The Impact zX2 backplane connector from Molex meets the needs of high-speed applications

     Molex introduces the Impact zX2 backplane connector system, which offers industry-leading speed and signal integrity (SI) performance while supporting data rates up to 28 Gbps in a modular design. The system uses Impel's patented ground shielding and footprint technology to enhance SI performance.

     For customers looking to upgrade their line cards to meet increasing data rate requirements, this can now be done without significant modifications to their existing infrastructure. The zX2 system is backward compatible with the standard Impact connector, allowing current Impact product users to preserve their existing architecture while upgrading the data rate of their own racks.

     Liz Hardin, global Product Manager at Molex, said: "We have consistently seen that steadily increasing data rate requirements are driving developers of data communication equipment to introduce a variety of faster and faster systems. The Impact connector system enables customers to import high-density connector solutions into their designs. "The Impact zX2's signal integrity performance is optimized to support more stringent signal loss requirements, allowing customers to extend the life of Impact racks."

     The same structure can improve the isolation effect of crosstalk and increase the margin of near-end crosstalk (NEXT). After the functional impedance is reduced to a lower value of 95 OHM, the discontinuity can be minimized through the signal channel. The reduced size of the compliance pin (0.36 mm) on the backplane and subcard optimizes the size of the printed circuit board and helps to reduce the volume impedance, further enhancing the SI performance of the connector system.