FCI To Feature Power Solutions At APEC 2012 Exhibition - 03/02/2012
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, will showcase its Power Solutions products at booth 1136 during the IEEE-Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition 2012 (APEC® 2012). The conference is being held from February 5-9, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.
APEC 2012 is a premier global event dedicated to applied power electronics. It provides an ideal environment for equipment OEMs, power supply designers and component manufacturers to discuss the latest achievements and breakthroughs.
FCI will showcase its latest Power Solutions products with a special focus on its new PwrBlade+™ connector. The PwrBlade+ connector is the latest in a comprehensive line of power connector and accessory solutions for power supply and host-to-card interfaces as well as customizable power cable assemblies and power distribution (bus bar) solutions.
“The PwrBlade+ product is a next-generation power interconnect focused on demanding power applications that require higher linear current density and low power loss,” said John Dodds, global power business development manager at FCI. “The PwrBlade+ connector builds on the PwrBlade® connector’s proven technology but includes enhancements to achieve increased performance and density.”
FCI is known for its innovative power products that feature low contact resistance, high linear current density, low profile heights and modular tooling designs for custom power needs.
FCI Unveils its Newest HD SAS Internal Cable Assemblies, featuring 3M Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series, at DesignCon 2012 - 31/01/2012
FCI and 3M today announced the availability of the SFF 8643 Mini Multilane Internal Cable Assemblies for SAS HD connections from FCI, which feature the high-performance Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series from 3M. SFF 8643 assemblies from FCI support the SAS 2.1 standard at 6 Gbps data rate, and are expected to be fully compliant with the upcoming SAS 3.0 specification, which will increase the data rate up to 12 Gbps. These cable assemblies are ideal for system applications requiring high density routing in tight spaces, or where restricted air flow is a concern.
“The twin axial cable from 3M allows FCI to offer miniSAS HD internal cable assemblies that deliver excellent electrical performance to the defined SAS 2.1 and proposed SAS 3.0 industry standards. The cable''''s mechanical advantages also allow FCI the ability to offer cables that can be bent at a 90 degree angle during routing without any signal degradation,” noted Jim David, global product manager, FCI. “We are excited to work with 3M in using this cable as part of FCI’s complete miniSAS HD product portfolio.” FCI’s internal miniSAS HD cables will be offered in both the 4x (4 channel) and 8x (8 channel) versions, and all of the cables include standard sideband signaling. In addition to the internal cables, FCI also offers mating internal miniSAS HD board connectors (also SFF-8643 complaint) as well as a complete line of miniSAS HD external board connector systems and external cable assemblies both of which are fully SFF-8644 compliant. “FCI is a global leader in interconnect solutions and 3M is excited to work with them to bring this advanced cable assembly to market,” said David N. Schneider, global business manager, 3M Electronic Solutions Division, Interconnect Business. “The combined capabilities of both FCI and 3M make this offering an ideal solution for a variety of industry solutions, and in particular, solutions where utilizing a limited space with optimal airflow is vital for performance.”
The Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series from 3M is well suited for paddle card terminated cable assemblies. Now available in various two, four, and five differential pair 100 ohm 30 AWG versions, the SL8800 Series Cable is the optimum solution for space-constrained systems. This internal cable is extremely thin, very flexible and can even be folded with minimal loss or performance impact. The low profile nature of the cable also presents minimal obstruction to airflow, providing potential power savings to designers, and increased value to the end customer. SL8800 Series Cable is extremely high bandwidth, demonstrating virtually no resonance or discontinuities out to 42 GHz. Depending on length, attenuation requirements and termination, applications to 25 Gbps and beyond can be implemented with SL8800 Series Cable. Current popular applications supported by SL8800 Series Cable are MiniSAS SFF-8087 and SFF-8088, MiniSAS HD SFF 8643, PCI Express implemented on SFF 8087, and SATA assemblies. 3M will continue to offer more variations of SL8800 Series Cable, including external versions and performance enhancements.
Samples of the cable assemblies will be available in the 3M (#706) and FCI (#414) booths at DesignCon 2012, which takes place in the Santa Clara Convention Center, Jan. 31 – Feb 1, 2012.
FCI Launches Next-Generation SAS Storage Interface - 31/01/2012
FCI, a leading developer of high-speed connectors and interconnect systems, has developed the next-generation SAS storage interface with its new Mini-SAS HD product portfolio offering.
The product line meets the signal bandwidth requirements of 6 Gb/s to 12 Gb/s or the respective SAS 2.1 and proposed SAS 3.0 industry standard signaling specifications. The system also provides a greater linear board port density (11mm port-to-port) versus the previous SAS interconnect systems (with a linear port density of just 19.01 mm port-to-port).
“The on-going growth of the Internet and associated applications, along with the storage demand and requirements to properly support them, makes the mini-SAS HD product portfolio the interconnect of choice for present and future storage hardware architectures…particularly due to the linear board density that the mini-SAS HD industry standard delivers,” said Jim David, global product manager, FCI.
“Our IMLA-based board connectors have been measured and shown to be fully compliant to both the SAS 2.1 and proposed SAS 3.0 industry standards. This allows our customers to design in our board connector offerings today for SAS 2.1 applications and seamlessly upgrade their systems to the proposed SAS 3.0 signal speeds using the same product part numbers for both applications, avoiding any design changes, part number changes or purchasing changes.”
FCI’s Mini-SAS HD product offering is fully compliant to the SFF-8643(internal applications) and SFF-8644 (external applications) industry specifications. Available internal and external board connector styles include 1X1 (4x), 1X2 (8x), and 1X4(16x) configurations for ultimate customer choices and design flexibility. These board connector configurations enable 4x and 8x internal and externalcable assembly solutions, which include EEPROM communication, for complete end-to-end solutions.
FCI’s cable assembly offerings also include legacy cables where one end of the cable has the mini-SAS HD connectors and the other end is the older mini-SAS based connector systems. All internal cable assemblies also include the capability for added side band signaling and are capable of being bent 90 degrees during cable routing without degradation of the high speed signaling. The Mini-SAS HD design is also fully PCI Express-compatible and can be utilized in those architecture applications.
Robust metal cages and stamped metal EMI fingers on the external board connector systems and cables replace problematic EMC elastomeric gaskets and provide full 360° EMI shielding to each connector port. Eyeof- the-needle terminations on the connector and cage enables a straightforward single-step termination process and ensures consistent
application to the PCB.
The external cable strain relief accommodates an axial pull force in excess of 20 pounds. Further, the external cable latch is designed to reduce cable insertion forces and eliminate any un-mating issues. The connector’s durability has been validated for 250 cycles. The Mini SAS HD products have a current rating of 0.5A max and a
characteristic impedance of 100 15 Ohms. They meet RoHS specifications and they carry UL approval.
FCI’s PwrBlade+™ Connector Provides Higher Linear Current Density - 31/01/2012
FCI,a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the PwrBlade+™ AC/DC power distribution connector system. This next-generation power connector is focused on demanding power applications requiring higher linear current density and low power loss. It is capable of 192A/linear inch with eight adjacent high power contacts energized simultaneously and ≤ 0.7mΩ power contact resistance after environmental exposure.
The PwrBlade+ connector builds on the PwrBlade® connector’s proven technology but includes enhancements to achieve increased performance and density. It is rated up to 75A
per power contact without exceeding a 30°C temperature rise in still air. This product
features an innovative high power contact design and housing that allows higher current
carrying capability in a more compact package.
“The high power contact features an optimized beam design and material property enhancements that significantly increase linear current density making it ideal for next
generation 1U/2U servers, storage enclosures, telecommunications equipment and datacom/networking equipment,” said John Dodds, global power business development
manager at FCI.
The PwrBlade+ connector also features a highly vented, halogen-free housing design, a low power contact option for applications with multiple voltages and lower power requirements and half-bullet guides for a reduced connector footprint.
The PwrBlade+ connector is available with power and signal contacts integrated into a single molded housing for power distribution and power control. Similar to other FCI power
solutions, it is modularly tooled making the product highly configurable in terms of the
number and placement of the power and signal contacts for custom power needs. Right angle and co-planar options are available to accommodate various system architectures.
FCI Unveils its Newest HD SAS Internal Cable Assemblies, featuring 3M Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series, at DesignCon 2012 - 31/01/2012
FCI and 3M today announced the availability of the SFF 8643 Mini Multilane Internal Cable Assemblies for SAS HD connections from FCI, which feature the high-performance Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series from 3M. SFF 8643 assemblies from FCI support the SAS 2.1 standard at 6 Gbps data rate, and are expected to be fully compliant with the upcoming SAS 3.0 specification, which will increase the data rate up to 12 Gbps. These cable assemblies are ideal for system applications requiring high density routing in tight spaces, or where restricted air flow is a concern.
“The twin axial cable from 3M allows FCI to offer miniSAS HD internal cable assemblies that deliver excellent electrical performance to the defined SAS 2.1 and proposed SAS 3.0 industry standards. The cable's mechanical advantages also allow FCI the ability to offer cables that can be bent at a 90 degree angle during routing without any signal degradation,” noted Jim David, global product manager, FCI. “We are excited to work with
3M in using this cable as part of FCI’s complete miniSAS HD product portfolio.”
FCI’s internal miniSAS HD cables will be offered in both the 4x (4 channel) and 8x
(8 channel) versions, and all of the cables include standard sideband signaling. In addition to the internal cables, FCI also offers mating internal miniSAS HD board connectors (also SFF-8643 complaint) as well as a complete line of miniSAS HD external board connector systems and external cable assemblies both of which are fully SFF-8644 compliant.
“FCI is a global leader in interconnect solutions and 3M is excited to work with
them to bring this advanced cable assembly to market,” said David N. Schneider, global
business manager, 3M Electronic Solutions Division, Interconnect Business. “The combined
capabilities of both FCI and 3M make this offering an ideal solution for a variety of industry solutions, and in particular, solutions where utilizing a limited space with optimal airflow is vital for performance.”
The Twin Axial Cable SL8800 Series from 3M is well suited for paddle card terminated cable assemblies. Now available in various two, four, and five differential pair 100 ohm 30 AWG versions, the SL8800 Series Cable is the optimum solution for spaceconstrained
systems. This internal cable is extremely thin, very flexible and can even be folded with minimal loss or performance impact. The low profile nature of the cable also presents minimal obstruction to airflow, providing potential power savings to designers, and
increased value to the end customer. SL8800 Series Cable is extremely high bandwidth,
demonstrating virtually no resonance or discontinuities out to 42 GHz. Depending on length, attenuation requirements and termination, applications to 25 Gbps and beyond can be implemented with SL8800 Series Cable. Current popular applications supported by SL8800
Series Cable are MiniSAS SFF-8087 and SFF-8088, MiniSAS HD SFF 8643, PCI Express implemented on SFF 8087, and SATA assemblies. 3M will continue to offer more variations
of SL8800 Series Cable, including external versions and performance enhancements.
FCI Introduces Multi-port and Single-port RJ45 Modular Jack Connectors - 20/01/2012
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding its modular jack product line with multi-port and single-port RJ45 connectors. The modular jack is ideal for broadband switches, hubs, routers, servers and telecommunication applications. FCI compared its RJ45 with selective gold plating against traditional versions with full gold plating and found no deterioration of the connector’s durability or performance, providing a clear competitive advantage.
“Our entire RJ45 family is a low-profile solution with durability rated at 1,000 cycles for the multi-port version and 750 cycles for the single-port version. This combined with a very attractive price demonstrates tangible benefits to our customers,” says Megan Teng, Modular Jacks Product Manager at FCI.
FCI's RJ45 connectors are available in 1x1 single- port; 1x2, 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 multi-ports; and 2x1, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8 stacked multi-ports versions with shielding for LED selection. They feature a simple and flexible design to support Category 3 wiring for the transmission of 16Mbps signal in networking and telecommunication equipment.
Designed to GS-12-0990 (multi- ports) and GS-12-0947(single port) standards and UL94V-0 specifications, as well as being RoHS-compliant, the modular jacks employ a shielded shell for EMI protection options. Able to withstand operating temperatures from -40ºC to 85ºC, the RJ45 connectors come in plating options including G/F, 15u" and 30u" gold plating and also feature optional LED colors.
FCI Expands Design-In Support with 25+ CAD Formats Online - 17/01/2012
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has announced that its website, www.fciconnect.com, now provides 3D downloadable models and a 3D viewer to reduce engineers’ design time and improve the quality of technical information available to the engineering community.
“FCI’s goal is to provide visitors with any technical information they may need regarding its connector products and their specification to ensure customer satisfaction each time they visit the FCI website,” said Marilyne Denis, website and e-marketing manager, FCI. “We are continually enhancing the website to make it even easier for customers to work directly with our organization, to meet all needs and be a benchmark in the industry."
As a leading connector manufacturer, FCI recognizes the ever-increasing need to utilize CAD formats as time-to-market has become a critical issue for all designers. By providing access to these capabilities, FCI continues to offer web visitors continuous and enriched content.
FCI worked with TraceParts, a leading digital engineering 3D content provider, to offer the service. To date, there are more than 15,000 parts included in this new functionality with the eventual goal of including all FCI promoted products.
The link to the 3D view and CAD download can be accessed from a link on the product’s datasheet. By clicking on the link, users see a 3D view of the product with different options: rotation, color or surface finish. To download the 25 CAD formats, the user selects the format of choice, depending on the system used, and then signs in.
In the second phase of this project, FCI will publish its entire catalog on TracePartsOnline.net
About TraceParts
TraceParts is a leading digital engineering content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful web based products and services. TraceParts helps customers improve marketing efficiencies by increasing the value of their existing digital product data. The tracepartsonline.net CAD portal is freely available to millions of CAD users worldwide.
FCI introduces sealed squib connectors for a new generation of pedestrian safety systems - 09/11/2011
FCI Motorized Vehicles has introduced the first commercially available range of 11mm sealed squib connectors for SRS (safety restraint solution) applications. Designed for use in challenging environments, such as pedestrian safety and battery cut-off systems within engine compartments, the serviceable Pyrofuse and non-serviceable UC-sealed series offer the high standards of performance, durability and efficiency that have made FCI a global leader in SRS interconnection.
The development of the new sealed connectors reflects growing awareness of pedestrian safety within the automotive market. In 2009, pedestrian safety became an integral part of the Euro NCAP rating scheme for new vehicles. As a result, a new generation of SRS systems is emerging, located beyond the vehicle cockpit. Such applications demand connectors that can deliver absolute reliability, whilst withstanding extremes of temperature, humidity, vibration and the potential ingress of moisture and dust.
For optimum design flexibility, FCI has created a choice of products that can be tailored to individual requirements. Both the Pyrofuse and UC-sealed provide IPx9K rated sealing protection, selective gold plating and a wide -40˚C to +85˚C operating temperature range. Wire lengths, gauges and types can be customized to meet application-specific demands.
The Pyrofuse series is a completely new product design that features a fully serviceable locking system to enable disassembly from the ignitor interface. Other benefits include resistance welded termination, an increasingly popular option for customers looking for superior mechanical and electrical stability over extended lifetimes. Based on FCI’s proven range of squib connectors, the UC-sealed series does not require a retainer assembly, as the connector mates directly to the 11mm initiator. Utilising UC-type locking legs and crimp technology, it represents an extremely price-competitive choice for harsh environments.
FCI’s new sealed squib connectors are ideally suited to a range of pedestrian safety systems currently being developed and implemented by major OEMs. These include ‘hood lift’ applications, which are particularly relevant to vehicles where hard structures such as the engine block are located in close proximity to the hood. In the event of pedestrian collision, the use of pyrotechnic devices on both sides of the hood allows a softer impact zone to be created, minimizing the risk of serious injury. Also under active development are windshield airbags, notably to protect pedestrians from the hard areas where the glass meets the ‘A’ pillar. Sealed connectors also meet the rigorous demands of battery cut-off applications within engine compartments. Other potential systems being investigated by OEMs to improve pedestrian safety include front bumper airbags.
FCI Introduces Micro HDMI for Multimedia Market - 08/11/2011
FCI, the global leading connector manufacturer, has developed a 19-pin HDMI D-type (Micro HDMI) connector, which is ideal for consumer electronics applications. Micro HDMI has been widely used in smartphones, digital cameras, laptops and multimedia devices to combine high-definition video and multi-channel audio in one digital interface.
Compared to HDMI A-, B-, C- and E-types, HDMI D-type is an extremely small, high-reliability connector that complies with the physical, electrical and environmental requirements of the HDMI standard. FCI''s Micro HDMI connector can handle video signals up to 1080p, providing state-of-the-art HD resolution to handheld devices and featuring a full 19-pin array like other HDMI connectors. This connector is one of the best options for next-generation compact audio / video data PCB layout aiming at HDMI Rev.1.4 and 3D signal transmission.
"Adding a Micro HDMI connector to the product offering completes the HDMI board connector portfolio of FCI," said Jennifer Zhang, global product marketing manager at FCI. "The HDMI product portfolio has received qualifications from leading OEMs in the consumer market and offers design engineers a smaller, more user-friendly solution."
FCI''s Micro HDMI connectors are available in a DIP+SMT legs version (10118241-001RLF) and a full DIP legs version (10118242-001RLF) with SMT solder tails. The connector has demonstrated a durability of 5,000 cycles. Passive latching technology prevents unintentional cable release. FCI also offers an HDMI A-type receptacle (10029449-111RLF) to enable linkage of HDMI A-type and D-type connectors in a host system.
FCI To Feature High-Speed I/O Connections At
SuperComputing 2011 Exhibition - 31/10/2011
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, will showcase products for high-performance computing (HPC) and data center applications at Booth #4807, Level 6 during the upcoming SuperComputing 2011 (SC’11) exhibition to be held November 14-17, 2011, in Seattle.
FCI Electronics Division will be highlighting its High-Speed I/O Connections offering -
including copper cable assemblies, active optical cables, transceivers, connectors and cages - to accomplish high-speed Infiniband, 10/40/100G Ethernet, Fibre Channel or SAS cable links. The complementary range of high-speed backplane, coplanar, orthogonal midplane, mezzanine and I/O connectors enabling complete, end-to-end link solutions will also be featured.
The featured High-Speed I/O Connections products will include:
• QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) connector, cages, copper cable assemblies and active optical cables (AOCs) designed for 4-lane cable interconnect applications demanding 40 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth, such as 40 Gigabit Ethernet or Infiniband QDR
• CXP copper cable assemblies and active optical cables designed for 100 Gigabit Ethernet (10x10Gb/s) or Infiniband QDR 12x links as well as CXP-to-QSFP splitter AOCs
• Mini-SAS HD internal and external connectors, cages and copper cable assemblies to enable 4x to 16x connections among servers and storage arrays at up to 12 Gb/s per channel
• External Mini-SAS connector, cages and copper cable assemblies to enable 4x connections at 3 - 6 Gb/s per channel among servers and external storage enclosures
• SFP+ connector, cages and copper cable assemblies to support server and storage
networking applications requiring a single 8 – 10 Gb/s lane for Fibre Channel,Ethernet or Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
• SFP+, XFP and SCFF (Small Cubic Form Factor) optical transceiver modules for 10 Gb/s Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications.
Searching Made Easy in FCI Website! - 20/10/2011
With the goal of bringing better satisfaction to the web visitors, www.fciconnect.com in English version is now powered by a new search engine.
This new search engine will go through all the contents of the product website from e-catalog, microsites (dedicated areas for products) documentation, applications, videos to press releases. In order to easily identify the type of matching results (e-catalog, product microsites, documentation, news etc) the results will be classified by category.
Enjoy this new functionality!
FCI extends Power.S3 range of production-ready EV connectors - 17/10/2011
FCI has announced a new addition to its Power.S3 family of high power connectors for the EV (Electric Vehicle) market. The 2 way 230A/750V RCS890 is a 90˚ version of the proven RCS800, and offers greater design flexibility to meet the challenge of ensuring reliable connection with bulky, large diameter power cables.
With volume production scheduled for mid-2012, the RCS890 builds on the success of the RCS800, which is already being deployed in the first generation of mass production Renault/Nissan EV’s, including the Nissan Leaf and Renault Z.E. range. Designed to complement the RCS800, the new connector will help alleviate the high mechanical stresses placed on connectors by the 35-50mm2 power cables required in EV engine bays.
Significantly, the RCS890 can be used in both ‘up’ and ‘down’ positions. It can also be used in conjunction with the RCS800, maximising the number of orientations possible.
Incorporating large Li-ion batteries, EV applications are characterised by operating voltages up to 800V and average continuous currents up to 300A. Connectors must therefore deliver outstanding protection against risks such as electrocution, interference and arcing. Furthermore, the need to maximise vehicle range while keeping budgets under control means that weight, size and total cost of ownership must be minimized.
Retaining all the successful and innovative features of the RCS800, the latest member of FCI’s Power.S3 family achieves exceptional levels of safety, sealing, shielding, durability and reliability. In common with the RCS800, the RCS890 incorporates terminals with an 8mm round pin design. These make more efficient use of space than equivalent square designs and boast higher like-for-like current carrying capacity. The RCS890 also incorporate the same innovative features developed for the RCS800...
Astorg Partners Acquires the Microconnections Division of FCI Group - 29/09/2011
Astorg Partners has signed an agreement with the French group FCI, one of the largest manufacturers of connectors and interconnect systems in the world, for the purchase of its Microconnections division. The transaction should be completed by the end of October 2011.
Microconnections is the world’s leading manufacturer of flexible tape material for smart cards. These sophisticated flexible printed circuits are used in several applications, including SIM cards for mobile phones, banking cards and e-ID cards, etc. Other products are also being developed such as connectors for medical sensors and connectors for LED bulbs.
Microconnections had a sales turnover of 202 million euros in 2010. Alongside the booming smart card market, its sales turnover has grown by 18% on average every year for the last five years. Microconnections employs 670 people at two production sites, one is located in Mantes-la-Jolie, France (390 employees) and the other in Singapore (280 employees).
Within ten years Microconnections has become the worldwide leader in its market thanks to its ability to invest in R&D. Consequently Microconnections has developed connectors adapted to its customers’ new applications, while steadily widening its product range and reinforcing the reliability and productivity of its production processes.
