FCI to present mini-SAS HD active optical cables

SINGAPORE: FCI, a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect systems, will introduce its mini-SAS HD Active Optical Cable (MSHD AOC) assembly, the latest addition to its portfolio of optical and electrical cabling solutions, at DesignCon 2014.

The MSHD AOC solution is a four-channel cable that features low power optical components with an average of 800 milliwatts and is able to support plug and play operations. This cable assembly also has seamless backwards compatibility with both SAS 2.1 (6Gb/s) protocol legacy equipment and SAS 3.0 (12Gb/s) next-generation protocol equipment.

In addition, MSHD AOC includes capabilities such as discovery functionality, I2C bus communication, and the ability to customize cable labeling and EEPROM memory map extensions.

MSHD AOC's small 3.0 mm diameter and helix-based, 8-fiber optical cable architecture allows the cable to be routed in any direction without compromising signal integrity. The connector also has unparalleled versatility as its cable exit can be configured with either a straight or 90-degree cable exit boot. In addition, FCI is able to provide different length options.

The rugged die cast bodies and robust latching system of the MSHD AOC, ensure its reliability and retention. This cable solution also integrates an easy-to-actuate pull tab so that engineers and manufacturers can easily un-mate the cable.

These cable assemblies are fully compliant to applicable industry standards such as SFF- 8644 as well as SAS and PCIe protocol standards.