it as a perfect fit between Molex's well-established and acknowledged leadership position in the marketplace for high speed I/O systems and FCI's known expertise in the design of high-speed signaling connector systems," said Jim David, FCI's global product director for HSIO systems. "We chose FCI as our partner for the mini-SAS HD system because we knew our customers would require a well-established and capable partner to assure the interchangeability and intermateability that they will expect and we're confident that is what we have with FCI," added Jay Neer, strategic product manager, Molex. The license covers both external and internal mini-SAS HD I/O connector systems specified in the SAS 2.1 standard. These connectors enable implementers to double the data rates and the density of both external and internal I/Os, enabling four 4-channel ports on low-profile PCIe cards. The technology also introduces multi-plugging whereby an 8x board-mount connector can receive either an 8x cable or two 4x cables thereby providing additional flexibility to both manufacturer and customer. The agreement allows both Molex and FCI to successfully produce products that meet the criteria set forth by the standard while ensuring interchangeability and intermateability of their products. For more information on the High Speed I/O product portfolio from FCI, please visit the web at www.fciconnect.com/hsio or contact FCI at 825 Old Trail Road, Etters, PA 17319-7883; call 800-237-2374; or email at electronics.us@fci.com www.molex.com