The deal with Astorg will be financed with a buy-out debt of 320 million euros. As is the case in most of its portfolio companies, Astorg will propose a broad employee shareholding scheme.
The selection of Astorg by FCI and its shareholder Bain Capital follows a competitive process designed to identify the best possible partner for the Microconnections division.
With more than €2 billion of assets under management, Astorg is one of the most active private equity firms in Europe. Established in 1998, Astorg has developed solid industry expertise supporting French companies in their development abroad.
“As the global leader in the manufacture of flexible printed circuits for smart card applications, it was essential for us to find the right partner to accompany MIC’s development plans”, said Christophe Duverne, CEO of Microconnections. “Astorg has a strong track record in developing the companies it invests in, while respecting their culture and social vision. Astorg has demonstrated solid expertise in technology companies. With their support, this spin-off will provide Microconnections with the right set-up to deploy its ambitious growth strategy.”
Christian Couturier, Partner at Astorg, adds: “We decided to invest in Microconnections because the company has managed to become a global leader in its market, thanks to its outstanding innovation capabilities and industrial know-how”,. “We are looking forward to working with Microconnections management team, led by Christophe Duverne; we are determined to offer them our full support to turn Microconnections, as a stand-alone company, into a worldwide success story for the benefit of its customers and teams.”
“Being part of Astorg’s portfolio will definitely open up increased opportunities for Microconnections to expand into new markets”, says Pierre Vareille, CEO, FCI Group. “Within the FCI context, Microconnections has been operating autonomously. As a stand-alone company, Microconnections will capitalize on its key assets and focus on further growth.”
"We have supported the rapid growth of Microconnections over the past five years and invested heavily in the technological innovations it has brought to its customers. The Company is very well positioned to continue on this strong trajectory" said Walid Sarkis, Managing Director at Bain Capital.”
FCI's Airmax Connector Systems Enable CompactPCI Serial Specification - 19/09/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that AirMax VS® high speed signal connectors meet the dimensional and electrical requirements described in the CompactPCI® Serial (PICMG CPCI-S.0) Specification. Connections between a front system or peripheral board and the backplane are accomplished using right-angle headers and vertical receptacles. The interface to a rear I/O board uses right-angle receptacles and vertical headers. The open pin field design of AirMax VS signal connectors provides flexibility to use pins for differential or single-ended signals, ground or power.
"The 72 and 96 position signal modules from the AirMax VS high-speed connector system are a perfect fit to CompactPCI Serial requirements," said James Lim, FCI global product marketing manager. With four differential pairs per column wafer and 2 mm column spacing, the connectors provide up to 184 pin pairs in a 3U form factor for exceptional signal density in a 20.32 mm (0.8 inch) card slot. The opposed dual-beam receptacle contact structure provides high reliability for electronic equipment, instruments, or systems that may see use in more demanding industrial environments.
The CompactPCI Serial Specification moves CompactPCI architecture to high-speed serial interconnects to add greater support for serial point to point fabrics like PCI Express®, SATA, Ethernet and USB in the classic CompactPCI form factor with mechanics fully compliant to IEC 1101. The specification contains definitions for both system and peripheral slots in 3U and 6U board sizes. The specification allows hybrid systems integrating legacy CompactPCI boards and newer CompactPCI Serial boards to simplify the migration to serial interconnect technologies.
The AirMax VS system uses FCI technologies for shield-less design with no metallic plates and closely coupled differential pairs deliver low loss and crosstalk. The capability to scale differential signals to 12.5 Gb/s with the AirMax VS system also provides headroom to support future increases in data rates without requiring changes to the connector interface.
AirMax VS connectors are lead-free, RoHS compliant, and halogen-free to aid efforts to minimize the use of environmentally sensitive materials in the electronics industry.
The AirMax VS connectors for CompactPCI Serial systems provide 12 individual contacts per column, which supports four differential signal pairs. Pricing typically starts at $0.10-$0.12 per mated signal line with a lead time of 4-6 weeks.
FCI's New Mezzanine Technology Delivers Performance and Profit - 08/09/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the release of the FCI MezzoStak(TM) 0.5mm-pitch mezzanine connector, a hermaphroditic "mates-to-self" design that uses the same part number for both mated sides. This highly efficient technology reduces engineering, financial, administrative and supply chain maintenance burdens by 50 percent.
"FCI's 0.5mm MezzoStak mezzanine connector perfectly blends technology, performance and usability with business benefits that increase customer revenue and profit," said David Hansen, FCI global product marketing manager, fine pitch mezzanine.
The connector's easy mating supports low-cost, worry-free usage for assembly personnel and end-users. Guidance features assist users with handling and use of this precision micro-miniature connector, and polarization prevents errors in PCB placement and mating.
MezzoStak's tough physical construction surpasses similar consumer-grade products making it ideal for industrial, commercial and high-reliability applications. Dual-point terminals assure redundant electrical contact. A short mating point and long wiping action reduces mechanical risk while a high un-mating force increases connection security. The connector operates in extreme temperature range of -40 to 125°C. Additionally, its high durability design insures performance up to 50 mating cycles.
"The MezzoStak is a low-cost alternative to high-speed, low pin count connectors, proven for performance in high-speed applications, including PCIeG2, and validated by test reports and customer-usable s-parameter models," said Hansen.
The connector, which is available in a standard version that provides solderable hold-downs for supplemental PCB support and a short version that eliminates hold-downs to conserve PCB space, has a PCB stack height range of 4-7mm and in 20 to 70 positions depending on configuration.
For more information on MezzoStak, including extensive design support information, test reports and tools; a free pocket demonstration kit and samples; and direct contact with an FCI global product manager, visit www.fciconnect.com/mezzostak.
FCI Named Top Supplier for 2010 by TTI Europe - 13/07/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, was named by TTI, Inc. as a winner of the 2010 Supplier Excellence Award in Europe. TTI, Inc. is one of the world''s leading distributor specialist for passive and interconnect components. The selection process for the award was based on criteria that included delivery performance, receiving quality, customer quality, business systems, operational support, as well as performance measurements of field relationships and development of the field sales organization.
"FCI is very pleased to receive this prestigious award", said Ronald Velda, FCI''s European Distribution Director. He concluded: "We have a multi-functional team that focuses on service improvements, and we are delighted that the result is that TTI has recognized our commitment to bring high-quality products by high-quality services via TTI to our customers in Europe."
FCI has received the bronze status award for achieving outstanding performance for the second year in a row. The Supplier Excellence Award represents the highest recognition possible for a supplier's performance within TTI, Inc. As a leading manufacturer of connectors for the communications, consumer electronics, data, industrial and medical industries, FCI is committed to providing the highest quality connectors, as well as unmatched technical support and expertise. By providing its distributors with the services they need to sell their products, FCI has developed strong and lasting relationships around the world.
The FCI team accepted its award at TTI Europe Headquarters, Maisach-Gernlinden, Germany, on July 7th 2011.
FCI connectors on track at 24 heures du Mans (June 11-12) - 07/06/2011
FCI Motorized Vehicles will have the performance of its Power.S3 product range for EV/HEV vehicles demonstrated live at Le Mans 24 heures, France on June 11-12.
FCI has signed a partnership with Formulec to sponsor its first electric formula car.
Around Formulec are gathered diverse skills coming from the world of the Formula 1, these companies designed what is currently the fastest Electric Formula Racing Car. The car, powered solely by electricity, already delivers astonishing performances accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in less than 3 seconds and pursues an objective of 250 kph top speed. To achieve that level of performance, Formulec counts on a selection of the best-in-class technical partners.
To transmit power from the battery to the electric engine, the car’s interconnection system relies on FCI’s recognized hi-performance connector from the EV/HEV vehicle Power.S3* range, namely the RCS800. FCI has lead upfront developments to provide the automotive industry with one of the smallest, most reliable solutions addressing the high current and high voltage (250A/400-800V) DC connection for the battery, junction box and inverter for instance.
In 2011, FCI will accompany Formulec whilst introducing the car throughout the world in numerous international events and showcases. To be continued …
FCI Introduces High-Performance, High-Density SCFF Transceiver - 27/05/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the release of the SCFF optical transceiver, which is designed to save significant in-board real estate without sacrificing performance or linear board density as compared to the existing SFP+ standard. The transceiver is built to a small cubic form factor (SCFF) that is mechanically modified from the industry standard SFP+ form factor.
“The sub-watt power consumption and the compact size allow system design with high port density, making the SCFF transceiver ideal for enterprise storage hardware, NICs, HBAs, HCAs, industrial, instrumentation and medical applications,” said Scott Kleinle, Director High Speed & Power business line.
The 11-pin electrical interface complies with specifications in SFP+ MSA (SFF-8431) for high-speed interfaces, including a 2-wire serial interface similar to I2C interfaces and power supplies, and with 2G/4G/8G FibreChannel specifications.
It is RoHS 6/6-complaint per Directive 2002/95/EC and laser safety class 1-compliant per IEC/CDRH. Duplex LC optical interfaces are offered for optical cabling hook-up.
The SCFF transceiver provides transmission of up to 150m over OM3 multi-mode fiber at 8G FC protocol with a low power consumption of <0.6W.
FCI expands its industrial market presence by acquiring a majority stake in Anytek Technology Corporation - 24/05/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors for the Data, Communications, Consumer, Automotive and Industrial markets has acquired a majority stake in Anytek, a Taiwanese manufacturer of terminal blocks.
The alliance between the two companies is the outcome of a partnership that started in 2009. Saint Yeh, founder and GM of the company, will remain a significant shareholder alongside FCI. Saint will continue to lead Anytek''s successful strategy, business model and teams.
With this transaction, FCI leverages Anytek''s prominent position in the growing terminal block market.
"We are very happy to welcome Anytek to the FCI family," said Pete Curwen, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of FCI - Electronics Division. "We are very impressed by the achievements of Saint Yeh and his team and look forward to supporting them to achieve their outstanding growth potential".
"In the past two years of continuous development of our commercial relationship, we have been impressed by the scale and reach of FCI, but also and more importantly by their success in mixing a global culture with a decentralized and entrepreneurial spirit", concludes Saint Yeh.
The transaction signing took place on May 20, 2011. Expected closing of the transaction is June 2011 subject to customary regulatory clearance.
FCI Introduces XCede® Backplane Connector Products - 24/05/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the release of XCede® vertical backplane headers and right-angle daughter card receptacles designed for 25 Gb/s performance. Vertical backplane header configurations provide two, four or six differential signal pairs per column wafer with four, six or eight wafers per signal connector module. The vertical header range also includes options with two-wall, three-wall, or four-wall connector shrouds. Among the three-wall options are versions with integrated guide posts and polarization key openings.
FCI is licensed second source to Amphenol which allows FCI to manufacture, market, and sell all XCede products and extensions.
"As evidence of both companies' commitment to second-source partnering, FCI and Amphenol have successfully concluded extensive inter-mateability qualification testing of their respective 4-pair XCede header and receptacle products to assure acceptable performance regardless of how backplane headers or daughter card connectors are interchanged by a customer," said Jeff O'Brien, global product manager at FCI.
The XCede connector platform provides a clear long-term migration path for customers who are designing equipment platforms that will need to evolve to enable higher speed signaling and higher levels of performance in future years. The use of advanced engineering polymers in a resonance-damping shield eliminates crosstalk resonances and enables very low crosstalk across a wide frequency range.
XCede connectors also address requirements for higher linear signal density at the backplane or midplane interface. Connectors with six differential pairs per column fit 36 mm minimum card slot pitch and provide 82.4 differential signal pairs/inch. Four-pair connectors provide 54.9 signal pairs/inch and can be used down to 25 mm card slot pitch. Two-pair connectors fit on as little as 15 mm slot pitch and support 27.5 signal pairs/inch along the card edge.
Complementary guidance and power modules are also included in the product range. In addition to providing individual right-angle receptacle signal modules, customized groupings of right-angle signal, guidance and power modules can be attached to a
single wafer organizer to form an integrated daughter card connector.
XCede backplane headers also provide the ruggedness and long-term reliability required in today's high-end systems. The wide ground contacts in the vertical header feature a stiffening rib that extends near the tip of the contact and are advanced well ahead of the signals for exceptional robustness and signal pin protection.
FCI Expands Terminal Block Portfolio with New PCB Fixed Configurations, Power Pluggable and Spring-Contact Products - 17/05/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the expansion of its terminal blocks product portfolio with additional PCB fixed configurations, power pluggable and spring-contact products, all ideal for industrial and instrumentation applications. With these additions, the product line will fulfill the needs for most connections a customer could need.
"Terminal blocks are essential for many circuit board designs," said Koos Steding, FCI''s global product manager. "With this line extension we now provide the most complete range of standard EURO-style terminal blocks for our customers in the industrial and instrumentation market, all delivered with the rising-cage-clamp-contact for high performance in demanding applications."
The newest additions to the terminal block range include fixed PCB connectors, vertical and angled wire-inlet as well as two-level horizontal wire inlet; a power pluggable version on 10.16mm with a current rating up to 55A; spring-contact pluggable and fixed versions for quick and easy installation; UL and VDE certifications. The new products join a range that already included front screw, key backside, contact downside plugs and 2-wall, 45°-angled, feedthrough sockets, and accessories such as polarization keys.
In its continuing effort to supply superior customer service, the terminal block micro-site has been further enhanced with an updated product type search, updated 3D models and mating half information, updated cross-referencing, and a new downloadable terminal blocks product catalog. The terminal block micro-site offers customers simplified, direct access to product solutions.
FCI has signed a partnership with Formulec to sponsor its first electric formula car - 13/05/2011
"Around www.formulec.org are gathered diverse skills coming from the world of the Formula 1, these companies designed what is currently the fastest Electric Formula Racing Car. The car, powered solely by electricity, already delivers astonishing performances accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in less than 3 seconds and pursues an objective of 250 kph top speed. To achieve that level of performance, Formulec counts on a selection of the best-in-class technical partners.To transmit power from the battery to the electric engine, the car’s interconnection system relies on FCI’s recognized hi-performance connector from the EV/HEV vehicle Power.S3* range, namely the RCS800. FCI has lead upfront developments to provide the automotive industry with one of the smallest, most reliable solutions addressing the high current and high voltage (250A/400-800V) DC connection for the battery, junction box and inverter for instance.In 2011, FCI will accompany Formulec whilst introducing the car throughout the world in numerous international events and showcases. No later than in 2012, the project is to set up the first full-electric single-seaters races.“As the Formulec project grows and gains resonance amongst political authorities and the public, we are very happy that FCI accepted to join in”, says Eric Barbaroux, president of Formulec. “FCI’s technological background makes them a valuable partner to support us in pushing our car’s limits. Together, we spearhead the path to a greener future in motorsport.” “The Formulec project perfectly matches our vision of what innovation should be. Just like Formulec, FCI develops technological breakthroughs that will become the reference for standard applications in the near future”, says Liam Butterworth, GM FCI Motorized Vehicles. “FCI Motorized Vehicle has always pushed for the highest standards to be applied in its connectors, beyond our customers’ requirements. We now have an opportunity to demonstrate live that our interconnect Power.S3 solutions can withstand the harshest conditions with constant performance. We are very excited to be part of the Formulec adventure!” *Power.S3 is a trademark of FCI
FCI收购IMPLO技术公司 - 13/04/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector and tooling solutions to the industrial, telecom, and energy industries, has acquired IMPLO Technologies, Inc. (www.implotech.ca), a leader in the field of implosive connector products for the Utility market, based in Markham, Ontario. This acquisition will allow FCI to leverage the technology developed by IMPLO to complement the full line of products the company offers to address Transmission interconnect applications.
The increasing acceptance of implosive technology as a means for the installation of transmission connectors for the Utility marketplace is the result of intensive research & development coupled with successful testing and field installations. The result is a high quality, long lasting connection synonymous with that of the BURNDY® Transmission portfolio of products. The family of IMPLO products is a strong complement to FCI’s extensive transmission product portfolio, which has been instrumental in the transmission of electrical power in locations throughout the world.
“This acquisition will make a solid long-term strategic contribution to FCI’s growing portfolio of quality connection systems with a focus on high voltage splicing and connection technology for Utility Transmission systems,” said Rodd Ruland, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of FCI – Electrical Division (BURNDY® Products). “We are encouraged by the technology we are getting as part of this move and the customer base that IMPLO has developed. We look forward to expanding the scope of design wins with utilities given our strong presence in the marketplace as a result.”
“The agreement with FCI is an important step forward and gives significant marketplace exposure to the technologies developed by IMPLO,” noted Ciro Pasini, Founder and President of IMPLO Technologies, Inc. “Since the BURNDY® brand is well recognized and respected, I chose to become part of FCI to improve our ability to meet customer needs and develop new products while keeping the IMPLO entrepreneurial spirit and tradition of excellence in products and services for which we are known.”
FCI 跻身工业部件及固件记分卡行业前五强 - 13/04/2011
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, and application tooling industries, announces that its parent company, FCI, has risen to #5 on The Patent Board™, Industrial Components & Fixtures’ Patent Scorecard. The Patent Board is the world''''''''''''''''s leading business-based patent advisor to Fortune 500 companies, technology-based start-ups, law firms, investment banks and governments. The Patent Board tracks and analyzes innovation, movement and business impact of patent assets across 17 industries on a global basis.
Moving up from its previous rank at #9, FCI maintains an even stronger hold in the Scorecard''''''''''''''''s top ten. According to The Patent Board, FCI had an 84% increase in Research Intensity™, as well as a 29% increase in Industry Impact™ and a 5% increase in patents granted to propel them up four positions to rank 5th overall. FCI was granted 83 patents in 2008.
BURNDY® PRODUCTS offer uninversal grade cable ties - 13/04/2011
BURNDY® Products is pleased to announce an addition to their cable tie line. The CT-UG version cable ties are Universal Grade, one-piece, injection-molded ties providing maximum strength and adjustability to secure many sizes of bundles. These cable ties are suited for production line use at OEMs or other high-volume purchasers of cable ties. The ties offer high tensile strength and are chemically resistant to solvents, alkalies, oils, grease and diluted acids. Rounded edges and a bent-tip make installation easy, fast, accurate and secure, they also offer a self-locking mechanism and secure without twisting or leaving sharp projections.
FCI Introduces a New 1.25mm Wire-to-Board Connector System - 04/04/2011
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, has developed a 1.25mm wire-to-board connector system that is designed for a wide range of demanding applications such as industrial control, automotive telematics, (home) security systems and much more.
"The 1.25m w-to-b range consists of terminals, crimp housings and PCB headers in straight, right-angle, surface-mount and through-mount configurations in a range from two to 15 contacts per connector," said Rob Poort, business line director at FCI. "The addition of this 1.25mm w-to-b system to the already existing 2.54mm, 2.00mm and 1.27mm pitch board-to-board and wire-to-board product portfolio provides customers with more options to select from a standard product range."
FCI''''s 1.25mm w-to-b system conforms to the EU Industry Safety Standard, and the PCB header material meets the halogen-free requirements. The products can be operated in the temperature range of -40°C to +105°C.
FCI Expands 2.00mm Pitch Minitek® Product Portfolio With Horizontal SMT Headers - 29/03/2011
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, now offers a series of 2.00mm Minitek® horizontal surface-mount headers in the 2.00mm-pitch Minitek board-to-board and wire-to-board product portfolio. These newest Minitek products enable perpendicular printed circuit board connections on a 2mm grid using surface-mount technology and are used in many industrial, instrumentation and medical applications.
"This new series consists of single- and double-row options with two to 25 positions per row and has three different mating lengths," said Franck Chapouilly, product manager for Basics+® products at FCI.
Moreover, the Minitek 2.00mm-pitch board and wire products offer all the benefits of the Basics+ program, which provides exceptional service on a variety of standard 2.54mm- and 2mm-pitch board-to-board, wire-to-board and cable-to-board connectors. Services and benefits of the Basics+ program include immediate technical assistance via the basics.help@fci.com hotline, a dedicated microsite and catalog for easier product research, a simplified ordering process, and fast delivery of sample or prototype quantities, as well as a Global Distributor supply program.
Japan Earthquake Impact - 15/03/2011
As you are well aware, Japan has faced on Friday March 11th, 2011 the most severe earthquake in Japan’s history, followed by a devastating tsunami and nuclear evacuations.
FCI does have staff and facilities in Japan.
Thankfully there were no severe injuries to our employees and their families.
However, these force majeure circumstances are having a dramatic impact on life and business in this region which could prevent us from manufacturing/shipping products from Japan.
Following is a quick update on FCI’s resources in Japan.
• FCI Japan KK Headquarters – Tokyo, Japan: This sales, engineering and business office is fully staffed and focused on FCI’s earthquake recovery.
• FCI Japan KK Ishioka Site – Ishioka, Japan (100 km northeast of Tokyo): This manufacturing location, dedicated to FCI’s Electronics Division, sustained large tremors with limited structural damage. Power was restored today and machines are being evaluated for production restart as soon as possible. The Ishioka Site is 1 of 9 FCI Electronics manufacturing sites worldwide. Production from the Ishioka site and local suppliers is mainly focused on the following product lines: FFC/FPC, Mobile Phone connectors, BTFM/BTFW/BTEM and PHEC/PHEN.
• Suppliers/Subcontractors (all FCI Divisions) – various Japan locations: This concerns primarily our Electronics Division. FCI has made contact with each of our strategic suppliers and subcontractors. Most were not impacted by the earthquake. However, there are some reports of structural damage, tsunami flooding and evacuations due in particular to the Fukushima nuclear plant. FCI is evaluating supply chain disruptions and possible options.
FCI is currently assessing the impact on the supply chain and will be contacting our customers and distribution partners as soon as additional information on any specific supply interruptions is available.
Please make sure everyone in your organization and within your own supply chain with a need to know is fully informed of this adverse situation.
Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as the recovery process continues.
