Interconnects Raise Hard Metric's Performance Bar

With signal rise-times as fast as 100 ps and a signal contacts-per-linear inch figure 42% greater than existing 2-mm Hard Metric connectors, the XCELL series of board-to-board interconnects is expected to gain wide use in telecomm, network and computer equipment. These new high-speed, high-density 2-mm connectors are currently available as 6 x 6-cell modules, each offering 144 signal and 36 ground contacts-- a 4 x 4 version addressing an 0.800" card pitch is slated for release later this year.
XCELL modules have compliant pins, support data rates up to 2.5Gb/s, and are designed to meet Bellcore GR-1217 standards. And the modules allow signal, power and, eventually, optical contacts to be mixed-and-matched in the same unit together with guidance, polarization and ESD ground capabilities.