ERNI ERmet ZD Connectors Are Compliant to New PICMG EXP.0 Standard

High-speed Interconnect System Enables Implementation of the PCI Express

Adelberg, Germany - September 23, 2005 - ERNI today announced that the new CompactPCI Express PICMG EXP.0 R1.0 specification, recently approved by the PICMG, is supported by compliant ERmet ZD and HM ERmet connectors. PICMG released the EXP.0 specification which enables a smooth migration path to the PCI Express technology on the PICMG 2.0 CompactPCI form factor. The specification meets the future needs of CompactPCI users in instrumentation, military and aerospace markets and defines the connectors, electrical and mechanical requirements of boards (3U, 6U) and backplanes. The system slot (board) is defined to have up to 24 lanes and up to four PCI Express links, with a maximum of 6 GByte/s system bandwidth per direction. Peripheral slots can have up to 16 lanes/4 GByte/s (Type 1 Peripheral Board) or 8 lanes/2 GByte/s (Type 2 Peripheral Board). PICMG EXP.0 leverages the ERmet ZD connector called "Advanced Differential Fabric" (ADF) connector used by ATCA to carry the PCI Express signals. Crucial criteria for compliant connectors include the reliable transmission of high-speed signals combined with physical fit, high contact density, support of other industry standards and reliable delivery backed up by a second source. The high-speed connectors from ERNI's ERmet ZD series meet all of the above requirements. Extensive simulations verified the reliability of signal transmission at 6 Gbit/s and above. The ERmet ZD connectors (3-row version) are compliant to the new CompactPCI Express standard and offer 30 differential contact pairs per linear 25 mm on the connector (card edge). Furthermore, since they reach less towards the center of the plug-in card, the 3-row ZD connectors enable the use of plug-on PMC modules or XMC modules on the 3U boards. The ERNI ZD connectors are already standard in the existing PICMG 2.20 and PICMG 3.0 (ACTA) specifications. In addition to the ERmet ZD 3-row version, members of the Hard-metric ERmet family (Type A25 and B8) are also compliant to the new PICMG EXP.0 standard. 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-row version (4 x 10 pairs) with 40 differential signal pairs (80 signal contacts, 40 ground contacts) that is compatible with the 10-row ERmet HM connector; a 3-row version (30 pairs) and a 2-row version (20 pairs). The signal routing densities for high-speed signals are 40 signals per inch (2-row version), 60 signals/inch (3-row version) and 80 signals/inch (4-row 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 crosstalk and reflections. Pricing & Availability The connectors are available immediately. Pricing starts at around US$ 2.75 for the Hard Metric ERmet Female Type B8 depending on quantity.

About ERNI ERNI is a leading global manufacturer and worldwide supplier of a broad line of interconnects for the telecommunications, data communications, computer, industrial and medical markets. ERNI has manufacturing operations in Europe as well as sales offices in over 40 countries. ERNI products are also marketed via a worldwide network of representatives and leading distributors. Further information is available at http://www.erni.com.