Pierre Vareille
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FCI Demonstrates 25 Gb/s Over AirMax VSe(TM) Backplane - 10/02/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, partnered with National Semiconductor and Agilent to successfully demonstrate 25 Gb/s differential signal transmission over a backplane link at DesignCon 2011, held Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. The backplane demonstrator featured FCI''s AirMax VSe(TM) backplane connector system, 28 Gb/s discrete quad-channel retimer technology recently announced by National Semiconductor, and 28 Gb/s pulse pattern generator from Agilent. The backplane link displayed excellent signal integrity with a clean output eye, zero bit errors and excellent jitter performance.
FCI''s next-generation AirMax VSe connector provides users of its proven AirMax VS® connector system with a migration path to higher data rates while preserving the pin assignment flexibility of an open pin field design. The connectors feature backwards mating-compatible interfaces to existing AirMax VS connectors with minimal changes to connector board footprints. The connectors combine FCI technologies for a shield-less design with no metallic plates and closely edge-coupled differential pairs with innovative design improvements to yield low loss and crosstalk.
"The connector and chip technologies to enable 25 Gb/s lanes over copper backplane links are essential to accomplish narrower 4 x 25 Gb/s implementations of 100 Gb/s links for Ethernet or Infiniband," said David Sideck, global market manager for high speed and power products at FCI.
"Moving beyond 10 Gb/s lanes on the backplane will also enable next-generation data center equipment designs to increase backplane capacities to support growing front panel I/O bandwidth demands while significantly reducing the number of required high speed signal traces."
At DesignCon 2011, FCI also demonstrated a wide open eye pattern diagram for
12 Gb/s signal transmission over a 10-meter, 28 AWG Mini-SAS HD cable assembly.
FCI's New High Speed I/O Microsite Simplifies Design and Specification - 31/01/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated microsite for its High Speed I/O Connections offering, including a core product selector to help simplify specification from the company's complete range of high-speed I/O connectors and cable assembly solutions. Featured products in FCI's High Speed I/O Connections offering include active optical cables, copper cable assemblies, transceivers, connectors and cages to enable InfiniBand, Ethernet, Fibre Channel or SAS interconnect technologies.
"FCI's acquisition of MergeOptics active optical cable and transceiver products allowed us to expand the product range and the design tools we offer designers through our website," said Jim David, global product marketing director, high-speed I/O products. "We''ve combined the product selection tools with ease-of-access to technical information to further increase the value of FCI''s customer service."
The updated microsite can be found at www.fciconnect.com/hsio. The microsite''s core product selector tool simplifies choices of optimal product solutions and provides capability to access and download technical papers, test reports, 3D models, product datasheets and brochures.
FCI''''s HPCE(TM)Power Connector Now Available In Straddle Mount Version - 30/01/2011
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that its High Power Card Edge (HPCE(TM)) connector is now available in a straddle mount configuration. The straddle mount configuration provides a lower profile height option (2.8mm above the PCB surface) to facilitate even greater system airflow.
The HPCE connector features ultra-low contact resistance (<= 0.6 m? after environmental exposure) for low connector power loss, significantly increased linear current density (180A/inch with multiple contacts energized), a low profile height for increased system airflow and heat dissipation, a robust housing with touch-proof safety features, and mounting options to ensure proper mating and enhanced solder reflow.
The connector is rated to 9A per power contact beam (with multiple power contacts fully energized) without exceeding a 30°C temperature rise in still air. The HPCE connector is based on very cost-effective and highly reliable stamped-and-formed power contact technology.
"The addition of the straddle mount configuration to our established vertical and right-angle connector range extends the HPCE connector''''s reach to an even greater number of system architectures," said John Dodds, global power product manager at FCI. "The HPCE connector family''''s excellent performance in combination with its flexibility and tooling modularity make it ideal for next generation 1U/2U servers, storage enclosures, telecommunications equipment and datacom/networking equipment."
Straddle mount HPCE connectors are available with power and signal contacts integrated into a single molded housing for power distribution and power control. The flexible, modular tooling approach used for the HPCE connector makes the product highly configurable in terms of the number and placement of the power and signal contacts for custom power needs.
FCI''s HPCE(TM) Power Connector Is Named Finalist for 2011 DesignVision Award - 20/01/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that its High Power Card Edge (HPCE(TM)) product has been named a finalist for a 2011 DesignVision Award in the Interconnect Technologies and Components category. Products are chosen for their visionary design, cutting-edge technology and innovation. DesignVision Award winners will be announced on February 1 at the DesignCon® 2011 conference and exhibition (January 31 - February 3 in Santa Clara, California).
The HPCE connector is a next generation power card edge connector with ultra-low contact resistance for low power loss and very high linear current density. It utilizes innovative stamped-and-formed power contacts and a unique housing design to deliver increased power in a more compact and lower profile package. The low profile height (<= 7.5 mm for maximized airflow) and high linear current density (180A/inch with multiple contacts energized) make it ideal for demanding AC and DC power supply and/or add-in card applications in next generation 1U/2U servers, storage enclosures, telecommunications equipment and datacom/networking equipment.
"We are pleased that the HPCE power card edge connector has been chosen as a finalist in such a competitive category," said John Dodds, global product marketing manager - power products, FCI. "The connector industry always exhibits its newest and best products at DesignCon. To be recognized in this way is an honor for our design engineers and a tribute to FCI''s commitment to innovation."
The HPCE power card edge connector, along with other leading edge high-speed and power products from FCI, will be displayed February 1-2 in booth #417 at the DesignCon 2011 conference and exhibition.
FCI''s HPCE(TM) Power Connector Is Named Finalist for 2011 DesignVision Award - 20/01/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that its High Power Card Edge (HPCE(TM)) product has been named a finalist for a 2011 DesignVision Award in the Interconnect Technologies and Components category. Products are chosen for their visionary design, cutting-edge technology and innovation. DesignVision Award winners will be announced on February 1 at the DesignCon® 2011 conference and exhibition (January 31 - February 3 in Santa Clara, California).
The HPCE connector is a next generation power card edge connector with ultra-low contact resistance for low power loss and very high linear current density. It utilizes innovative stamped-and-formed power contacts and a unique housing design to deliver increased power in a more compact and lower profile package. The low profile height (<= 7.5 mm for maximized airflow) and high linear current density (180A/inch with multiple contacts energized) make it ideal for demanding AC and DC power supply and/or add-in card applications in next generation 1U/2U servers, storage enclosures, telecommunications equipment and datacom/networking equipment.
"We are pleased that the HPCE power card edge connector has been chosen as a finalist in such a competitive category," said John Dodds, global product marketing manager - power products, FCI. "The connector industry always exhibits its newest and best products at DesignCon. To be recognized in this way is an honor for our design engineers and a tribute to FCI''s commitment to innovation."
The HPCE power card edge connector, along with other leading edge high-speed and power products from FCI, will be displayed February 1-2 in booth #417 at the DesignCon 2011 conference and exhibition.
FCI Introduces RJ45 1x8 Modular Jack for GPON Systems - 07/01/2011
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding its modular jack product line with the RJ45 1 stack, 8 port shield connector with LED. Designed for Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) systems, the modular jack is ideal for broadband switches, hubs, routers, servers and telecommunication applications. With RJ45 1x8 installed, GPON device can offer a more bandwidth-efficient protocol for data-centric services.
GPON, already deployed by many of the world''s largest Tier 1 telecommunications carriers, has quickly established itself as the worldwide standard for delivering voice, data and video. Among other benefits, GPON provides an enormous amount of bandwidth (2.5 Gb/s downstream and 1.25 Gb/s upstream) over a single strand of glass. FCI''s 1x8 Modular Jack could be designed into systems employing GPON 2U/1U MDU (Multiple Dwelling Unit) rack for customer line cards I/O.
FCI''s RJ45 1 stack, 8-port shield connector with LED is available in a dip modular jack. It provides a low profile, durability rated at 1,000 cycles, and operating temperatures from 0ºC to 70ºC. Designed to GS-22-008 and UL94V-0 specifications and RoHS-compliant, the modular jacks employ a shield shell for EMI protection. The RJ45 connectors come in plating options including G/F, 6u", 15u", 30u" and 50u'' gold plating and also feature optional LED colors. LED applications include fiber optic data transmission and ease of modulation allows wide communication bandwidth with minimal noise, resulting in high speed and accuracy with long life providing signal identification. FCI promoted P/N is 10113616-01231LF.
FCI Microconnections Celebrates 25 Years of Industry Leadership and 30 Billion Parts Shipped at Cartes ShowFair (Paris, December 7-9) - 26/11/2010
FCI Microconnections celebrates 25 years of experience and 30 billion parts shipped since its inception, at the Cartes trade fair, December 7-9.
The global market leader in the supply of flexible printed circuits for smartcard applications has been thoroughly focused on understanding market requirements, bringing breakthrough innovations to the industry and investing aggressively in order to build sufficient capacity for this fast growing market.
The company''''s leadership position is based on:
- Best-in-Class innovation capabilities enabling benchmark quality and productivity which help its partners achieve lowest cost of ownership
- Largest installed capacity to support industry needs. This capacity was further expanded with the recent opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Changi, Singapore
- Full business continuity secured by two fully autonomous manufacturing sites in France and Singapore.
At the Cartes 2010 show, FCI Microconnections will be highlighting some of its technological capabilities such as:
- Corrosion resistant plating technologies
- Smartcard tape design and customization
To learn more about FCI Microconnections, visit us at Cartes Paris on booth 4J 109.
FCI Develops 0.20mm Pitch FPC Connector Series for Consumer Electronics - 09/11/2010
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, now offers a 0.20mm pitch FPC connector with a 0.90mm height. Designated the XL-Series, the FPC connector can withstand high cable-retention forces, making it ideal for consumer applications including mobile phones, smart phones, digital still cameras and other miniature consumer applications.
"The miniaturization trend within the consumer segment is one of the driving forces behind development of an even smaller-pitch, lower-height flex connector design," said Akira Nakia, global product line director, FCI.
The connector''s flipping actuator facilitates secure cable assembly with click actuation, and the XL-Series devices are available with cable lock. FCI integrated these features into the new connector design to ensure compatibility for automotive multimedia applications.
The XL-Series is currently available in a 29-contact version and can be assembled with a 0.2mm-thick FPC cable. Various other contact versions will soon be available.
FCI Expands Terminal Block Portfolio - 09/11/2010
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the expansion of its terminal blocks product portfolio with new plug and socket configurations, all ideal for industrial and instrumentation applications.
"Terminal blocks have been around for many years, but they are still going strong. They are essential for many circuit board designs," said Koos Steding, FCI''s global product manager. "With a complete pluggable terminal blocks range, FCI strengthens its position in the industrial and instrumentation market."
The expanded line will make available various new configurations including front screw, key backside, contact downside plugs and 2-wall, 45°-angled, feedthrough sockets, and accessories such as polarization keys. All configurations are available with or without the screw-locking-side-flange feature. Green-colored plastic is standard but optional black, blue and grey color plastics are also available. Screw-type option, slotted or Philips (cross-head) screw-types are now available, as well as custom product printing. The entire FCI terminal block range is built with the proven rising-cage-clamp technology (lift system) to ensure long life and reliable connections.
In its continuing effort to supply superior customer service, an enhanced terminal block micro-site enables customers to find the products of their choice within three clicks. It shows four major product categories by photo, and when one of the four photos is clicked, the user is guided to the product details within that category. After selecting a product, the user is immediately directed to a dedicated web page with all product details including specifications, customer drawings and 3D mechanical models.
The terminal block micro-site offers customers direct access to product solutions and provides downloadable information such as product brochures, catalogs, product training videos and an online cross-reference.
FCI To Feature High-Speed I/O Connections At SuperComputing 2010 Exhibition - 01/11/2010
FCI, the global leading connector manufacturer, will showcase products for high-performance computing (HPC) and data center applications at Booth #4733 in Hall I1 during the upcoming SuperComputing 2010 (SC''10) exhibition to be held November 15-18, 2010 in New Orleans, LA.
FCI Electronics Division will be highlighting its High-Speed I/O Connections offering, including copper cable assemblies, active optical cables and transceivers, which accomplish high-speed Infiniband QDR, 10/40/100G Ethernet, Fibre Channel or SAS cable links. The complementary range of high-speed backplane, coplanar, mezzanine and I/O connectors enabling complete, end-to-end link solutions will also be featured.
The featured High-Speed I/O Connections products will include:
· QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) connector, cages, copper cable assemblies and active optical cables (AOCs) designed for 4-lane cable interconnect applications demanding 40 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth, such as 40 Gigabit Ethernet or Infiniband QDR .
· CXP active optical cables designed for 100 Gigabit Ethernet (10x10Gb/s) or Infiniband QDR 12x links as well as CXP-to-QSFP splitter cables · SFP+ connector, cages and copper cable assemblies to support server and storage networking applications requiring a single 8 - 10 Gb/s lane for Fibre Channel, Ethernet or Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) · SFP+, XFP and X2 optical transceiver modules for 10 Gb/s Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications · Mini-SAS connector, cages and copper cable assemblies to enable 4x connections at 3 - 6 Gb/s per channel among servers and external storage enclosures.
FCI and Molex Sign License for iPass+ HD(TM) Connector System Technology - 21/09/2010
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.
FCI's New SAS Plug Connectors Boost I/O Performance in SSD 6 Gb/s Apps - 20/07/2010
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, has expanded its range of SAS connectors for its storage business line with the development of 29-position SAS connectors for the Solid State Drive (SSD) industry. The new connectors are a higher-performance I/O option for SSD applications that require 6 Gb/s data speed.
"The newest SAS connectors for SSD were a natural expansion of our proven SAS line and were developed in response to our many customers who were adopting SSD in their enterprise/server applications due to its high performance, high reliability, and low energy consumption," said FCI''s Regional Business Development Manager Eric Tng.
FCI''s SAS product range for SSD complies with the SAS 2.1 specification in terms of mating interface, performance and signal integrity (SI). SI performance is verified to reach 6 Gb/s data speed, but FCI has also supported one SSD customer in connector development to achieve an even higher data speed requirement.
The SAS connectors are designed to support hot-plugging and blind-mating of SSDS, with molded guide posts providing angled lead-in to compensate for misalignment.
The SAS connectors for SSD are available in various mating heights and offer two different mounting methods - SMT retainers or forklock design. SMT mounting enables process automation during board population, which is further simplified with the orientation molded posts. The mating interface orientation is per current orientation used in SSD.
The SAS connectors can also be utilized for interposer / adapter applications in enterprise servers.
FCI Introduces Highly Reliable Micro USB for Multimedia Devices - 21/06/2010
FCI''s Micro USB is ideal for applications with space constraints. Approximately 60% smaller than the average mini-USB connector, the Micro USB provides high reliability while requiring little space, providing engineers a solution for the sleek, small designs of tomorrow.
"The Micro USB marketplace is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, and we expect this will also increase interest in standard USB (including USB Plus Power) and Mini-USB offerings, which is why FCI already offers a wide range of USB-compliant connectors for a wide range of applications," said Jennifer Zhang, global product manager, FCI.
The Micro USB Connector is RoHS-compatible and ensures direct data transmission among mobile devices without host and complies to USB 1.1 and 2.0 standards. Highly durable, the Micro USB has a passive latch mechanism preventing unintentional cable release and has a life span of 10,000 cycles. The connector''s receptacles and plugs are available in a wide variety of mounting and termination configurations enabling it to be used in a wide array of devices.
FCI offers Micro USB B and A/B type receptacles (Standard; Mid-Mount and Reverse) as well as a B-type plug.
FCI Honors Digi-Key for Performance Excellence - 17/05/2010
FCI, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector and cable assembly solutions to the data, communications, consumer, industrial and medical markets, has honored Digi-Key (www.digikey.com) for its high level of service and performance with the FCI Electronic Division with its Performance Excellence Award.
Digi-Key has continued to exceed expectations and the market with FCI ELX Division since it was added to the distribution network, and FCI recognized the distributor''s outstanding performance by presenting the award at EDS 2010. Digi-Key has helped the FCI ELX Division continue to grow its customer base, increase its print position and grow its sales faster than the overall market. Digi-Key has also helped the FCI ELX Division be more visible to the electronics design engineer community through its multi-faceted approach both in print and electronic formats.
"Digi-Key is often recognized by industry surveys as one of the leaders in the electronics distribution marketplace and we are enjoying the benefits of being partnered with them to reach the electronic design engineers. They have helped us to provide our customers with more complete and innovative solutions to meet their needs today and in the future," said Pete Curwen, corporate vice president and general manager of the FCI Electronics Division.
"Digi-Key is pleased to accept this award for excellent distributor performance from FCI," said Mark Larson, Digi-Key''s president and COO. "Our goal is to provide excellent service both for our customers and authorized supplier partners. We take pride in achieving that goal and in the recognition of that achievement by our world-leading supplier partners, like FCI, that make it possible for Digi-Key to continue providing the widest breadth of top-quality products in stock for customers around the world."
FCI Offers Flexible Circuit Assemblies to Increase Design Flexibility - 27/04/2010
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, has introduced the Flexible ConnectionsSM series. This new FCI product family provides expert integration of flexible circuitry and PCB connectors to preserve system performance with mechanical and signal integrity.
The Flexible Connections family includes flex assemblies, fine-pitch jumpers, high-density BGA-based flex assemblies, and rigid flexes using press-fit backplane connectors.
"These products extend interconnect limits so customers can innovate." says David Hansen, FCI Global Product Marketing Manager. "Connector technology, flex circuit technology and design services all blend to help customers perfect their own designs."
FCI''s Flexible Connections incorporate many of the benefits of flex circuit-based interconnections, including signal routing contained in flat "2D" spaces to improve ventilation, and natural mechanical forgiveness of flex circuitry that reduces stress on surface-mount solder joints. Furthermore, flex assemblies reduce manufacturing complexity and costs and the low-density flex materials reduce overall system weight. Rolled annealed copper construction supports repeated movement and vibration in dynamic applications.
The flexible circuits used in PCB connectors increase interconnection possibilities, electro-mechanical flexibility, thus increasing design and manufacturing freedom. A variety of shielding and materials options support electrical and EMI requirements.
The Flexible Connections family is part of FCI''s versatile family of MezzSelect(TM) Mezzanine connectors. They are supported by technical information and innovative design tools that can be found at www.mezzselect.com. Design support information is also available at www.fciconnect.com/flexibleconnections.
FCI Expands D-Sub High Density Series - 15/04/2010
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, expanded its D-sub High Density seri....
FCI Acquires Assets of MergeOptics - 23/02/2010
FCI, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector and cable assembly solutions to the data, comm....
FCI Features New TwinMezz(R) High-Density, High-Speed Mezzanine Connector System at DesignCon 2010 - 14/01/2010
FCI announces the successful demonstration of a 20+ Gb/s data stream over its new ultra-high density TwinMezz(R) mezzanine connector system, which has also been named a finalist in the 2010 DesignVision Awards program in the Interconnect Technologies and Components category by the International Engineering Consortium (IEC). The TwinMezz(R) connector system provides superior electrical performance at the highest data rates, the highest signal density, and the lowest insertion force when compared to other available mezzanine connectors.
The TwinMezz connectors exhibit very well-matched impedance, low insertion loss, and low crosstalk, which make them well-suited for applications in very high-speed environments.
Configurations with six differential signal pairs per column provide maximum signal density, delivering 25 high-speed signal pairs in a square centimeter, or 161 signal pairs in a square inch. The innovative hermaphroditic design mates to itself and supports stack heights ranging from 12mm to 40mm with 200 to 800 total contacts.
The TwinMezz connector system provides exceptional flexibility with options for integrated molded or optional metal guides and the capability to mix signal and power wafers in a single connector. The versatile open pin field design offers additional flexibility by allowing for mixed differential, single-ended or power pin assignments in a single connector. TwinMezz connectors also feature FCI''s patented BGA connector termination for easy surface-mount attachment and efficient trace routing. For more information, visit www.fciconnect.com/twinmezz.
The TwinMezz(R) connector system, along with other leading edge high-speed and power products from FCI, will be displayed February 2-3 in booth #515 at the DesignCon conference and exhibition in Santa Clara, CA. DesignVision Award winners will be announced at the conference on February 2.
FCI Microconnections参加法国巴黎2009电子卡展览会(11月17-19日) - 06/11/2009
FCI Microconnections, a worldwide leader in flexible circuits for contact smart card, dual interface applications, RFID tags & antennas and special consumer applications, will be present at Cartes show, Paris. This year, the company draws on its 25 year-old expertise and 25 Billion of delivered products to demonstrate its process and technology capabilities. By offering reliable high volume production and permanent innovation, FCI improves standard products and develops new ones.
Product wise, special highlights will be given on FCI product offering for ID applications, RF SIM card, M2M applications and NFC smart stickers, with the objective to support customers in deploying new applications which shall feed the future growth of the smart card industry.
Process wise, special highlights will be given on FCI expertise in surface finishing and reel-to-reel processes:
- After setting a new plating standard for the smart card industry, FCI is working on new innovations both to improve quality while being able to propose a more competitive offer.- FCI is also applying its expertise in reel-to-reel with the view to implement reliable high volume processes to cope with their customer needs. Significant achievements have been reached with setting up of laser drilling, copper plating and Automated Optical Inspection in reel-to-reel.
To learn about how FCI Microconnections is permanently innovating for a smart future, visit our booth Hall 4 n° L 111.
FCI Announces AirMax VS® Connectors for Use in SSI Blade Server Platforms - 08/10/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that configurations of the popular AirMax VS® high-performance connector system are now available to support blade server platforms.
AirMax VS® high-speed signal connectors, guide modules, and power connectors are well suited to connect a Compute Blade module, Compute Blade Mezzanine module, or a Chassis Management Module (CMM) to a midplane in a SSI modular blade server chassis. The high-speed interconnect channels support industry-standard technologies such as PCI Express* Gen 2, Infiniband*, Fibre Channel and IEEE802.3ap*-2007 "Backplane Ethernet" (1000BASE-KX,
10GBASE-KX4 or 10GBASE-KR). A short-detect contact in the signal connectors allows hot-swap insertion and removal of Compute Blade and CMM modules.
"Blade servers are the fastest growing server form factor today and unit sales are projected to grow over 20% per year through 2013," said James Lim, global product marketing manager. "The SSI modular blade specifications will help facilitate the market transition to server blades."
