ERmet ZD Cable System Ensures Reliable Transmission of High-Speed Signals

Adelberg, Germany, 9 November 2004 - Together with W.L. Gore & Associates, ERNI has developed an interconnect cable connector system to provide a solution that enables high digital data rates for modern telecommunications, computing and ATE devices. The cable connector combines high-performance cable technology from Gore with the high-speed ERmet ZD connector from ERNI. This makes it possible to transmit data securely and reliably via thin cables and with high signal integrity in applications with high-speed differential signaling in the range from 2.5 to 10 gigabits per second. The cable connectors are made with the ERNI Type6™ contact in order to ensure outstanding electrical performance. In combination with the high quality of the materials and production processes for the special cable material, it is possible to achieve very low signal loss, low cross talk and low skew as well as controlled impedance (100 Ohm) and capacitance for the transmission length. This makes it possible to achieve the best-possible signal fidelity for high-speed communications applications at the smallest pitch. With the ERmet ZD cable system, each individual differential pair is connected with a shielded high-speed cable. A special production process and design make it possible for data to be transmitted through the entire system without distortion, with little cross talk, and without sudden impedance changes. Despite this fact, the cable assembly is narrow enough to allow sufficient space to place several connectors next to each other. The cables are assembled individually to match the specific requirements such as the cable length or data rate. The ERmet ZD cable connector is available with either five or ten wafers (2.5-mm pitch between the wafers and 4.5-mm pitch between the differential pairs) and with or without interlock. About ERmet ZD ERmet ZD connectors are offered in 25-mm modules as straight male connectors for backplanes and right-angled female connectors for daughter cards in the following configurations: a 4-pair version (4 x 10 pairs) with 40 differential signal pairs (80 signal contacts, 40 ground contacts) that are compatible with the 10-row ERmet-HM connector; a 3-pair version (30 pairs); and a 2-pair version (20 pairs) that is compatible with the 7-row ERmet-HM connectors according to IEC 61076-4-101. The signal routing densities for high-speed signals are 40 signals per inch (2-pair version), 60 signals/inch (3-pair version) and 80 signals/inch (4-pair version). Alignment guides on the housing combined with the L-shaped shield blades on the male side ensure robust mating and provide solid protection against damage. Thanks to the optimized design and effective shielding, the ERmet ZD system achieves excellent values for cross talk and reflections.

ERNI ERNI Elektroapparate GmbH, a German member company of the international ERNI Holding Group, was established in 1956 and is headquartered in Adelberg (near Göppingen). ERNI develops and manufactures a wide variety of connectors for backplane and printed circuit board applications. The system technology business unit develops and produces customer-specific printed circuit board systems and backplanes. ERNI is a globally active enterprise with branch offices in Europe, North America and Asia. ERNI products are also marketed via a network of representatives and leading distributors. Further information is available at www.erni.com.