FCI BergStik® Products Now More Cost-Efficient, Offer Shorter Lead Times - 15/09/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, has enhanced the production process for the BergStik® product range so that the right-angle and surface-mount units provide lower costs and shorter lead times to customers. Improved manufacturing processes have lowered production costs, resulting in lower end-product costs and shorter lead times. These new developments result in a more economical solution for a wide range of electronic applications.
"FCI recognizes that economical solutions should still offer the same high level of performance achieved with connectors priced at a standard rate,"
said FCI Product Manager, Franck Chapouilly. "In the process, the manufacturing changes we''ve employed allow for improved lead times and purchasing flexibility."
The BergStik® product family is available in surface-mount, through-hole and Pin-in-Paste versions with single- and double-row offerings, in straight or right-angle orientation, with two to 72 positions. Featuring a "breakaway"
design, each connector can be cut or broken to length to suit the application profile. The maximum current rating is 3A per contact. For more information on the BergStik® product range, please visit www.fci.com/basics
Additionally, BergStik® products offer all the benefits of the Basics+® program, which provides exceptional service on a variety of standard 2.54mm- and 2mm-pitch board-to-board, wire-to-board and cable-to-board connectors.
Services and benefits of the Basics+ program include immediate technical assistance via the basics.help@fci.com hotline, a dedicated microsite and catalog for easier product research, a simplified ordering process, and fast delivery of sample or prototype quantities.
FCI launches the AK2+ ESD squib, its latest innovation in airbag connector solutions - 15/09/2009
FCI has developed the AK2+ ESD (Electro Static Discharge) squib, the first commercially available airbag connector to integrate the grounding function within the squib connector itself.
“The new AK2+ ESD connector solution is the result of a partnership with VW/Audi and is due to be employed for the first time in a VW model scheduled for launch in early summer 2010. As an established leader in Safety Restraint Systems (SRS), FCI Motorized Vehicle division remains committed to listening to customer requirements”, explains Marcus Wierer, Director Global Sales & Marketing covering the FCI MVL Business Line SRS/High End Cable Assemblies (HECA).
Alongside enhancing reliability and cutting assembly costs, the AK2+ ESD squib eliminates potential misfiring caused by electro static discharge with completely integrated grounding. It thus allows safe traceability of grounding.
Last but not least, the new connector retains full compatibility with existing standards (AK, USCAR, ISO 19072-1) as well as FCI’s patented mate assist function, CPA (Connector Position Assurance).
FCI Expands Flexible Circuit Connector Family with Lowest Profile Connector for Handheld Applications - 27/08/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, announced the addition of a new ultra low-profile 0.5mm pitch flexible circuit connector to its family of FFC/FPC connectors.
Designated the VLP series, the connector system features one of the industry''s lowest mounted profiles at 0.7mm. The connectors are surface mountable with a zero insertion force (ZIF) cable insertion and a backside flip design. The VLP series is an ideal solution for height-constrained applications including smartphones, touchscreens, small displays, handheld medical devices and industrial meters and portable instruments.
The ZIF cable insertion design prevents cable buckling and avoids excessive scraping of contact surfaces, which provides for the VLP series'' 20 high number of mating cycles. First introduced by FCI, the back side flip design enables a one-handed cable insertion and actuation process, assuring the cable has been inserted properly and results in a higher quality end product.
"We developed the VLP Series connectors to meet customer requests for high quality, lower profile FFC/FPC products," said Akira Nakai, FCI global product line director. "Not only do these connectors conform to the lower profile requirements, but they also include various features that ensure automotive multimedia compatibility, further meeting customers'' needs."
To ensure compatibility with automotive multimedia applications, the connector features a flipping actuator that facilitates a secure cable assembly with click actuation. The VLP Series is also available with or without the FCI cable lock strain relief option.
Another key feature is a hook-locking mechanism in the actuator of the connector to improve the retention force and mating alignment during cable insertion.
The VLP series has a 0.5 mm connector pitch, 0.7mm height and is available in 4,8 and 10 positions.
FCI Expands Flexible Circuit Connector Family with Lowest Profile Connector for Handheld Applications - 27/08/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, announced the addition of a new ultra low-profile 0.5mm pitch flexible circuit connector to its family of FFC/FPC connectors.
Designated the VLP series, the connector system features one of the industry''s lowest mounted profiles at 0.7mm. The connectors are surface mountable with a zero insertion force (ZIF) cable insertion and a backside flip design. The VLP series is an ideal solution for height-constrained applications including smartphones, touchscreens, small displays, handheld medical devices and industrial meters and portable instruments.
The ZIF cable insertion design prevents cable buckling and avoids excessive scraping of contact surfaces, which provides for the VLP series'' 20 high number of mating cycles. First introduced by FCI, the back side flip design enables a one-handed cable insertion and actuation process, assuring the cable has been inserted properly and results in a higher quality end product.
"We developed the VLP Series connectors to meet customer requests for high quality, lower profile FFC/FPC products," said Akira Nakai, FCI global product line director. "Not only do these connectors conform to the lower profile requirements, but they also include various features that ensure automotive multimedia compatibility, further meeting customers'' needs."
To ensure compatibility with automotive multimedia applications, the connector features a flipping actuator that facilitates a secure cable assembly with click actuation. The VLP Series is also available with or without the FCI cable lock strain relief option.
Another key feature is a hook-locking mechanism in the actuator of the connector to improve the retention force and mating alignment during cable insertion.
The VLP series has a 0.5 mm connector pitch, 0.7mm height and is available in 4,8 and 10 positions.
FCI fights connector system imitation - 03/08/2009
FCI Automotive France successfully initiated preliminary injunction proceedings against SeCo, Gdynia (Poland). With the order of June 5, 2009, the District Court of Cologne ordered a preliminary injunction without hearing the defendant in writing or by means of an oral hearing.
The Court ordered the defendant to cease and desist from offering or distributing in the Federal Republic of Germany and/or to have offered and/or distributed in the Federal Republic of Germany the attacked connector system, pictured herewith, consisting of a 56-way male connector, a 56-way female connector, a locking slider and a cover on the commercial market. The Court considered that FCI had rendered credible that the attacked connector system was an unfair imitation of the FCI 56-way connector system.
The preliminary injunction is subject to appeal in the form of an „opposition“.
FCI Develops FPC (ZIF) Connector Series For Consumer Electronics - 27/07/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, now offers a complete range of front-side flip-actuator FPC ZIF (Zero insertion force) connectors. Designated the VLK Series, the FPC ZIF connectors provide a robust design that can withstand high-cable retention forces, making them ideal for consumer and automotive applications including LCD monitors, LCD TV sets, optical disc drives and monitors/displays.
"Consumer and automotive multimedia systems are utilizing larger and higher-quality LCD displays that require FPC connection," said Akira Nakia, global product line director, FCI.
"Optical disc drive systems such as Blu-Ray are consuming elevated levels of data volume that require faster transmission speeds and more signals in the system to connect with pick-up units and module boards. The VLK Series was designed to meet these requirements." The connector’s flipping actuator facilitates the secure cable assembly with click actuation.
FCI integrated these features to ensure compatibility for automotive multimedia applications. The connectors front-side flip actuator facilitates the secure cable assembly with click actuation. The VLK Series connectors are currently available in 35, 45 and 60 contact versions and can be assembled with a 0.3mm thick FPC cable.
FCI group enters into agreement to sell its US-based Electrical division to Hubbell Incorporated - 22/07/2009
FCI group is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Electrical division* known by the brand name BURNDY® to Hubbell Incorporated. BURNDY® represented circa 12% of FCI group’s total sales revenue in 2008. As a result of the excellent performance of its Electrical division, FCI had received many unsolicited offers over the years for its acquisition. Some of the recent offers were particularly attractive and deserved closer attention. Therefore, FCI top management decided to carefully study these proposals, which ended in the decision to divest the Division.
Pierre Vareille, Chairman and CEO of FCI group, comments – ‘The Electrical Division had the least synergies with the other divisions of FCI in terms of products and customers and we think that the combination with Hubbell will enhance the value creation opportunities for the BURNDY® brand. Moreover, thanks to this divestiture, FCI’s financial situation is more sound and stable than ever. This divestiture opens for FCI a wealth of opportunities for new developments, be it vis-à-vis our customers, our partners or other companies that may join our group.’
The deal remains subject to approval of competent authorities and shall be finalized during Q4 2009.
FCI Smartag presents new RFID X-range CD / DVD labels and book labels at ALA trade show in Chicago, USA (July 11-14, 2009) - 07/07/2009
FCI Smartag goes a step further in the development of innovative RFID products for library applications. At the American Library Association (ALA) trade show in Chicago, FCI Smartag will present the newest members of its RFID Labels – the aluminium-based X-range CD / DVD label.
The X-range CD / DVD labels are perfect where tracking and identification CD / DVD is required. Offering extended read performance, X-Range clearly proved to be more effective for anti-thief purposes. Additionally, utilizing a clear substrate minimizes the coverage of text and information on the CD / DVD itself. The aggressive adhesive prevents any attempt to remove the label.
Gretchen Freeman, Associate Director for Technology at Salt Lake County Library Services says of the X-Range label “Pre-programmed X-range tags represent another huge productivity jump for us in terms of processing disks. Besides, FCI has always gone the extra mile to package our tags exactly how we need them.”
Smartag’s ISO 15693 based RFID book labels include blank, printed labels with personalized library logo, and printed labels with barcodes and encoding services. The latter ones consistently minimize library processing. Transparent labels are suitable for magazines, periodical materials, children books, etc. The labels reduce blocking of reading contents to the minimal on applied surface.
Both label types are available in several sizes to suit various library requirements.
Already a global leader in RFID, with more than 100 million labels and tags in the market, FCI Smartag has reinforced development capacity with a brand-new dedicated R&D center in Singapore.
Please visit us on our booth #924.
Liam Butterworth is appointed Corporate VP and General Manager of FCI’s Motorized Vehicle division - 19/06/2009
As of June 1st, Liam BUTTERWORTH, has been appointed Corporate VP and General Manager of FCI’s Motorized Vehicle division. Liam will also join the Executive Committee of FCI. He thus succeeds Marc Moulinier who spent 7 years at the helm of the Division.
Liam Butterworth who is 38 years old holds an MBA from Lancaster University and previously worked for Lucas Industries and TRW Automotive in UK prior to joining FCI in 2000. Since joining FCI he has held several positions in the field of Sales, Marketing & Purchasing and most recently was appointed VP Sales & Marketing for MVL Division in November 2008.
FCI和泰科电子宣布Pwr TwinBlade™输入/输出连接器产品许可协议 - 03/06/2009
FCI Electronics, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that it has agreed to license the Pwr TwinBlade™ I/O Connector System to Tyco Electronics. This agreement builds on FCI’s and Tyco Electronics’ previous power licensing success by providing a certified second source for this high power I/O cable-to-board connector solution.
Pwr TwinBlade meets customer demands for high power delivery and distribution in servers, storage enclosures, networking, communications or industrial equipment. It is designed to address requirements that extend beyond the capability of many existing cable-to- board power connectors.
“Customers are requesting next generation power solutions to meet emerging application requirements,” said John Dodds, FCI’s global product marketing manager for power products. “The market is best served when these solutions are available with certified second sources. This agreement allows FCI and Tyco Electronics to successfully meet both criteria thus ensuring joint intermateability and performance along with continuity of supply.”
The Pwr TwinBlade connector system anticipates increasing system power demands that are driving the need for greater power density. This connector system accommodates up to 100 amps per twin contact based on a 30°C temperature rise with zero airflow. It supports multiple wire sizes including 10mm2, 16mm2 and 25mm2 and is available with straight or right angle cable exit options for maximized routing flexibility. The right angle board connector enables use in front I/O applications.
In addition, Pwr TwinBlade features a robust design with touch-proof safety features, an integrated active latching system, four coding key options and a polarized housing to ensure proper mating. Similar to other FCI power products, Pwr TwinBlade offers a vented housing design to optimize heat dissipation and features cost-effective stamped-and formed
To know more about : Pwr TwinBlade and other FCI Power Solutions
FCI和泰科电子宣布HCI® 电源连接器产品许可协议 - 03/06/2009
FCI Electronics, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that it has agreed to license the HCI® Power Distribution Connector System to Tyco Electronics. This agreement builds on FCI’s and Tyco Electronics’ previous power licensing success by providing a certified second source for this
high current density board-to-board power connector solution.
HCI meets customer demands for additional power density in pluggable DC or AC power supply interfaces in servers, storage enclosures, networking or communications equipment.
The connector is designed to address requirements that extend beyond the capability of existing power supply connectors including FCI’s PwrBlade® and Tyco Electronics’ MULTIBEAM XL™ connector systems.
“Customers are requesting next-generation power solutions to meet emerging application requirements,” said John Dodds, FCI’s global product marketing manager for power products. “The market is best served when these solutions are available with certified second sources. This agreement allows FCI and Tyco Electronics to successfully meet both criteria thus ensuring joint intermateability and performance along with continuity of supply.”
The HCI connector system anticipates increasing system power demands that are driving the need for greater power density. A single HCI power contact accommodates over 82 amps based on a 30°C temperature rise with zero airflow. The high current-carrying capacity coupled with a robust, molded-in guidance system is ideal for high-wattage, blindmate power supplies.
HCI configurations support both standard co-planar and backplane interfaces. The fully integrated design enables DC power, AC power and signal contacts in a single molded housing. Similar to existing FCI power connector platforms, HCI is modularly tooled allowing incredible flexibility to address custom configuration requirements.
HCI features cost-effective stamped-and-formed contacts as well as a vented and touchproof housing to optimize airflow above, below and through the connector. These features allow heat to escape from contact surfaces producing the lowest product height among comparable high-current connectors.
To know more about : HCI Power Connector System
FCI被TTI评为最佳供应商 - 02/06/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, was named by TTI, Inc. as a winner of the 2008 Supplier Excellence award in the Americas and Asia. TTI, Inc. is one of the world’s leading distributor specialist for passive and interconnect components. The selection process for the award was based on criteria that included one-time delivery, receiving quality, customer quality, and business systems, as well as performance measurements such as sales results, profitability, and percent growth.
FCI has received the silver status award for achieving outstanding performance for the past three years in the Americas. This year is the first that FCI has received the Supplier Excellence award in Asia. As a leading manufacturer of connectors for the communications, consumer electronics, data, industrial and medical industries, FCI is committed to providing the highest quality connectors, as well as unmatched technical support and expertise. By providing its distributors with the services they need to sell their products, FCI has developed strong and lasting relationships around the world.
According to Sam C.W. Sung, product marketing director Asia for TTI, Inc., “Achievement of this award not only represents the dedication of all FCI Asia employees to TTI Asia, but also management’s commitment and overall operating philosophy for excellence by allocation of resources allowing employees the opportunity to do the right thing in order to ensure customer satisfaction.”
FCI accepted its award for the Americas at the 2009 EDS Show in Las Vegas, on May 12th.
The FCI team accepted its Asia award at a ceremony that took place in Singapore on May 13th.
BURNDY®产品部目前可提供IMPLO™ 内爆连接器系列产品 - 02/06/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector and tooling solutions to the industrial, telecom, and energy industries, has added to its portfolio of products for Transmission Interconnect applications with the introduction of a range of IMPLO™ implosive connector products. These new product offerings include IMPLO Jumper Terminals, IMPLO Full Tension Joins, IMPLO Dead End Joints, and IMPLO Repair Sleeves.
The new implosive connector products accommodate a wide range of ACSR, ACSS, ACSS/TW, ASC, and ASC/TW conductors. They provide consistent, smooth, high quality installations, and require no tools or dies. BURNDY IMPLO Dead End Joints are available in various dead end configurations, tap pad angles, and eyebolt versions. Jumper Terminals and Dead End Joints come with a 15 degree tap pad standard.
The increasing acceptance of implosive technology as a means for the installation of transmission connectors for the Utility marketplace is the result of intensive research & development coupled with successful testing and field installations. The result is a high quality, long lasting connection synonymous with that of the BURNDY Transmission portfolio of products.
BURNDY Products is committed to providing consistent excellence in quality, reliability, and service to the electrical utilities industry, in the safest possible manner, at the most competitive cost, and to the highest possible standards. There is Only One IMPLO™.
To know more about : Implo Technologies
FCI Announces AirMaX VS® Connectors Optimized for Use in 85Ω Environments - 13/05/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding the application range of its popular AirMax VS® high-performance connector system with the addition of connectors that are optimized to minimize impedance discontinuities and unacceptable signal loss when inserted in 85-ohm channels. The connectors’ mating interfaces also satisfy demands for backwards compatibility to legacy 100-ohm product interfaces ensuring a smooth transition to next-generation designs.
“Since FCI and Intel presented “Improving System Performance by Reducing System Impedance to 85 Ohms” at the February 2007 DesignCon conference, systems employing 85-ohm channels have moved from being a topic of technical discussions to reality,” said James Lim, global product marketing manager.
In 2009, new-generation server platforms now provide support for 5 GT/s PCI Express® links and Intel® Quick Path Interconnect (Intel® QPI) links between processors or processors and I/O controllers. With the Intel® QPI architecture offering transfer rates of 6.4 Gb/s to > 8 Gb/s per lane, memory bandwidth utilization is significantly lower, enabling multiple bi-directional 10 GbE ports in a server.
FCI has developed several high-performance AirMax VS 85-ohm connectors to support Intel QPI links. Standard connector configurations include vertical and right-angle header and receptacle modules to enable right-angle and coplanar connections. These products have been tested and fully comply with differential insertion loss, impedance, and crosstalk requirements defined in the Intel QPI connector specifications.
Each insert-molded, lead-frame wafer provides 15 contacts, capable of supporting five highspeed differential signal pairs per column. Connectors can be supplied with insert-molded, lead-frame wafers on either 2mm or 3mm column pitch. Connector configurations with 3 differential signal pairs per column are also under development with some connector types available now in sample quantities.
FCI推出用于背板和中板接口的HCI® 大功率连接器 - 13/05/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the HCI® High Power backplane and midplane connector series to address customer demand for additional power at the interface between daughter cards and backplanes or midplanes in chassis-based platforms. These compact 2- and 3-position
power modules utilize recently introduced HCI technology to enable increased linear power density along the daughter card edge. The HCI High Power backplane and midplane connectors are intended for host-to-card applications such as the blade, controller card or line card interfaces in servers, storage enclosures, networking or communications equipment.
“These stand-alone modules are designed for use alongside other hard metric (HM) backplane connector families such as FCI’s high-performance AirMax VS® and ZipLine™ connector systems as well as Millipacs® 2mm HM connectors,” said John Dodds, global power product marketing manager at FCI. “In fact, ZipLine and HCI High Power together offer the highest combination of signal and power density in the market.”
HCI High Power modules extend beyond the capability of FCI’s proven Hard Metric High Power connector system currently used in many production platforms. HCI High Power is rated for up to 75A per contact without exceeding a 30ºC temperature rise (no airflow).
Individual power contacts are surrounded on four sides by molded housing walls resulting in an added safety feature that ensures adjacent power contacts cannot short together. In addition to conventional 1 x 2 and 1 x 3 power contact configurations, a 2-position module is available with an integrated guide between the two power contacts.
The series offers up to 261A/inch linear power density and is based on standard and costeffective stamped-and-formed power contact technology.
Typical pricing for the 2-position HCI High Power configuration is $6.50 per mated pair in prototype quantities.
To know more about : HCI High Power
FCI’s Proven Connector Technology Ideal for LED Applications - 12/05/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, offers a wide breadth of connector products that are ideal for use in the LED market. FCI’s connectors are now being used in a wide variety of LED applications, such as controllers and power, video walls, signals, signs and displays, providing design engineers with proven, quality connector technology to accelerate the design process.
“With today’s focus on miniaturization and the environment, LED applications are in the spotlight,” said Koos Steding, global product marketing manager at FCI. “FCI brings its superior product performance and outstanding technical support to meet the needs of our customers in the LED market. We are providing our customers with adaptable, proven technology and service programs such as Basics+ and Mezzselect, that will simplify the design process for the latest LED designs.”
FCI is able to support LED applications with its board-to-board, wire-to-board, power, FFC/FPC, backplane, I/O and IP68-proof solutions. Proven connector lines available for these applications include Bergstak, Conan, Minitek, PwrBladeBergstik, Duboxand others.
钦奈产品工程中心(CPEC) 通过ISO 9001认证 - 07/05/2009
Bureau Veritas Certification, India, recently awarded ISO 9001-2000 certification on Chennai Product Engineering Center, thus demonstrating the design center's compliance with ISO standards.
CPEC is FCI's innovative and cost effective design center that was created in 2001 in Chennai, India, to support MVL product design activities. CPEC now employs 70 designers working concurrently with Motorized Vehicles, Electrical and Electronics divisions' engineering centers on product design, FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and tooling design activities.
Scope of ISO certification includes:
1. Design of connectors and their tooling
2. Providing engineering solutions to FCI Motorized Vehicles, Electronics and Electrical divisions.
This full scope product and tooling design certification is a result of excellence in established quality procedures and standard best practices followed by the CPEC teams.
FCI利用屏蔽型堆叠插头扩大了Minitek™ 系列 - 29/04/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has expanded its Minitek™ connector range with a shrouded stacking header.
Minitek™ is the industry’s leading 2mm modular connection system. The components of the system are fully intermateable to allow all variations of board-to-board, wire-to-board and cable-to-board connections.
Standard stacking headers (also known as railroad tracks because of their appearance)
consist of two molded bodies on a compliant pin. Because they can be manufactured with any size spacing between the bodies, fine adjustments in board stacking heights can be achieved, freeing the designer to meet other functional requirements rather than being tied to the manufacturer’s standard heights. This new Minitek™ shrouded version has the same capability, but improves functionality by making a more physically stable connection. The design of the shroud features end walls and a keying system, thus preventing mis-mating during production.
The shrouded header is ideal for industrial and automotive designs, but the product can be used anywhere that a mezzanine connection with specific spacing is required. With the addition of this stacking header, FCI’s Minitek™ product range is now capable of handling the widest variety of design requirements.
Minitek is part of the FCI’s Basics+ product range, which offers exceptional service on a
variety of standard connectors.
FCI’s full line of Minitek™ connectors is available on the web.
To know more about : FCI’s shrouded stacking header
FCI’s eSATA connector provides external data backup at speeds up to 3Gb/s - 22/04/2009
FCI has expanded its line of storage interface interconnects with the development of an eSATA input/output connector aimed at singlelane external storage applications with less than six feet of cable. Up to five times faster than existing external storage solutions like USB 2.0 and FireWire 400, the eSATA connector provides external data backup and protection at speeds up to 3 Gb/s and is ideal for applications such as desktop and notebook computers, set-top boxes, gaming equipment, external portable storage and USB-related equipment.
The eSATA connector operates at both Gen1 and Gen2 speeds so regardless of the implementation the outside of the device enclosure will meet Gen1m specifications when operating at Gen1 speeds and Gen2m specifications when operation at Gen2 speeds.
The eSATA is available with eSATA + USB 2.0 in the same connector housing, and is available in versions including eSATA, eSATA + USB or eSATA/USB (2-in-1) combination.
Offering high durability of 2500 cycles, the connector withstands a mating force of 40N maximum and an unmating force of 10N minimum.
The eSATA connector is RoHS-compliant and compatible with lead-free processing temperatures.
FCI Expands Magnetic Jacks to the RJ45 Portfolio - 22/04/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding its RJ45 portfolio to include a magnetic jacks product offering. This new addition suits a wide range of equipment including entertainment, home and small business networking and enterprise networking needs including networking routers/switching hubs, set-top boxes, printers and networking adapters/ LAN cards.
“The magnetic jack connectors are designed to accommodate today’s demand for highspeed communication applications”said Alex Liang, responsible Product Manager at FCI.
The RJ45 connectors are most commonly used for 10/100 and 1000Base-T ethernet
connections. The jacks with current ratings of 1.5A and voltage ratings of 150V AC are
available with or without LEDs.
FCI Microconnections on the show at Cards Asia 2008 and RFID World Asia – Singapore, April 9-11 - 22/04/2009
FCI Microconnections Division will attend Cards Asia show in Singapore, a core event for the main players on the smart card market. As a first choice supplier of micro circuitry on flexible films for smart card applications, antennas and tags for RFID applications, FCI Microconnections Division takes the opportunity to display its latest range of products.
Preparing to tap into the highly promising market of mobile payment, FCI Microconnections is currently working on three different RFID antenna technologies enabling m-payment: NFC (flexible reader antenna), flexible antenna connected to Dual-Interface SIM and Contactless SIM in collaboration with major customers. The global mobile phone market is indeed forecast to reach 1.5 billion units in 2010, up from 1 Billion
in 2006. 2007 will be a turn point for trial deployment and by early 2008, the first m-payment phones should be on the market. FCI Microconnections is set to be at the heart of this revolution!
Further on innovation, FCI Smartag, FCI Microconnections’ offspring specialized in producing HF and UHF RFID inlays and smart tags, will present RFID X-range CD/DVD labels and books labels. These RFID labels are primarily destined to Library and Archiving, enabling easy tracking and identification. Transparency is an extra asset minimizing the coverage of text and information on the CD / DVDs and books. Both labels are available in various sizes and support customized requirements.
Second market in Asset tracking targeted by FCI Smartag is the Cosmetics / Pharmaceutical sector for which it has designed miniature labels used in applications where size constraints and geometry is critical. RFID inlets for harsh environments are also available for encapsulation, injection and overmold processes.
For more information and questions on customized requirements, please visit us on our booth.
Practical information FCI Booth: # 4N09
Time:
9th Apr: 10:30am - 5:30pm
10th Apr: 10:00am - 5:30pm
11th Apr: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Venue: Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center
Hall 602
1 Raffles Boulevard Suntec City, Singapore
FCI Develops Customized Solutions for E1/T1 and VDSL applications - 22/04/2009
FCI, one of the leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, has developed several customized I-O connector solutions for E1/T1 and xDSL applications, including a cable connector and a board connector solution. These solutions are ideal in the telecom industry.
The E1/T1 transmission protocol is used to transmit voice and data between devices and
runs at a speed of 2Mbit/s. ADSL and VDSL (-2) solutions run at higher speeds, up to 100 Mbit/s and are capable of supporting new high bandwidth applications such as, general internet access, HDTV and Voice over IP services.
‘’Although in both cases the data transmission takes place over a single twisted pair of
copper cable, most of FCI’s cable connector solutions are customized to accommodate a customer specific needs,’’ said Remco Innemee, global telecom market manager, FCI.
‘’Requests vary based on the connector system, cable, cable management and cabinet
requirements including meeting over-voltage specifications like ITU-T K20.’’
FCI’s range consist of solutions from 8 up to 72 pairs per connector and are designed to
connect to cost-effective shielded cable options.
Based on the proven Metral® IDC (insulation displacement contact) technology, FCI is
capable of using standard building blocks, to market these customized solutions at limited development cost and in a relatively short development time addressing our customer’s need for short time-to-market.
In addition, FCI serves its customers with cable assemblies that compliment the custom
connector systems developed for E1/T1 and xDSL solutions.
FCI Smartag presents RFID X-range CD / DVD labels and book labels at PLA exhibition in Minneapolis, USA - 22/04/2009
FCI Smartag goes a step further in the development of innovative RFID products for library applications. At PLA Minneapolis, FCI Smartag will present the newest members of its RFID Labels – X-range CD / DVD labels and book labels.
The X-range CD / DVD labels are suitable where tracking and identification CD / DVD is required. They have better read performance when placed on surface and proved to be more effective on anti-thief purposes. Utilizing a clear substrate minimizes the coverage of text and information on the CD / DVD itself.
RFID book labels include blank, printed labels with personalized library logo, and printed labels with barcode and pre-programming on the tag. The latter ones consistently minimize library processing. Transparent labels are suitable for magazines, periodical materials, children books, etc. The labels reduce blocking of reading contents to the minimal on applied surface.
Both label types are available in several sizes to suit various library requirements.
T.S. Lian, General Manager of FCI Smartag, is very confident in the future of these innovative products: ‘we strongly believe in the development of RFID labels in the library sector. Already a global leader in RFID, with more than 100 million parts in the market, FCI Smartag has recently reinforced its development capacity with a brand-new dedicated R&D center in Singapore’.
please visit us on our booth n°324 or for more information on our website
BURNDY® Products Introduces New Wejtap™ In-Line Disconnect Switch For Distribution Applications - 22/04/2009
BURNDY® PRODUCTS introduces its new WEJTAP™ In-Line Disconnect Switch, combining proven WEJTAP™ technology with industry-standard components to bring the most reliable performance to switch/distribution line connections. The WEJTAP™ In-Line Disconnect Switch features recognized and proven GST&D Products Ltd. blade components, as well as dual Advanced Rubber Products, Inc. insulators attached to a BURNDY-designed yoke plate assembly. It is ideal for use in gloving and hot stick applications when paired with an industry-standard load break tool.
The WEJTAP™ In-Line Disconnect Switch utilizes dual insulators to minimize switch movement during the opening and closing of the blade. Installation steps are kept to a minimum, as the switch can be snapped directly onto the line and secured with BURNDY’s conductor pivot retainer. WEJTAP tooling secures the unit’s “C Member” to the built-in wedge feature of the frame, providing reliable mechanical and electrical performance.
FCI’s Minitek™ 2mm Modular Connector System Now Most Complete in Industry - 22/04/2009
FCI, one of the leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems is well known for its modular connector systems, among other things.
With the recently announced product line additions of the eject latch header, the active latch
cable housing and several other key changes, the Minitek™ product family is now the most
complete 2mm modular system on the market. Designers now have an extensive solution
for all types of board-to-board, wire-to-board and cable-to-board interconnections on this
pitch size.
One particular advantage of Minitek™ over other systems of this type is its intermateability.
The new active latch cable housing, for example, is unique in that it is not part of a separate
system, but mates with the standard headers.
Other aspects were also given specific attention in order to meet the most demanding current
requirements of the industry.
- The eject latch header is the lowest profile design available
- Normal operating temperature is 125°C
- co-planarity of SMT parts is just 0.1mm
- Pin-in-Paste versions exist and have full application support
- carefully controlled selective plating reduces cost while maintaining performance
Minitek™ is part of the Basics+ program, which offers outstanding service on standard
connectors.
FCI present at AutoTronics 2008 – Taipei, April 9-12 - 22/04/2009
We are pleased to announce that FCI Taiwan is participating in AutoTronics Taipei 2008 that will be held from 9 Apr to 12 Apr 2008. In conjunction with Taipei International Auto Parts and Accessories (AMPA) and Taiwan International Motorcycle Industry shows.
AutoTronics 2008 will be a great opportunity for FCI to showcase connectors that are used for Car Multi-media Devices: FAKRA RF, mini-UHF RF R/A, Power Control 28P, detachable 19P Board to Board, Floating Board to Board, 0.8/1.0mm Board to Board, 0.5mm FFC/FPC, iVDR, SD, USB Type A, mini USB Type AB/B and MCC SATA. Practical informationFCI Booth no.: A0309
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Venue: Taipei World Center (TWTC) Exhibition Hall 1, Area A&D
No.5,Hsin-yiRd, Sec.5,Taipei,Taiwan, R.O.C. 11011
Millipacs® Headers Now Available With Pin-in-Paste Technology - 22/04/2009
FCI, one of the leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, has introduced Pin-in-Paste termination Millipacs® Type C headers. Primarily used as daughter card connectors in rack systems, the technology is also being used for board-to-board and wire-to-board applications in the telecom and industrial markets. “This new technology helps to process SMD and THR components on the PCB using the same machines and procedures in a single step,” said Bavo Teunissen, global marketing communications director, FCI. “It eliminates wave/selective soldering or press-fitting and helps save time and cost.” The 2mm Millipacs® family consists of 5-row and 8-row versions and has traditionally been offered with FCI’s eye-of-needle press fit termination. This is the first in a potential range of solder-to-board, Pin-in-Paste applications. To smoothly incorporate into the board assembly process, the design features reflow temperature resistant resin, is packaged in tape, has a pick-up cap for automatic pick-and-place by vacuum nozzle and meets all requirements of
IEC 61076-4-101.
The principle of PIP is that solder through-hole component posts are placed in PCB holes
with SMT solder paste and then reflow soldered. The result and quality depends on the hole
size verses the pin size, the amount of solder paste, and the PCB thickness.
FCI''s AirMax VS® Connector System Enables Storage Bridge Bay 2.0 - 22/04/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that the AirMax VS® 3-pair backplane connector system meets the mid-plane connector interface requirements defined in the recently-announced Storage Bridge Bay (SBB), Version 2.0 specification. Leading companies in the data storage industry collaborated as part of the Storage Bridge Bay Working Group (SBBWG) to build on the previously released Version 1.0 specification, which defined a standard mechanical and electrical interface between a storage array backplane and storage controllers.
“The 54-position signal modules, power modules and guide modules, all available as part of the AirMax VS® high-speed connector system, continue to be a perfect fit to the SBB mechanical and electrical requirements,” said David Sideck, FCI regional market manager.
“The compact module form factors permitted up to three additional signal modules within the envelope of a common SBB canister and helped enable optional support for up to 48 drives. The capability to scale differential signals to 12.5 Gb/s with the AirMax VS® system also helped facilitate support for higher-speed signaling, such as 4 Gb/s Fibre Channel.”
The SBB specification defines the mechanical and electrical requirements and the midplane connector interface for a storage enclosure controller slot that will support a variety of storage controllers from a variety of independent hardware vendors (IHVs). Any storage controller design based on this specification shall be able to fit, connect, and operate within any storage enclosure controller slot design based on the same specification. The definition of the physical dimensions of the controller canister and slot and the storage controller interface is expected to decrease development costs for low and mid-range storage systems.
The revolutionary AirMax VS® system uses edge-coupling technology and an air dielectric between adjacent conductors to deliver high signal density with low insertion loss and low crosstalk, all without the use of costly and space-consuming metal shields. The capability to scale differential signals to 12.5 Gb/s with the AirMax VS® system also provides headroom to support future increases in data rates without requiring changes to the connector interface. AirMax VS® signal modules also allow for mixed pin assignments (differential or single-ended signals or power), to provide additional flexibility to system designers.
The AirMax VS® 3-pair design provides 9 individual contacts per column, which supports three differential signal pairs. The low connector profile can be used as a means to improve airflow for cooling or can be used to achieve slot spacing down to 16.7mm. Pricing typically starts at $0.10-$0.12 per mated signal line with a lead time of 4-6 weeks.
TwinMezz™ Mezzanine Connectors Offer High Density and High Performance - 22/04/2009
FCI, one of the leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, is introducing the TwinMezz™ board-stacking connector, bringing ultra-high density to mezzanine applications while exhibiting next-generation, high-speed electrical performance. The TwinMezz™ system packs 25 high-speed differential signal pairs in a square centimeter, or 161 signal pairs in a square inch, of board area.
A hermaphroditic design allows the TwinMezz™ connector to mate to itself, significantly
reducing the number of part variations needed to accomplish a range of different stack
heights. Current plans are to support 6 different connector heights to offer 20 different stack heights in the range of 12mm to 40 mm. Planned options for 2, 4, or 6 differential signal pairs per column will provide capability for circuit counts ranging from 80 to 800 contact positions and to tailor the connector width to fit available board space.
The TwinMezz™ connectors exhibit very well-matched impedance, low insertion loss, and low crosstalk, which make them well-suited for applications in very high speed environments.
The open pin field structure, building on the same edge-coupled technology used in FCI’s successful AirMax VS® high-speed connector system, allows for custom pin assignments so speed and signal density can be optimized. With optimized wiring patterns, transmission rates of 25 Gb/s or higher are achievable.
TwinMezz connectors also feature FCI’s patented BGA connector termination for easy
attachment to printed circuit boards using conventional reflow soldering processes.
The TwinMezz connector system will be further developed during the 1st half of 2008 and, when in production, the product line will be part of FCI’s MezzSelect™ product portfolio.
FCIs MezzSelect™ Product Selector Simplifies Selection In Its Mezzanine Connector Portfolio - 22/04/2009
FCI, one of the leading suppliers of connectors and interconnect systems, has introduced the MezzSelect™ product portfolio to help designers of printed circuit board assemblies complete mezzanine designs faster, easier and with less risk. This product portfolio consists of a number of mezzanine connectors addressing a wide range of markets including high-speed data-networking, industrial, instrumentation,
telecommunications and medical electronics applications.
“FCI has become the partner of choice for mezzanine products,” said Rob Poort, global
product portfolio director- board-to-board products, FCI. “The MezzSelect product selector reduces the complexity that mezzanine interconnect designs bring and reduces lead time with instant access to technical information on each connector.”
FCI’s product selector allows designers to choose a product based on a number of different factors, including contact pitch, module size, operating transmission speed, density, termination style and stack height. Finding the right product for a specific application is easy with the use of a web-based product selector and design tools such as drawings, models, SPICE files and datasheets. With this portfolio, designers are able to optimize the cost and performance of the connectors that they choose for their designs and maximize the space on printed circuit boards.
The portfolio includes many of FCI’s connectors brands including MEGArray®, GIGArray®, Bergstak®, Conan®, Ribcage™, Minitek™, Bergstik® and Dubox™.
FCI present at DesignCon 2008 – USA, February 4-7 - 22/04/2009
DesignCon will be the opportunity for FCI to highlight on its booth # 503: high-performance ZipLineTM and AirMax VS® backplane and orthogonal connector systems, MezzSelectTM mezzanine connectors, Power Solutions, and high-speed cable assemblies.
FCI will release the global launch of MezzSelect™: a product portfolio consisting in 8 of FCI well know Mezzanine products and demonstrate ZipLine™ running at 10 Gb/s, TwinMezz™ and AirMax VS® both 100 and 85 Ω.
FCI also organize specific events:
- Tech Forum “ Chip, PCB and Connector Technologies for Meeting Today’s and Tomorrow’s 10+Gb Signaling requirements – a report on current trends and future roadmap” on Monday 4 From 9.00 to noon (TF-MA3).
- Paper presentation “EMI shielding of Cable Assemblies on Wednesday 6 from 2:50 to 3:30 pm (11-WP2).
FCI Introduces New Minitek™ Eject Latch Header - 22/04/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, introduces its new Minitek™ eject latch header.
2mm pitch sizes are increasingly used in board-to-board and wire/cable-to-board modular connector systems. FCI is one of the leading players in this market with its Minitek™ system, and continues to expand its offering.
The new header mates with ribbon cable receptacles and features two side latches which both latch the receptacle securely in place and can be used to easily eject it whenever required. There is also a polarization option and the whole design has the lowest profile of its type. It is particularly suited for applications with high vibration or demanding environments.
FCI already produces an IDC (Insulation Displacement Connection) receptacle, which is available with or without strain relief, both versions of which mate with the new header.
Minitek™ is part of the Basics+ program and as such is extensively supported via the hot
line (basics.help@fci.com).
FCI extends its product offering for Motorized Vehicle Market - 22/04/2009
Effective January 2008, FCI will selectively leverage its strong relationships with electronics distributors to target the dynamic motorized vehicle market.
FCI provides a full range of robust and reliable connector solutions with applications beyond the traditional volume car market. Targeted market segments include construction, agricultural vehicles, marine, motorbikes and recreational vehicles. Customized for harsh environments, these connectors systems withstand the shock and vibration encountered in these challenging applications.
FCI supplies high performance interconnect solutions featuring:
- High performance terminal systems with best in class reliability
- Interconnect solutions with superior sealing and harsh environmental performance
- Easy-to-handle with integrated safety features
Applications include harness sectioning solutions as well as innovative solutions for power train, safety and comfort electronics.
Major product lines, including the well known DCS, APEX, Sicma mini sealed product families as well as CMC interconnects, range from miniaturized terminals to high power connectors.
FCI Introduces New Basics+ Design Service - 22/04/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, in their continuing efforts to expand the service level of their Basics+ program, is now pleased to announce the launch of the Basics+ Design Service.
The Basics+ design program enables customers to easily choose the standard board/wire/cable-to-board connection for their application. Many applications, however, also require something outside of the standard, albeit a small variation or a major modification. In those cases, the Basics+ Design Service is the perfect answer.
The Basics+ Design Service is an easy-to-use web application. Customers make a selection from generic connector pictures then simply give details about their specific needs. Based on this input, FCI recommends either an existing part from their huge range of specials or suggests a new design. A drawing, price and sample, as applicable, are then quickly supplied to the customer.
FCI Extends its D-sub High Density Press-fit Connector Range - 22/04/2009
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, has enlarged its high density Compact D series to 62 contact connectors in straight receptacle versions to meet the industry’s increasing need for higher density connectors and as a complement to its press-fit D-sub range in 78 contacts.
Provided with press-fit terminations, this latest addition to FCI’s Compact D connector
range also helps avoid the cost and time of an additional wave solder process. This
connector is compatible with any PCB thickness starting from 1.6 mm, a great advantage for thick backplanes.
The 62 contact receptacle connector occupies the same board space as 37 contact
versions and is well suited to any telecom and industrial applications. FCI has the capability to support the 62 contact straight receptacles in press-fit versions with various mounting options including threaded inserts, receptacle screw locks and harpoons for grounding purpose.
This Compact D connector range is available in tray packaging.
White Paper : Overcoming automotive high tech requirements through new interconnection systems - 22/04/2009 FCI roadmap
The number of features and functions of a modern car is constantly increasing. For years, gasoline consumption, environmental friendliness, comfort and passive safety have been the prime drivers of innovation by automobile manufacturers. This is rapidly changing, and now car manufacturers are also actively focusing on safety systems, hybrid vehicle power train and new bus structures. To rise to these new challenges, manufacturers of connectors have to strike an innovative chord. FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors, offers a plethora of new technologies and processing methodologies in this area. New interface standard AK-2
An example of this is the interface technology AK-2, first introduced by FCI in 2004. It was the first airbag connector with 100% scooproof mating contact protection and an optimized interface for assembling pyrotechnic applications like airbags or belt pretensioners. From start, two requirements of the automobile manufacturers had to be met: secure assembly of the interface, and increased ergonomics during assembly.
A typical step in car assembly is mating the connector into the retainer – the component accepting the connector in a one or multi-stage ignition mechanism for the airbag.
For this step, the operatives in some assembly situations must be able to insert the connectors into the retainers more or less “blindly”.
Because of the previous designs of the interface this often led to broken contact parts in the airbag modules. As, however, this was discovered only in subsequent electrical functional tests, these failures caused great efforts to remove the affected vehicles out of the production line for required repairs [...]
FCI成功地扩大了D-Sub 通孔回流焊产品组合 - 21/04/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has extended its reflow process-compatible D-Sub family of connectors by adding 37-position connectors to the existing range of right-angle version Pin-In-Paste connectors offered in 9 to 25 positions with through-hole technology. This product line will allow
customers to reduce their total applied costs by replacing wave-soldering or press-fit operations without requiring a new PCB layout, as well as saving time with possible automatic placement. This makes the D-Sub Pin-In-Paste connector ideal for applications such as daughter boards in industrial and telecom applications.
“The FCI D-Sub Pin-In-Paste technology provides many advantages over SMT,” said George Varghese, global product manager at FCI. “In line with customer expectations, the FCI D-Sub Pin-In-Paste connectors are more robust than SMT connectors due to throughhole technology. Moreover, moving from solder-to-board or press-fit processes is easy and fast with the D-Sub Pin-in-Paste connectors because no board layout redesign is required, while boards must be significantly modified to be compliant with SMT connectors.”
The D-Sub Right Angle Pin-In-Paste range is offered in 9-, 15-, 25- and 37-way versions in two standard footprints: US style with 6.3mm standoff and Europe style with 7.2mm standoff. The connector’s specific weight balance ensures it will stay in its initial position as it is reflow-processed.
The existing straight version of the FCI Delta D Pin-in-Paste range is offered in 9- to 50-way versions. The entire product line is available in a variety of packaging options compatible with existing customer processes: manual positioning, automatic pick-and-place with vacuum nozzle, or gripper.
The Delta D Pin-In-Paste range meets the RoHS European Directive EU 2002/95/EC.
To know more about : Pin-In-Paste Delta D Series connectors
BURNDY®产品部荣获Imark集团颁发的“白金供应商”奖 - 21/04/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, application tooling and automotive industries, announces that it has achieve Platinum Supplier status from IMARK Group for 2008. This is the sixth consecutive year that BURNDY has been honored with this outstanding supplier designation.
To achieve IMARK Platinum status, suppliers must complete 10 of 10 IMARK Gold criteria during the 2008 calendar year, or must, achieve IMARK Gold status and increase sales to each of 20 members by at least 10%. Only members to which suppliers have sold at least $1000 in 2008 are included in calculations.
To know more about :Burndy® Products
BURNDY®产品部在Windpower 2009会议暨展览会上展出接地组合 - 20/04/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, and application tooling industries, will showcase its grounding products mix and Break Away HYLUG™ line of copper and aluminum compression terminals in booth #1008 at WINDPOWER 2009, from May 4th to the 7th, at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The BURNDYWeld® exothermic grounding option provides a simple, portable, and efficient method of welding copper to copper and other various materials without the use of an external power source. The resulting connection is a fusion or molecular weld of virtually pure
copper.
The HYGROUND® irreversible compression grounding system is a safe, cost-effective and time-efficient grounding method. HYGROUND is a complete system consisting of connectors for cross grid connections, taps, splices, cable to ground rod, ground plates, and terminations.
BURNDY®’s mechanical grounding and power connectors, ideal for direct burial applications in earth or embedment in concrete, are made of high copper content alloys and use a nut and bolt design to provide the means for connecting copper cable. To ensure maximum performance under the most extreme environmental conditions, BURNDY® Products uses only the finest high copper alloys.
In addition to the grounding mix, BURNDY®’s Break-Away HYLUG™ line of copper and aluminum compression terminals (types YBA, YBA-FX and YBA-A) provide maximum field flexibility by allowing the installer to easily convert a two-hole terminal to a one-hole terminal to suit the application. With a slotted second stud, the Break-Away line of terminals can conform to various bus bar dimensions. For additional flexibility, the Narrow Tongue design allows the terminal to fit into tight spaces.
To know more about :Burndy® Products
FCI利用经济型PCB应用扩大了D-Sub系列 - 20/04/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has expanded its D-Sub Series with the new Economy Range of connectors. The new series addresses the growing number of applications where fewer mating cycles are required, such as set-top boxes, control devices and energy meters.
“With this addition, FCI now offers one of the largest D-Sub portfolios available on the market,” said George Varghese, global product manager at FCI. “The new Economy Range is designed for less demanding applications, where high mating and unmating cycles are not needed.”
The traditional Delta D range is widely recognized as being robust, with high plating performance and 500 mating cycles. These connectors are specified for telecommunication and medical markets.
The new solder-to-board Economy Range is designed to handle a minimum of 50 mating and unmating cycles, making it ideal for use in environments such as PCB and indoor applications with an operating temperature of -20ºC to +105ºC.
The economical D-Sub series is available in standard density from 9 to 37 positions, in straight and right-angle versions. Right-angle versions are available in two standard footprints: US footprint of 2.84mm with a connector height of 6.3 mm and European footprint of 2.54mm with a connector height of 7.2mm.
The new connector range can generate 20% to 30% in savings compared with the traditional D-Sub product ranges. Design-ins are simplified by 24-hour sample shipment, online drawings and specifications, and short lead times.
To know more about : FCI’s D-Sub Economy Range connectors
BURNDY®产品部供应Hydent™ 无绝缘套管 - 17/04/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, application tooling and automotive industries, introduces their new HYDENT™ Uninsulated, Bare Ferrule line of products. Bare ferrules, also known as bootlace ferrules or cord end terminals, are manufactured from electrolytic copper, tin plated, and used to terminate stranded wires to form neat end terminations. Additionally, HYDENT Ferrules assist in terminating extra flexible fine stranded conductor while bringing enhanced flexibility to wire termination and management. The Ferrules'' positive contact surface helps insure system integrity. They also feature a seamless barrel with smooth funnel entry to make wire insertion easier, and they are RoHS compliant. Installation tooling for this line includes 4 tools with ergonomic handles, a full cycle ratchet with release mechanism, and a trapezoidal crimp profile. Lightweight and easy to use, these tools help ease installer fatigue.
To know more about :Burndy® Products
BURNDY®产品部推出电气技师用于进行移动存储和访问的智能车 - 10/04/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, application tooling and automotive industries, introduces the Smart Cart™, the Wire Management System that allows electricians to inventory, transport and pull wire on a spool carriers with a unique caddie design.
The Smart Cart™ is also designed to carry virtually everything an electrician needs to perform his job. It features two locations specifically designed for holding conduit benders, and has a built-in tray between the wheels for storage of fish tape and wire lube. With its pre-punched base plate, The Smart Caddy allows for easy mounting of an extension base plate to accommodate additional storage which doubles as a wire guide for pulling wire.
To know more about :FCI Burndy® Smart Cart
FCI批准HARTING的户外型PushPull输入/输出连接器解决方案 - 07/04/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has reached an agreement with HARTING to become a certified second source for its Outdoor PushPull I/O connector family. The outdoor I/O product family is the industry’s highest-density, field-installable IP 67 solution for fiber, power and copper signal connections.
“The innovative push-pull design provides the end user with a cost-effective product,” said Grace Showers, global product marketing manager at FCI. “FCI and HARTING will be certified second sources for the outdoor I/O product which will assure electrical and mechanical compatibility, as well as continuity of supply for this emerging standardized I/O solution.”
The outdoor I/O design will eliminate the need to inventory costly cable assemblies. These rugged, field-installable solutions are an excellent choice for 3G-WiMax, LTE base stations, other wireless broadband equipment, as well as other outdoor applications.
To know more about : FCI’s Outdoor PushPull I/O connectors
FCI的Rib-Cage™ 连接器通过冲击震动测试 - 23/03/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, recently announced that its Rib-Cage™1.27mm pitch connectors have passed stringent shock-and-vibration testing per MIL-STD-202 Method 204 and -IEC 60512 Test 8d. The Rib-Cage mating interface, long distinguished by its special multi-point, gold-plated receptacle design, provides optimal reliability in high vibration and shock-prone
applications, such as those in the industrial, instrumental, military and medical markets.
Rib-Cage has served hundreds of applications ranging from disk drives to industrial weight and measurement. Rib-Cage’s reliability has provided years of extended service in extreme applications such as locomotive and outdoor communications.
“Recent shock and vibration testing now certifies what FCI has known for many years: Rib-Cage connectors are perfect for applications on the edge, for customers who expect their electronic equipment to perform under duress,” said David Hansen, FCI global product marketing manager.
Rib-Cage is part of FCI’s MezzSelect™ family of mezzanine connectors. It is a highdensity, 1.27mm (0.05 in.) pitch, two-row mezzanine, surface-mount, board-to-board connector system that supports three PCB stack heights and offers additional options for right-angle mounting. It has a 1.0 amp current rating and is ideal for connecting to flexible and rigid circuits.
Rib-Cage connectors feature high 200-cycle durability that sustains reliable mating and unmating.
They have low mating force for easy use, and high un-mating force for connection security. Housing polarization prevents mis-mating. Various position, attachment and packaging options are available to support customers’ specific PCB requirements.
FCI supports ten connector sizes between 10 and 100 positions. Rib-Cage is priced competitively to support commercial applications, such as portable devices, POS retail, motor vehicle, test, security and access control, sub-assemblies with motors, and diagnostic applications.
Typical pricing for Rib-Cage connectors is $.04 in quantities of 1000 pieces. Lead time is from stock to four weeks and they are widely available through FCI’s global distribution network.
To know more about :Rib-Cage™
FCI参加2009国际资讯安全展(RFID World Asia 2009) - 20/03/2009 JOIN US AT RFID ASIA 2009
to discover FCI Microconnnections range of
- Smart Security,
- Asset Tracking and
- Consumer Flexible circuits products
Practical information
Suntec City, Hall 401 - 404 / Booth 4P07
April 22-24, 2009
Register online
FCI参加国际连接器技术论坛(ICTF 2009)-上海,3月17日 - 09/03/2009
We are pleased to announce that FCI is participating in the "4th International Connector Technology Forum (ICTF) 2009".
It will be held on March 17th, 2009 at Shanghai New International Exhibition Center.
Our AP Senior Regional BDM of Communications market, Francis Lo will be the speaker to present, "FCI AirMax VS® and ZipLine(TM) connectors transmit error-free 40Gb/s data".
The forum will be held in-conjunction with Electronica & Productronica China 2009 exhibition (March 17-19, 2009).
We would like to invite you to attend this forum.
If you are interested, please register online at http://www.eepw.com.cn/event/topic/2009h/connector.htm
To register online :ICTF
HDMI™认证机构将FCI的 HDMI垂直连接器添加至经认可的连接器列表 - 09/03/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces that it has successfully passed all qualifications required by the HDMI licensing organization for its recently released vertical HDMI connector. As a result, the connector has now been added to FCI’s roster of HDMI-approved connectors, which are ideal for consumer electronic products such as digital televisions, DVD players and set-top boxes. FCI’s right-angle version of the HDMI connector had already been approved and offers a much lower profile than others available on the market.
“Adding a vertical connector to the product offering completes the HDMI board connector portfolio of FCI,” said Jennifer Zhang, global product marketing manager at FCI. “Both versions have received qualifications from leading OEMs in the consumer market and offer design engineers a smaller, more user-friendly solution.”
FCI’s vertical HDMI connector is one of the few that feature a dual-shell design, which helps reduce the risk of EMI leakage. Two additional ground pins further improve EMI performance. The HDMI connectors feature a larger-than-average outer shell design that offers robustness that greatly reduces the risk of deformation during transport, installation and application. A large-area cover allows for easy application in automated pick-and-place processes. The overall profile of the connector has been kept to a minimum, which allows OEMs to minimize space consumption on the printed circuit board.
To know more about :HDMI Connectors
FCI Simplifies Backplane Connector Product Selection - 26/02/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated, backplane products microsite on its web site that provides design engineers with a singular source to FCI’s full line of backplane connectors.
“The microsites we’ve previously launched have generated such a positive response from our customers that our goal is to make our entire product portfolio accessible in 10 or less dedicated microsites,” said Bavo Teunissen, global marketing communications director for FCI. “It makes it extremely easy for design engineers to find the product required for their specific design by simplifying access to product solutions as well as 3D-models, customer drawings, mating half information, datasheets, product specifications and other productrelated information.
The backplane microsite includes a full overview of FCI’s backplane offerings, including high-speed and orthogonal products like Metral® High Speed, AirMax VS® and Zipline™ products. The microsite also provides product information about the industry-standard 2.00mm product families like Metral, also known as Futurebus, and Millipacs® connectors. .”
The still-popular 2.54mm-pitch DIN41612 product family completes the wide spectrum of backplane products offered by FCI that are now bundled into this dedicated microsite.
FCI’s DIN 41612 Landing Page Provides Simplified Access to Product Information - 17/02/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated, DIN 41612 landing page on its web site that provides more detailed information on the 2.54mm backplane interconnect range of products for board-to-board and cable-to-board applications.
“In today’s market it’s important to offer tools that enable customers to easily access standard as well customized product solutions,” said Koos Steding, global product marketing manager for FCI. “We’ve developed the DIN41612 landing page to be a single dashboard for all of FCI’s DIN41612 products to ensure those customers needs are met.”
The newly designed landing page can be found at www.fci.com/DIN41612. The portal simplifies access to product solutions and provides downloadable product brochures and catalogs, customer drawings and specifications, electrical models and other useful links.
In conjunction with the launch of the landing page, a new DIN41612 brochure is now available for customers. The brochure provides core information on an extensive range of PCB signal connectors, PCB power connectors and IDC cable solutions to support virtually any board-to-board or cable-to-board application.
BURNDY® Products offers uninversal grade cable ties - 10/02/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to announce an addition to their cable tie line. The CT-UG version cable ties are Universal Grade, one-piece, injection-molded ties providing maximum strength and adjustability to secure many sizes of bundles. These cable ties are suited for production line use at OEMs or other high-volume purchasers of cable ties. The ties offer high tensile strength and are chemically resistant to solvents, alkalies, oils, grease and diluted acids. Rounded edges and a bent-tip make installation easy, fast, accurate and secure, they also offer a self-locking mechanism and secure without twisting or leaving sharp projections.
BURNDY® Products Offers 145PTAG - 10/02/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to introduce their new 145PTAG. This new tag has been specifically designed with the Telecom, Transportation and OEM Markets in mind. Manufactured from Flame Retardant Nylon with a 94V0 rating, the tag is durable, non-flammable and can be secured to cabling in many different methods (cable ties, multi-ply cord, waxed cord or some other equivalent). The tags typically are used by applying a label or can be manually stenciled using a permanent marker on both sides marking the field far end termination information, panel identification, voice and data identification or other wire or cable information.
BURNDY® Products offers Hydent™ Heat Shrink Terminals - 09/02/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to introduce their new HYDENT™ Heat Shrink Terminal line of product. When using standard crimp terminals the wire is left exposed to moisture or other contaminants which can result in corrosion. The corrosion reduces the amount of current the wire is able to carry safely. Utilizing Heat Shrink Terminals protects the terminal and exposed wire by covering with a multi-wall heat-shrinkable tubing providing an integral meltable inner wall. After cooling, the install heat shrink provides a durable, protective, insulating barrier that is highly resistant to penetration. The tubing also allows for visual inspection of the wire insertion and color-coding tubing is imprinted with the wire size to provide easy identification.
FCI’s High-Speed I/O Landing Page Provides All-in-One Design Resource For Engineers - 05/02/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has launched a dedicated high-speed I/O landing page located at www.fci.com/hsio to provide design engineers with a singular resource for FCI’s full line of high-speed I/O products.
“FCI continues to address the market’s ever-increasing need for cost-effective high-speed and high-density cable assemblies that offer standard interfaces to address applicationspecific solutions,” said Jim David, global high-speed I/O market manager. “Customers have acknowledged FCI’s expertise in delivering high-speed and high-density solutions, and the high-speed I/O landing page will simplify the customer’s ability to access highly useable technical and design information.”
The high-speed I/O landing page includes the mini-multilane SAS/SATA products that address the SFF-8086 and SFF-8088 market standards as well as the EyeMax® family of products that meet the 10GBase-CX4 Ethernet, Infiniband®, SFF-8470, Multilane SAS/SATA and Fibre Channel industry specifications. In addition, the new landing page features the DensiShield™ high-density/high-speed solution that has demonstrated
performance to the CX4 and Infiniband® industry standards and achieves 10Gb/s per channel performance compliant with IEEE802.3ap criteria.
The landing page provides simplified access to 3D models, signal integrity models, data sheets, product prints, product and application specifications, as well as a complete product presentation providing significant details on FCI’s complete line of high-speed I/O products.
FCI’s New Mini-SAS and Mini-SATA External Cable Assemblies Support Increased Signal Speeds - 04/02/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems has developed external Mini-Multilane SAS/SATA I/O cable assemblies to address the storage industry’s demand for more compact, high-speed serial I/O interfaces that also support evolving signal speed requirements. These assemblies offer the advantages of increased port density along a card edge and a shorter external-plug profile that reduces cable bend clearance requirements in comparison to Multilane SAS/SATA cable links per SFF-8470.
FCI’s 26-position, mini-multilane external cable assemblies enable Mini-SAS or Mini-SATA 4x external cable links. These cable assemblies provide high-speed serial interfaces that are capable of meeting today’s requirements for 1.5Gb/s per channel and up to 6.0Gb/s per channel, as well as future bandwidth demands.
FCI’s cable assemblies meet Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA) requirements for mini-multilane external cables thus assuring plug compatibility with standardized port interfaces. Specifically, FCI’s mini-multilane solutions satisfy the applicable requirements of the INCITS T10 SAS 1.1 or the SATA-IO Serial ATA specifications and conform to the mechanical requirements described in the associated SFF-8086 and SFF-8088 documents. The availability of both mini-SAS and mini-SATA keying slot configurations give the user the option to choose the appropriate link for their respective applications.
“FCI continues to meet the market’s need for cost-effective, high-speed and high-density cable
assemblies that offer standard interfaces for application-specific solutions,” said Jim David, global high-speed I/O market manager, FCI.
The cable assemblies utilize a highly engineered paddle card, which is designed to address stringent mechanical interface and signal integrity requirements. In addition, highly controlled and stable cable assembly manufacturing processes minimize variations that impact performance. Robust final test and quality systems assure conformance to the high-speed electrical performance requirements in industry specifications.
FCI moves to #5 on industrial component & fixtures scorecard - 04/02/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, and application tooling industries, announces that its parent company, FCI, has risen to #5 on The Patent Board™, Industrial Components & Fixtures’ Patent Scorecard. The Patent Board is the world''''''''s leading business-based patent advisor to Fortune 500 companies, technology-based start-ups, law firms, investment banks and governments. The Patent Board tracks and analyzes innovation, movement and business impact of patent assets across 17 industries on a global basis.
Moving up from its previous rank at #9, FCI maintains an even stronger hold in the Scorecard''''''''s top ten. According to The Patent Board, FCI had an 84% increase in Research Intensity™, as well as a 29% increase in Industry Impact™ and a 5% increase in patents granted to propel them up four positions to rank 5th overall. FCI was granted 83 patents in 2008.
FCI Extends the ZipLine™ Connector System To Coplanar Applications - 04/02/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding the application range of its popular high-density, highperformance ZipLine™connector system with the addition of a right-angle signal header module. Designed to mate with an existing right-angle signal receptacle module, the new header module provides 216 individual contacts and enables 72 high-speed differential
connections between coplanar circuit boards. Complementary high-power modules and guidance modules are also available.
“The ZipLine™ connector system already offered support for backplane and orthogonal midplane applications, but system designers also saw a need for high-density, high-speed connections to coplanar add-on cards used for system upgrades, memory expansion and test,” said Jeff O’Brien, global product marketing manager. “By adding support for coplanar applications, FCI continues to enhance the product portfolio in response to the diversified
needs of customers.” Samples of the right-angle header for coplanar applications will be available midway through the second quarter of 2009.
The ZipLine™ connectors are the highest-density, press-fit connectors available and address the need for greater signal density in next-generation equipment platforms. The connectors provide 6 high-speed differential signal pairs per column on 1.8mm column pitch to deliver 84.6 differential pairs per inch of card edge. The compact module size allows for a minimum 1-inch card slot pitch and helps system designers address mechanical and thermal concerns.
ZipLine™ connectors use FCI’s proven shield-less technology to deliver low insertion loss and crosstalk without using costly and space-consuming metal shields. Data rates can scale up to 12.5 Gb/s without requiring the redesign of a basic platform.
In addition to offering superior signal density and electrical performance, the versatile ZipLine™ design allows for mixed differential, single-ended or power pin assignments within a connector.
The ZipLine™ connector system has been chosen as a finalist for the 2009 DesignVision Award in the Interconnect Technologies and Components category. The winner will be announced at the upcoming DesignCon exhibition on February 3-4 in Santa Clara, California.
BURNDY® Products to feature grounding at Ace Hardware 2009 in Las Vegas. - 26/01/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, and application tooling industries, will showcase its grounding products in booth #2185 at the ACE Hardware Spring 2009 Convention and Exposition from March 4th to the 6th at the Mandalay Bay Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The company’s mechanical grounding and power connectors, ideal for direct burial applications in earth or embedment in concrete, are made of high copper content alloys and use a nut and bolt design to provide the means for connecting copper cable. To ensure maximum performance under the most extreme environmental conditions, FCI uses only the finest high copper alloys.
Over 80 years of technological innovations make BURNDY®’s mechanical grounding and power connectors one of the most widely used, specified and highly respected lines in the industry. All BURNDY®’s mechanical grounding connectors are designed for easy installation and outstanding durability.
BURNDY® Products offers type VG vise-type connectors for copper applications - 21/01/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to announce the availability of its TYPE VG copper vise-type connectors. Ideal for copper power and grounding applications, these connectors are easy to install, will not swivel and feature a copper alloy body design that provides strength and corrosion resistance. For maximum stability, they are designed so that the interlocking components of the connector will not rotate out of the body.
BURNDY® Products VG connectors allow for single tool installation, so that installers can keep one hand free to hold conductors. They have a compact profile after installation, facilitating taping and alignment with conductors. These connectors can accommodate a wide range of conductors, minimizing the number of connectors required. With side installation capability, they can eliminate the need for separate pieces during installation.
BURNDY® Products comes to the rescue helping utilities restor power to new Hampshire communities after ice storm - 21/01/2009
BURNDY® PRODUCTS of Manchester, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, application tooling and automotive industries, manufactured 1,100 aluminum distribution splices in just two days, helping utility companies restore power statewide to New Hampshire after the recent ice storm. The 1,100 splices represent a normal 4-month supply for utility companies. The splicers are essential for reconnecting downed or damaged power lines to homes and commercial buildings.
"We were able to work with our distribution folks in Londonderry and our manufacturing facility in Lincoln and were able to turn that around in two days to meet the state''s needs." said Chris Chadbourne, BURNDY director of engineering, product management and business development for utility products. "Dennis Morrissette, the senior floor supervisor at the Lincoln facility, and his team were instrumental in getting the order turned around so quickly."
The majority of the splicers went to National Grid, while others went to NStar and some to municipalities.
FCI’s New High-Speed Connector Microsite simplifies Design and Specification - 14/01/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated, high-speed connectors microsite with a core product selector to help simplify specification of the industry’s most complete highspeed connectors and interconnect solutions.
“In today’s economy, it is important to provide resources that enable customers to easily access specific product solutions,” said Glenn Havener, global product marketing director, high-speed products. “We’ve developed the micro site to be a single dashboard for all FCI’s high-speed products and we feel this tool will be of great value to our customers.”
The newly designed microsite can be found at www.fci.com/highspeed. The micro site’s core product selector tool simplifies access to product solutions and provides access to downloadable technical papers, test reports, 3D images, links for datasheets and brochures.
The high-speed micro site includes backplane, orthogonal, I/O and mezzanine connectors.
Some of FCI’s leading-edge products are featured on this micro site including ZipLine®, Airmax VS®, Meg-Array® and Gig-Array® connectors.
FCI has pioneered high-speed backplane connectors, first with the introduction of the Metral® HS product families, followed by the shieldless technology of Airmax VS® connectors and the recent introduction of the ZipLine® product family. FCI currently provides full signal integrity support as part of its latest collection of products. This allows customers to improve their time-to-market and product performance.
Over the last year, the company has developed several microsites to provide more personalized customer service to customers and design engineers. The newly designed microsite will include a New Developments section that will provide customers with the opportunity to review information about upcoming products.
Pierre Vareille is appointed Chairman and CEO of FCI - 09/01/2009
Pierre Vareille, 51, graduated from the Ecole Centrale de Paris, a French engineering school. He also holds various degrees in Politic Science, Economics (Sorbonne University) and Finance.
He worked for 13 years in the Vallourec Group where he started as an engineer and then held various positions in controlling, sales and strategy before being appointed CEO of several subsidiaries.
In 1995, he became CEO of GFI Aerospace (now LISI Aerospace). He joined Faurecia in 2000 as a member of the Executive Committee and CEO of the Exhaust Systems Business Group.
In 2002, Pierre Vareille joined Pechiney as a member of the Executive Committee, Director of the Aluminium Conversion sector and CEO of Rhenalu.
In 2004, he became Chief Executive of Wagon Automotive, before being appointed Chief Operating Officer of FCI in December 2007.
As of January 1, 2009, Pierre Vareille is Chairman and CEO of FCI.
FCI acquires IMPLO Technologies, Inc. - 08/01/2009
FCI, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector and tooling solutions to the industrial, telecom, and energy industries, has acquired IMPLO Technologies, Inc. (www.implotech.ca), a leader in the field of implosive connector products for the Utility market, based in Markham, Ontario. This acquisition will allow FCI to leverage the technology developed by IMPLO to complement the full line of products the company offers to address Transmission interconnect applications.
The increasing acceptance of implosive technology as a means for the installation of transmission connectors for the Utility marketplace is the result of intensive research & development coupled with successful testing and field installations. The result is a high quality, long lasting connection synonymous with that of the BURNDY® Transmission portfolio of products. The family of IMPLO products is a strong complement to FCI’s extensive transmission product portfolio, which has been instrumental in the transmission of electrical power in locations throughout the world.
“This acquisition will make a solid long-term strategic contribution to FCI’s growing portfolio of quality connection systems with a focus on high voltage splicing and connection technology for Utility Transmission systems,” said Rodd Ruland, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of FCI – Electrical Division (BURNDY® Products). “We are encouraged by the technology we are getting as part of this move and the customer base that IMPLO has developed. We look forward to expanding the scope of design wins with utilities given our strong presence in the marketplace as a result.”
“The agreement with FCI is an important step forward and gives significant marketplace exposure to the technologies developed by IMPLO,” noted Ciro Pasini, Founder and President of IMPLO Technologies, Inc. “Since the BURNDY® brand is well recognized and respected, I chose to become part of FCI to improve our ability to meet customer needs and develop new products while keeping the IMPLO entrepreneurial spirit and tradition of excellence in products and services for which we are known.”
FCI’s DensiShield™ High-Speed I/O Links Demonstrate 10Gb/s Per Channel Performance - 07/01/2009
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems has developed the DensiShield™, a high-speed copper I/O solution. It has demonstrated 10Gb/s per channel differential performance using common wire gauges in cable lengths up to 10 meters. The existing DensiShield system supplies 4-channel capability and consequently delivers an aggregate bandwidth of 40 Gb/s. The DensiShield test set up features Broadcom BCM8072 dual-channel transceivers compliant to the IEEE802.3ap test criterion. The 10Gb/s per channel differential performance can be achieved at 6 meters or less by utilizing 30 AWG cable, at 8 meters or less by utilizing 28 AWG cable and 10 meters or less by utilizing 26 AWG cable.
In addition to the 10Gb/s performance, the DensiShield high-density/speed solution has demonstrated performance meeting both the 10GBase-CX4 Ethernet and Infiniband® industry standards. The DensiShield system is also able to accommodate card slot pitch as low as 15mm and achieve a port-to-port centerline of 12.5mm along a card edge. FCI also offers a DensiShield header that fits within the uTCA defined packaging profile.
“The DensiShield I/O system meets the emerging market requirements for 10Gb/s per channel performance at cable lengths typically required for within-rack or rack-to-rack cabling applications,” said Jim David, global high-speed I/O market manager. “Customers have acknowledged FCI’s expertise in delivering high-speed and high-density solutions that support the markets ever increasing needs for 10Gb/s per channel and greater performance along with minimum 40Gb/s aggregate bandwidth.”
For more information on how FCI''s DensiShield high-speed I/O solutions can satisfy specific application requirements, visit www.fci.com/densishield. The DensiShield™ high-speed I/O dedicated landing page simplifies access to 3D models, signal integrity models, data sheets, product prints, product and application specifications as well as a complete product presentation providing significant detail on FCI’s complete line of high-speed I/O products.
BURNDY® products introduces the ENFORCER™ Hydraulic Impact Wrench - 05/01/2009
BURNDY® Products introduces its new ENFORCER™ hydraulic impact wrench, the latest addition to the BURNDY Products tooling family. The ENFORCER wrench, model HIW716ENF, is the lightest and strongest 7/16” hydraulic impact wrench on the market. This powerful wrench simplifies and expedites hole drilling or hardware tightening and loosening with its unsurpassed 515 ft-lbs of output torque. The superior strength machined aluminum provides users with the lightest wrench in its class.
BURNDY Products Tooling Product Manager, Rick Robicheau points out, “We are pleased to provide contractors with an impact wrench that provides over 500 ft-lbs of torque, yet weighs less than 6 lbs. I believe our customers will appreciate the attention to detail in this new wrench.”
The HIW716ENF comes with a 7/16” Tri-ball quick chuck with a wide flange that provides a secure hold on all standard 7/16” hex drive bits and accessories. This tool’s industry-exclusive, adjustable torque selector spool allows users to choose between a low setting and a high setting of torque. The tool also features the ability to “feather” up gradually to a desired torque level. A dual-acting spool gives users the choice of using the HIW716ENF on Open or Closed center operating circuits.
BURNDY® Products announces GAR Mechanical Grounding Connectors are now UL listed and CSA Certified for use on reinforcement BAR (REBAR) - 05/01/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to announce that the eight most popular sizes of the GAR Mechanical Grounding Connectors are now UL467 Listed and CSA Certified for wire to rebar applications. The GAR Mechanical Grounding Connectors are also acceptable for direct burial in earth or concrete.
BURNDY''s GAR Grounding Connectors are ideal for joining a range of cable, parallel or at right angles to pipe, rod, tube, fence posts, and rebar. The GAR Connectors feature a high copper alloy cast body with DURIUM™ U-bolts, nuts and lockwashers, allowing an entire connection to be buried in ground or concrete without danger of corrosion.
BURNDY® Products obtains IDW Data Audit Certification - 02/01/2009
BURNDY® Products is pleased to announce it has met all requirements of the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW) Data Audit Certification (DAC) program. The certification program from IDEA, a standard-setting organization that offers a full range of eCommerce products and services, ensures manufacturers data housed in their Industry Data Warehouse is clean and error free. With the DAC Certification, BURNDY has the ability to increase sales and enhance customer relationships through flawless purchase-to-payment transactions.
The DAC program measures manufacturer data against industry standards, best practices and IDEA’s recommendations for data quality & synchronization. Manufacturer data is measured in three forms:
• Detailed, automatic measurement via IDW inbound scrubbing & messaging
• Annual review of data with recommendations
• On-demand IDW reports (e.g. Data Load Summary and Error Status Report)
For BURNDY customers, the DAC Certification provides the assurance they are associated with a manufacturer that is committed to providing the most accurate, current, and up-to-date information.
BURNDY® products introduces the PATRIOT® PATMD6-14V IN-LINE® Series of tools - 02/01/2009
BURNDY® Products, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial, energy, application tooling and automotive industries, will showcase its PATRIOT® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V hydraulic crimping tool in booths #414 and #1018 at the Utility Products Conference and Exposition, from February 3-5, 2009 in San Diego, Calif. With more crimps per charge, ergonomic design, and a 14.4V Nickel Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, the PATMD6-14V tool is your crimping solution.
Offering trouble-free operation, the BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V tool incorporates a high speed hydraulic pump generating 6 tons of crimping force. The battery actuated hydraulic crimper provides a consistent, reliable connection on a range of copper and aluminum terminals and splices, overhead taps, full tension splices and dead ends. Its high-capacity, Ni-MH battery eliminates voltage depression, maximizing the number of crimps per charge. The BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V tools feature a 350º rotate able head for operation in virtually any position.
The BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V tool features interchangeable MD6 series jaws capable of using “W” and “X” style dies in the permanent D3 crimping groove. The tool’s audible “pop-off” crimp indicator provides a consistent, reliable connection every time. The BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V tool is supplied with a durable high-impact formed carrying case, battery charger and two high capacity 14.4 volt 2.6 AH batteries.
Each BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V crimping tool uses standard BURNDY® dies and off-the-shelf BURNDY® connectors available worldwide, and comes with a three year limited warranty on the tool and a lifetime warranty on the INFINITY DRIVE™.
To discover our new BURNDY® IN-LINE® PATMD6-14V tool , Visit us at: Utility Products Conference and Exposition
February 3-5, 2009 in San Diego, California.
Booths # 414 and #1018
FCI Recognized for Excellence with Award from Huawei - 17/11/2008
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, was named by Huawei as the 2008 Excellent Core Partner award recipient. Huawei is a world-leading telecom solutions provider focused on building longterm partnerships with telecom operators. Pierre Vareille, COO of FCI and Pete Curwen (VP & GM FCI Electronics Division), accepted the award on behalf of FCI at the 2008 Global Core Partner Convention in Bantian, China, in early November.
Huawei recognized the connector supplier for its successful relationship with FCI’s multilevel and multi-functional team. Huawei and FCI collaborated on several projects in the past year including the development of a 10Gb/ps backplane connector using FCI’s popular Airmax technology. The success of this project resulted in widespread use of Airmax in Huawei equipment.
Using more than 20 connectors from FCI’s recently developed ZipLine high-density product line on one backplane, Huawei was able to complete a reliability assessment on daughter card connectors with increased insertion force.
Other projects included the development of E1/T1 and VDSL I/O connectors and a fiberoptic backplane connector.
FCI’s ZipLine™ High Density, High Speed Connector System Now Available in High Volumes - 12/11/2008
FCI’s new ZipLine™ connector system, the industry’s highest density high speed connector, is available in production quantities ahead of schedule. Responding to greater than expected customer demand for increased signal density, FCI offers ZipLine connectors in orthogonal and backpanel configurations and corresponding power connectors for high volume applications. With transmission speeds up to 12.5Gb/s and density up to 101 signal pairs per linear inch at 1.5mm column pitch, the ZipLine connector system is the industry’s highest connector available with press fit termination.
“In less than a year, we have seen wide acceptance of ZipLine, primarily due to the need
for greater density. This has allowed FCI to bring ZipLine to production quantities sooner
than anticipated,” said Jeff O’Brien, Global Product Manager, FCI.
ZipLine is built upon FCI’s proven AirMax VS® technology and offers similar signal integrity performance. Like AirMax VS®, the ZipLine connector system uses edge-coupling technology to deliver high signal density with low insertion loss and low crosstalk, all without the use of costly and space-consuming metal shields. Data rates can scale up to 12.5Gb/s without requiring re-design of a basic platform.
ZipLine offers flexible pin configurations with the greatest signal density in all three dimensions to address mechanical and thermal concerns for system designers. In addition to superior electrical performance and signal density, ZipLine™ offers a high degree of design versatility. Standard orthogonal, backpanel, and power components can be configured in many ways to satisfy unique application requirements without the need for new tooling or long lead times.
The system also uses hard metric design practice and can be placed next to FCI product
families including AirMax VS® signal, power and guides and FCI new HCI power connectors.
FCI, TOP 100 Companies in Dongguan participated in 3C Expo 2008 - 07/11/2008
FCI was nominated as one of the TOP 100 companies in Dongguan and the only one in Shatian town that received this recognition. Shatian government was very happy for FCI Dongguan and sponsored our participation in 3C Expo 2008 (10th Dongguan International Computer Communication & Consumer Electronic Products Exposition). The exhibition was held from Oct 20 to Oct 22, 2008 at Dongguan International Conference & Exhibition Centre.
At our booth, we showcased product families such as AirMax, PwrBlade, MezzSelect and cable assemblies. Other FCI product offerings were also displayed on exhibition panels to show the visitors our broad range of connectors. A new panel was specially designed to illustrate the production capabilities of FCI Dongguan.
FCI unveils ground-breaking high power connector designs for Electric Vehicles(EV)and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEV) - 06/11/2008
For the first time at Electronica Show in Munich, FCI will unveil several innovative high power connector solutions developed to face the booming demand of high performance from virtually all Automotive OEM worldwide and starting with Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) programs scheduled for launch in 2010/11.
Building on FCI Motorized Vehicle (MVL) division’s expertise in the automotive sector, the new RCS and APEX high power connector ranges do incorporate a series of ground-breaking features that reflect the unique challenges presented by EV and HEV applications.
In developing APEX and RCS High Power connector families, FCI succeeds to introduce almost simultaneously two very innovative terminal technologies: Apex® 950, benefiting from FCI’s unique Apex cost effective design to reach current carrying capacity up to 150A, and new RCS-800 terminals featuring a novel 8 mm round pin design that facilitates more efficient use of space than an equivalent square terminal. These round RCS terminals also provide a high number of contact points and can operate up to 250A and above, depending on exact customer’s specification. Moreover, special surface platings have been employed to protect against the possibility of surface damage caused by arcing.
The housing developed for high power interconnections is equally innovative. The incorporation of a unique, 2-step mating process guarantees the connectors cannot be disconnected while high currents are applied. Two separate movements are required of the user, and there is a three second delay between the power being cut off and connector being free for release. This novel safety device is supplemented by a number of other features drawn from FCI’s extensive portfolio of automotive connector housing solutions. The terminals are encased in a plastic protective grid that physically prevents them being touched. FCI’s solution does feature an “interlock” device too ensuring that there is no risk of unmating during load. Additionally, the company’s ErgoMate axial mating system helps achieving a lower profile solution while reducing both mating forces and chance of mis-mating. Last but not least, high levels of shielding and sealing are employed to offer best-in-class interconnect solutions for EV and HEV.
FCI MVL division is equally committed to an ‘open tool’ philosophy - with the APEX and RCS solutions, the company has taken a modular approach, ensuring optimum flexibility to match specific application requirements. As a result, tailor made solutions can be implemented within the tightest possible time-to-market parameters, and at the lowest possible cost.
FCI’s MCC modular concept – the universally adaptable connector - 06/11/2008
The Modular Connector Concept (MCC) by FCI has already gained a reputation on the automotive market as an interface to the AK-2 airbag interconnection system but the very concept of MCC offers much more perspective, giving FCI a tremendous competitive edge.
In the current business environment the motivation for OEM’s to reduce cost is most likely to lead to an accelerated transition to MCC. It indeed brings major benefits to the market and is already gaining strong acceptance. MCC offers a robust, compact and flexible design that is compliant with all major standard OEM interfaces (FCI, AK-1, AK-2, J-AK) for pyrotechnical applications.
MCC solves assembly risks at OEM & Tier 1’s due to fool proof mating design known as AK@ scoop proof, and, MCC benefits from a highly efficient and flexible manufacturing process based on modularity.
Most and foremost, MCC’s definite asset lies in its handling friendliness which considerably reduces costly quality issues for customers, as its modular design enable ‘easy’ adaptation to various interface.
FCI Motorized Vehicle division specialists will be at Electronica, Munich to introduce you to MCC’s almost unlimited application possibilities – take a step ahead from competition and check them out!
FCI Expands D-Sub Cable Connector Series With Space Saving Angle Exit Versions - 08/10/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, expanded its range of economical D-sub shielded hoods to include an angle exit versions for 50-way cable connectors. The angle exit version is ideal for indoor signal and power applications requiring robustness and/or high EMI/RFI performance in industrial and telecommunications markets.
“Meeting the demands of compact environments requires high density components. This
new hood meets our customer’s needs by providing hood sizes capable of handling up to 50 ways in standard density or 78 ways in high density D-subs, making the angle exit the ideal solution for saving space,” said Luc Maillet, global product manager at FCI
Electronics.
The economical D-sub angle exit series has several advantages in terms of weight and
applied cost. The simplified hood design resulted in a lighter connector and allows for
reduced assembly time, which can yield up to 20 percent reduced total applied cost. At the same time customer applications still receive the high level of performance needed.
The metal strain relief works with cable diameters from 8.0mm to 17mm and with just two screws to fasten, assembly is fast, easy and reduces labor costs.
The D-sub angle exit shielded hood series was previously available in 9-, 15-, 25- and 37-position versions compatible with 4 to 13 mm cable diameters, but is now available in 50 positions. The hoods can withstand an operating temperature from –40°C to +120°C and offer a high EMI/RFI performance (>40db from 30MHz to 1GHz).
FCI’s full line of D-sub hoods includes plastic, metallic coated plastic, metal straight and
Right-angle versions.
FCI OEN Connectors Ltd. receives prestigious ELCINA-DUN & BRADSTREET Award - 25/09/2008
FCI OEN, one of India’s leading connector manufacturers, has received the First Prize for Business Excellence for the year 2007-08 by Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) and Dun & Bradstreet, the world’s leading source of global business information.
P. George Varghese, Managing Director, FCI OEN, received the award from Dr. V. Krishnamurthy, Chairman of the National Manufacturing Competitive Council (NMCC), the Government of India, during a ceremony held on September 10 in New Delhi.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Mr. P George Varghese, Managing Director, FCI OEN Connectors Ltd said, “It is a moment of great honour to receive this award. Getting recognition for business excellence from ELCINA-Dun & Bradstreet is a great accomplishment for us.”
Established more than 30 years ago, ELCINA is the country’s first organization to institute Annual Awards for Excellence in Electronics for outstanding achievement in electronics and hardware manufacturing & services. Industry experts, Government and Institutions (supporting the Electronics Industry) who comprise the panel of judges, assess the contending organizations in terms of Leadership, Policy & Strategy, People, Process, Customer, Society, Quality, Environment, R&D and Exports to choose the winner for this award.
FCI OEN is a majority owned subsidiary of FCI, a French-based global leading connector manufacturer. FCI OEN supplies professional grade connectors for communication, industrial instrumentation and automotive industries on the Indian market. Sophisticated manufacturing facilities based in Cochin, professional teams and highest quality products make FCI a leader in the electronic connectors segment. With a strong management review system and excellent operational performance, FCI testifies for high customer satisfaction and employee commitment.
FCI sets market trends in the heart of innovation at Electronica 2008 (11-14 November) - 25/09/2008
FCI, the global connector manufacturer, will participate in Electronica 2008 which takes place in Munich’s New Trade Fair centre, with a large two-story booth.
The ambition is to illustrate the company’s base line: ‘Setting the standards for connectors’. As an echo to this motto, FCI will propose an original approach for the introduction of its latest products.
Taking customers’ key requirements as the thread for the message to be conveyed, FCI will display connectors around 4 main themes:
- Miniaturization
- High Speed, high density
- Reliability & Performance
- Inventive services
Along side these main themes that drive Innovation at FCI, visitors will discover solutions tackling one or several of these 4 requirements at a time, mainly from FCI’s Electronics and Motorized Vehicles Divisions.
Breaking the usual exhibition rules of presenting products for customers to shop, FCI determinedly puts forward its capabilities from R&D to production to offer tailored solutions, thus demonstrating again its technological leadership in the connector market.
Come and ask about FCI’s innovations at booth B4.636 in Hall B4!
FCI launches microsite and support program to assist flex connector specification and selection - 22/09/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, is launching a service and support program around its line of connectors to terminate flexible circuitry (FFC/FPC/CIC) to assist customers in easily selecting the flex connector product solution for their design requirements. The program focuses on the new dedicated flex connector microsite, which will allow customers to quickly find the products they are looking for, along with customer drawings, performance characteristics and technical information.
“FCI is a leader in flex circuit connector technology, and we offer a great breadth in our product line,” said Akira Nakai, global marketing director, flex connectors, FCI. “As our product family continues to grow, we want to help both existing customers and potential customers quickly access the information they need to select the right connector, as well as to support them in designing in the flex connectors in their applications.”
The flex connector program simplifies the product selection process, and provides quick access to products, documentation, and packaging information, via a dedicated web site. Technical support is always readily available to answer questions about products and sample requests can be fulfilled quickly.
FCI is one of the leading developers and manufacturers of flex connectors, with products varying from the traditional 2.54mm pitch to 0.3mm pitch. FCI pioneered innovative features such as back side flip actuation, allowing the cable to be locked into place with one hand, as well as ZIF with prehold, which provides enough retention to hold the cable in place while the lock is actuated. The connectors are ideal for a variety of applications, particularly in connecting an LCD screen to the PCB, such as cell phones, handheld electronic games, car navigation systems, medical equipment, industrial equipment, ATMs and POS vending machines.
FCI offers flex connector products with ZIF (zero insertion force), LIF (low insertion force), and non-ZIF; upper and down contact options; vertical and right angle orientations; surface-mount and through-hole terminations; and in contact spacing options all the way down to 0.3mm, with finer pitch products on their way. Other features, such as optional cable locks and additional mounting devices, insure that FCI has a solution for almost any application, no matter how demanding.
The flex connector customer support program also includes a new catalog featuring the most up-to-date and available products.
BURNDY® to Feature Grounding MIX at International Pool & Spa Expo - 16/09/2008 Please visit booth # L2154 to learn more about this product offering
BURNDY®, a leading manufacturer and provider of connector solutions to the industrial energy, and application tooling industries, will showcase its grounding products mix at the International Pool & Spa Exposition from November 18-20, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This unique combination of grounding products offered by BURNDY ensures pool and spa installers the best product for their specific application. Only BURNDY offers this wide range of mechanical, compression, and exothermic products designed specifically for the pool and spa industry. BURNDY has been supplying connection solutions to the Pool and Spa market for over 40 years offering their experience, value and technology.
GRIDMAX™ Equipotential Bonding Grid covers all points around the contour of the pool and pool deck helping to equalize any voltage and stray currents that pass through the area. GRIDMAX provides a safe environment for people in the pool and on the pool deck by helping to minimize stray currents that may be circulating in the ground. BURNDY provides three acceptable methods of connecting GRIDMAX sections together.
The BURNDYWeld® exothermic grounding option provides a simple, portable, and efficient method of welding copper to copper and other various materials without the use of an external power source. The resulting connection is a fusion or molecular weld of virtually pure copper.
The HYGROUND® Irreversible Compression Grounding System is a safe, cost-effective and time-efficient grounding method. HYGROUND is a complete system consisting of connectors for cross grid connections, taps, splices, cable to ground rod, ground plates, and terminations.
BURNDY’s Mechanical Grounding and Bonding Connectors, ideal for direct burial applications in earth or embedment in concrete, are made of high copper content alloys and use a nut and bolt design to provide the means for connecting copper cable. To ensure maximum performance under the most extreme environmental conditions, only the finest high copper alloys are used.
FCI Basics+ Program is Faster Than Ever - 15/09/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems has expanded the popular Basics+ program to make it even faster for customers to specify and buy connectors for board-to-board and cable/wire-to-board applications.
A key feature of the new program is dramatically shortened factory lead times for initial quantities, with a distribution program being implemented to get the products to the customers in just days.
The Basics+ program makes it faster than ever to find, sample and design-in the parts needed. FCI is still working closely with their distribution network to make the speed and satisfaction of the customer experience an even higher priority.
The Basics+ program simplifies the product selection process, provides quick access to products, documentation, pricing and packing information. Technical support is always readily available to answer questions about products and ordering and sample requests can be fulfilled quickly.
Other new features of the Basics+ program include an updated 84-page catalog featuring the most up-to-date and available products. The web site now allows designers to specify customized parts. Designers can also browse the expanded 2mm modular system and specially designed products for the pin-in-paste process.
The Basics+ program is built around 2.54mm and 2mm pitch connectors for board-to-board, wire-to-board and cable-to-board applications.
Services and benefits of the Basics+ program include, immediate technical assistance via the basics.help@fci.com hotline, a dedicated microsite and catalog for easier product research, a simplified ordering process and fast delivery of sample or prototype quantities.
BURNDY® receives "Supplier of the year" award from WESCO - 10/09/2008
BURNDY® Products has received the 2008 "Supplier of the Year" award from WESCO Distribution, Inc., a leading distributor of electrical construction products and electrical and industrial MRO supplies. BURNDY earned the award for double-digit sales growth over the past five consecutive years as well as for their dedication to WESCO. The “Supplier of the Year” award was one of four national awards that BURNDY received at the WESCO Sales and Marketing Conference held this past August at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Said Jim Moreland, BURNDY''s Key Account Manager and recipient of the WESCO "Extra Effort Individual" Award, "I am truly grateful for the efforts our team puts forth every day to sell, market and produce BURNDY Products for and through the 400+ WESCO branches in North America." .
BURNDY President, Rodd Ruland commented, "When a $6 billion company that supplies products from over 8000 individual suppliers recognizes BURNDY as "Supplier of the Year," that''s an accomplishment of which we can be very proud."
FCI’s USB+Power and Latch-N-Lok™ Cable Assemblies Support Cost-Effective Power Needs - 19/08/2008
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has expanded its offering of cable assembly devices with the introduction of the USB+Power and Latch-N-Lok™ cable assemblies. USB+Power and Latch-N-Lok have been widely used in the point-of-sale device market for several years, and popularity is growing in the sales of control systems, medical instrumentation, test and measurement, and inventory equipment.
“Combining these two proven interconnect standards into one cable eliminates the need for a separate power source and their associated AC outlets,” said Leo Ding, Product Manager, FCI.
“Adapting USB+Power and Latch-N-Lok cable assemblies is easy and cost-effective. With fewer cables being used, the assemblies lower installation costs, reduce footprint to free up valuable space, and eliminate potential risk of failure.”
Designed to address requirements for higher power in devices using USB signaling, USB+Power adds four power contacts to the interface and provides a total of 5 amps of additional current-carrying capability. Standard USB devices only carry 1 amp. USB+Power is fully compliant with USB standard 2.0 and offers capabilities that exceed those standards.
Latch-N-Lok is a rugged cable-to-equipment connector interface to connect signals or power, and is designed for user convenience as well as durability. This versatile connector system provides optional integral shielding and grounding for controlling EMI/ESD.
Active latching on the cable plugs of Latch-N-Lok and USB+Power cable assemblies provides positive retention ensuring a secure connection, while keying and color options prevent the mating of incorrect cables.
FCI Launches Millipacs® Microsite - 12/08/2008
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated Millipacs®microsite with a core product selector to simplify specifying the industry’s most complete 2mm Hard Metric Millipacs® and CompactPCI interconnect family.
“In today’s market, it’s important to offer tools that enable customers to easily access standard as well as customized product solutions,” said Abin Simon, global product marketing manager for FCI. “We’ve developed the Millipacs® microsite to be a single dashboard for all FCI’s Millipacs® products to fulfill this customer need.”
The newly designed microsite can be found at www.fci.com/millipacs. The core product selector simplifies access to product solutions and provides downloadable product brochures and catalogs, customer drawings and specifications, 3D mechanical models and other useful links.
The Millipacs® family consists of a wide range of headers, receptacles, cable connectors and accessories including 5-row and 8-row options, FCI eye-of-needle press-fit termination and the Pin-in-Paste Type C headers. The Millipacs connector portfolio is ideal for use as daughter card connectors in rack systems, but the technology is also being used for boardto-board and wire-to-board applications in the telecom and industrial markets.
In conjunction with the launch of the microsite, a printed version of the new Millipacs® and CompactPCI Core Product Selector is being launched. The 6-page catalog provides information on an extensive range of connectors and accessories.
FCI Develops 0.5mm Pitch 2.0mm Height FPC (ZIF) Connectors - 08/08/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, now offers a flip actuator, 0.5mm pitch, 2mm height FPC ZIF connector for use in optical drives and automotive multimedia systems. Designated the VHC Series, the FPC ZIF connectors provide a robust design that can withstand high cable retention forces making them ideal for consumer and automotive applications.
“Consumer and automotive multimedia systems are utilizing larger and higher quality LCD displays that require FPC cable connection,” said Akira Nakai, global product line director, FCI. “Optical disk drive systems such as Blu-Ray are consuming elevated levels of data volume that need faster transmission speeds and more signals in the systems to connect with pick-up units and module boards, and the VHC connectors make that possible.” The connector’s flipping actuator facilitates the secure cable assembly with click actuation, and the VHC series is available with or without cable lock. FCI integrated these features to ensure compatibility for automotive multimedia applications.
The 0.5mm pitch FPC ZIF connector will be available in 40-70 positions and accepts 0.3mm thick FPC cable. The 60-position version is currently available and lower pin-count types are in development to complete the family offering.
BURNDY® introduces the new Break-Away Hylug™ copper and aluminium line of compression terminals - 08/07/2008
BURNDY® Products introduces its new Break-Away HYLUG™ line of copper and aluminum compression terminals (types YBA, YBA-FX and YBA-A). The Break-Away HYLUG provides maximum field flexibility by allowing the installer (using the Break-Away feature) to easily convert a two-hole terminal to a one-hole terminal to suit the application.
FCI develops iVDR connectors for removable storage applications - 02/07/2008
FCI has expanded its line of storage interface interconnects with the development of a connector for use with the information Versatile Disk for Removable usage (iVDR) standard. A connector board member for the iVDR Consortium, FCI’s connector range contributes to standardizing the next-generation large-capacity data platform in applications such as media cartridges and internal port terminations; PCs,
servers, set-top boxes, and the like; and auto-loading mechanisms in host applications. The iVDR standard can be a hard disk drive or a solid-state device capable of recording copyright-protected high-definition content without loss of quality while maintaining SAFIA security protection.
“The iVDR allows for the sharing of various content including movies, music and programs, over a variety of devices such as information appliances, home servers, video recorders, automobile AV devices and PCs,” said Lucas Chin, global marketing manager storage drives, FCI. “The FCI iVDR connectors facilitate security, mobility, durability and speed in these applications.”
FCI’s iVDR connector provides a single row of 26 contacts and 1.27mm pitch. The plug is available in a right-angle version with SMT leads and has a hold-down feature on both ends for lead-free assembly.
The receptacle is available in right-angle and vertical versions with SMT leads. The right-angle form factor features a fixed-screw hole while the vertical type features a hold-down on each end of the connector.
The iVDR connector is RoHS-compliant and compatible with lead-free processing temperatures.
FCI’s New Micro SATA Connector Supports Hard Disk Drives - 30/06/2008
FCI has expanded its line of storage interface interconnects with the development of the Micro SATA interconnect solution for 1.8" form factor drives and portable applications that meets the Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) newly released 2.6 revision specification. Micro SATA connectors comply with to SATA-IO standards with respect to the mating interface and are compatible with applications such as notebook PCs, set-top boxes, games consoles, audio/video and portable storage.
“With staggered contact lengths as well as guide posts and pockets this connector can
support hot-plugging and blind-mating of 1.8" form factor drives” said Lucas Chin, global
marketing manager, FCI.
The Micro SATA connector meets SFF 2.6 specification with 16 positions (7 positions with 1.27mm pitch for signal and 7+2 positions with 1.27mm pitch for power) requirements.
The plug connector supports both internal 5.00mm and 8.00mm slim-type 1.8" form factor drives (such as HDD or SSD) while the right angle Micro SATA receptacle connector supports system applications. The Micro SATA connector is RoHS-compliant, compatible with lead-free processing temperatures and the retainers provide additional mechanical strength after soldering.
FCI’s Slimline Connector Fully Compliant with SATA-I/O 2.6 Spec - 27/06/2008
FCI has expanded its line of storage interface interconnects with the development of the Slimline connector, which is designed to enable the connection of a “slimline” form factor drive to the Serial ATA interface. The slimline connector is ideal for applications such as removable optical disk drive interfaces, desktop/notebook PCs, gaming equipment and internal/ external ODD drives.
“The connector is designed to fit into the presently used PATA (Parallel ATA) connector slimline design with almost no changes to the slimline drive case, media tray, or internal mechanics,” said Lucas Chin, global marketing manager, FCI. “A simple replacement of the PATA PC board with a SATA controller and connector in the present slimline drive designs is now possible.” .
The connector preserves the design of the signal portion of the present SATA connector and accommodates presently available SATA signal cables. .
Offering high durability of 500 cycles, the connector withstands a mating force of 45N maximum and an unmating force of 10N minimum.
The connector is available in a 13-position version (7-pos with 1.27mm pitch for signal and 6-pos with 1mm pitch for power).
FCI’s slimline SATA connectors are fully compliant with the Serial ATA international Organization (SATA-I/O) newly released 2.6 revision specification for Optical Disk Drive (ODD) systems.
FCI Launches The HCI® Power Distribution Connector System With A Dedicated Microsite - 16/06/2008
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces the launch of the HCI® Power Distribution Connector System. In addition to FCI’s Power Solutions microsite (www.fci.com/powersolutions) which contains information regarding FCI’s various power solutions, a microsite dedicated to HCI (www.fci.com/hci) is available to assist designers in determining which HCI products are right for their design.
HCI technology anticipates increasing system power demands that are driving the need for greater power density. A single HCI power contact accommodates over 82 amps based on a 30°C temperature rise with zero airflow. The high current-carrying capacity coupled with a robust, molded-in guidance system are ideal for high-wattage, blind-mate power supplies.
″The stamped and formed HCI power contacts, initially pioneered by FCI on its PwrBlade® system, are an innovative and cost-effective alternative to expensive screw-machined contacts for high-current applications″, said John Dodds, FCI’s global product marketing manager for power products.
The HCI connector system is designed to address requirements that extend beyond the
capability of FCI’s proven PwrBlade connector system, the industry standard for DC power supply interfaces and power distribution.
Tooled HCI configurations support standard co-planar and backplane interfaces. The fully integrated HCI design enables DC power, AC power and signal contacts in a single molded housing. Similar to PwrBlade, HCI is modularly tooled, allowing incredible flexibility to address custom configuration requirements.
HCI features cost-effective stamped contacts, a vented but touch-proof housing to optimize airflow above, below and through the connector. This allows heat to convect away from contact surfaces producing the lowest product height among comparable high-current connectors.
Pricing for a typical HCI backpanel configuration of 5DC+24S is $16 USD per mated pair in prototype quantities.
FCI AirMax VS® and ZipLine™ connectors transmit error-free 40Gb/s data - 07/05/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, recently completed multi-channel tests for both the AirMax VS® the ZipLine™connector systems, using twin test vehicles, in which the high-speed connectors transmitted error-free data at 40Gb/s.
The test configurations consisted of a set of four Broadcom BCM8072 dual-channel 10Gb/s transceivers and two IEEE802.3ap reference backplanes with either AirMax VS® connectors or ZipLine™ backplane connectors. FCI successfully transmitted error-free data over eight 1-meter channels simultaneously. With the daughter cards and backplane made of Nelco 4000-12SI material, each of the channels achieved a bit-error rate (BER) of better than 5e-16 in the presence of seven aggressor channels. With four channels running in each direction, the resultant aggregate data rate was 40 Gb/s.
AirMax VS® Connector has been a leading high speed backplane connector since 2004. The recently announced ZipLine™ Connector system offers customers the highest signal density of any backplane or orthogonal midplane connector presently on the market. Both AirMax VS® and ZipLine™ connector systems are ideally suited for multiple 10Gb/s channel applications.
ZipLine™ connectors are built upon FCI’s proven AirMax VS® technology and offers similar signal integrity performance. Like AirMax VS® connectors, the ZipLine™ connector system uses edge-coupling technology to deliver high signal density with low insertion loss and low crosstalk, all without the use of costly and space-consuming metal shields. Data rates can scale from 2.5Gb/s to beyond 12Gb/s without requiring re-design of a basic platform.
FCI launches Metral® microsite - 06/05/2008
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces a new, dedicated Metral® microsite that provides greater detail on the most complete 2mm backplane interconnect range for board-to-board and cable-to-board applications. The Metral connectors are ideal for use in chassis-based packaging in telecommunications, datacom and other industrial equipment.
“In today’s market it’s important to offer tools that enable customers to easily access standard as well customized product solutions,” said Koos Steding, global product marketing manager for FCI. “We’ve developed the Metral microsite to be a single dashboard for all FCI’s Metral products to fulfill this customer need.”
The newly designed microsite can be found at www.fci.com/metral. The portal simplifies access to product solutions and provides downloadable product brochures and catalogs, customer drawings and specifications, 3D mechanical models, electrical models and other useful links.
In conjunction with the launch of the microsite, a new Metral full line catalog is being launched. The 228-page catalog provides information on an extensive range of shrouded pin headers, board-mounted receptacles, cable connectors, hybrid connectors, power modules and other accessories to support virtually any board-to-board or cable-to-board application. FCI offers standard or customized options, in accordance with IEC 61076-4- 104 and compliant to Telcordia® GR-1217 CORE.
FCI’s Product Portfolio Meets Demands of Industrial Applications - 06/05/2008
FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, is expanding and updating its product portfolio to continue to meet the needs of industrial equipment manufacturers.
FCI’s industrial product offering is built around an extensive range of board-to-board and wire/cable-to-board connectors, with established brand names such as Dubox™, Quickie® and Minitek™. I/O connectors including modular jacks and D-Subs are also used in such applications.
“Customers know FCI for innovative, high-speed connector solutions,” said Gijs Werner, global I&I market manager for FCI. “FCI is also a reliable source for interconnect solutions in industrial applications.”
FCI has developed several technologies to enhance product offerings including an improved through hole reflow technology (Pin-In-Paste) which is used for most of FCI’s products.
Following the trend towards miniaturization, FCI also expanded its successful 2.00mm modular, board-to-board system Minitek, the most complete 2.00mm system. Minitek provides 38% PCB space reduction compared to 2.54mm systems.
“Although some of FCI’s products were designed more than 40 years ago and set the connector standard at that time, we find that even today these products are still going strong,” said Bavo Teunissen, global marketing communications director for FCI. “Products with dual-beam contact systems, proper normal force, higher conductive materials and performance-based plating address the needs for higher reliability in long lasting applications.”
A specific service program was created to accomplish two-week lead-time, quick delivery of samples and easy access to information to make the design-in process easy and to speed up time-to-market. FCI continues to invest in the expansion and updating of its standard product portfolio because of the value these products have for industrial manufacturers. Detailed information is available in a dedicated brochure “Connectors for Process Control” available on FCI’s web site.
FCI expands GIG-ARRAY® high speed mezzanine connector family with additional stack heights - 24/04/2008
FCI expands GIG-ARRAY® high speed mezzanine connector family with additional stack heights
FCI, a leading manufacturer of connectors and interconnect systems, announces an extension of its GIG-ARRAY® high-speed, high-density mezzanine product line with the introduction of the new 11mm receptacle connectors.
These new GIG-Array receptacles connectors provide either 200 or 296 signal contacts and add the capability for 21mm, 23mm, 24mm, 26mm, 31mm or 36mm board-to-board spacing when used in combination with FCI''s existing plug heights.
"With the addition of these new GIG-ARRAY connector options, we are now offering equipment designers eighteen stack-height options to enable them to address component clearance, airflow, or slot spacing requirements that are unique to their chassis designs," said Grace Showers, FCI global product marketing. "Blade server, storage, communications, and networking equipment are among the applications that can benefit from the excellent high-speed electrical performance provided by the GIG-ARRAY connector system."
GIG-ARRAY differential pairs nominally provide 100 ohms matched impedance to deliver higher speed performance with less reflected power. GIG-ARRAY connectors can support transmission rates up to 10 Gbps with optimized wiring patterns. The 296-position connector contains 37 columns with eight individual signal contacts and nine ground contacts in each column, while the 200-position connector contains 25 columns. The use of individual contacts for both signal and ground connections provides more flexibility in handling power or low-speed signals than systems that utilize interleaving ground shields.
All GIG-ARRAY connectors feature FCI''s innovative Ball Grid Array (BGA) connector termination for easy attachment to printed circuit boards using conventional reflow soldering processes. The 1mm x 0.65mm BGA grid optimizes PCB trace routing and electrical performance. Lead-free and RoHS-compatible connector options are available.
Avnet Electronics Marketing and Electronic Connector Manufacturer FCI Sign Global Agreement - 24/04/2008 Avnet now markets and sells FCI’s full line in more than 70 countries
Avnet Electronics Marketing, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), has entered into a global distribution agreement with FCI, a leading supplier of electronic connectors and interconnect systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Avnet will distribute FCI’s full product line to customers throughout the more than 70 countries where Avnet does business in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan. This broad agreement supersedes an earlier, more circumscribed distribution pact between the two companies.
“We view this agreement as an enhancement to the already strong working relationship between FCI and Avnet,” said Lou Lipomi, vice president of global distributor account management for FCI. “Our commitment is to provide the best design services and supply chain solutions to our customers, regardless of their global footprint. We see Avnet as being very well positioned to support this effort on a worldwide basis.”
“Together, Avnet and FCI bring an expansive selection of cost-effective products to the market and will continue to develop and deliver innovative interconnects, high-speed and miniaturized connectors to our customers around the globe,” said Tom McCartney, senior vice president of IP&E business development worldwide for Avnet Electronics Marketing. “It’s a pleasure to announce to the global electronics industry the expansion of our interconnect offerings through the agreement with FCI on behalf of the entire Avnet team.”
FCI has 34 manufacturing sites across the globe where it designs and manufactures connector solutions targeting market applications for telecommunications infrastructures, consumer electronics, data storage, energy, power and utility, industrial, instrumentation and medical.
FCI Develops Economical D-SUB Shielded Hood Series - 23/04/2008
FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, expands its range of high-performance, traditional D-sub shielded hoods with an economical series. This new product is ideal for indoor signal or power applications
requiring robustness and/or high EMI/RFI performance in the industrial and telecommunications markets.
“The simplified connector design results in a lighter connector and allows for reduced assembly time, which can yield up to 20 percent reduced total applied cost while still providing the high level of performance that FCI’s customers have come to expect,” said Luc Maillet, global product manager at FCI Electronics.
This D-Sub shielded hood is designed with an optimum number of pieces: two half-metal covers in zamack (zinc alloy), two jack screws, and a steel fiber-reinforced plastic strain relief for EMI/RFI screening and mechanical cable retention. The strain relief works with cable diameters from 4.0 mm to 13 mm. With just two screws to fasten, assembly is fast and easy, allowing for reduced labor costs.
The D-Sub shielded hood series is available in 9-, 15-, 25- and 37-position versions. The hoods can withstand an operating temperature from – 40°C to + 120°C and are UL94V-0 qualified.
FCI’s full line of D-Sub hoods includes plastic, metallic coated plastic and metal straight and right-angle versions.
BURNDY® Products: 80 years and still on the Top - 23/04/2008
Rodd Ruland, BURNDY® Products’ Corporate Vice President and General Manager, tells Executive On-Line Magazine how BURNDY Products has leveraged 80 years of experience to keep itself at the forefront of the electrical component & tooling industry.
The pace at which technology is advancing is growing ever more rapidly, and there are numerous strategies and applications that businesses must adopt to keep up with the seemingly endless opportunities opened up by new technologies.
Remaining up-to-date or just ahead of the advancement curve is where many companies seek to be – and the company they turn to is BURNDY® Products, the Electrical Division of FCI, a company that provides both individual customers and large-scale businesses with the means to achieve the best connectivity.
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