Press Release

Amphenol TCS Launches Crossbow™ Connector Family
25 Gb/s Solution Optimized for Orthogonal Architectures

Nashua, N.H. - February 1, 2006 - Amphenol TCS (ATCS) the industry leader in high-speed, high-density connection systems, today announced the launch of its Crossbow™ connector platform, featuring Crossbow Matrix for orthogonal midplane architectures, and Crossbow 2mm+ for standard backplane configurations. Crossbow Matrix is the first differential connector optimized for orthogonal midplane configurations, and the fastest platform on the market today- enabling data rates up to 25 Gb/s.

Amphenol's Crossbow Matrix connector is designed so the differential pairs on each side of the midplane share vias, allowing designers to take full advantage of the benefits associated with orthogonal midplane architectures. This direct path approach and the connector's unique footprint eliminates most electrical problems associated with the traditional backplane via stub, including elimination of cross-talk in the footprint, reflections, and impedance mismatches. Crossbow's revolutionary design reduces board layer count by as much as 50% and eliminates the need for backdrilling.

The Crossbow connector system exhibits less than 0.6% crosstalk at 50 ps and 25 db below transmission across the entire link (past 10GHz). It also demonstrates 100+/- 5% ohms matched impedance across a full link and includes features that compensate or skew.

"The introduction of Crossbow Matrix and 2mm+ is another example of the importance of an architecture-based solution for today's system designers," said Tom Pitten, Manager, Product Development Engineering. "Our engineers work closely with customers during the design process incorporating existing components or innovating new component technologies, like Crossbow, to create an optimized system solution."

The Crossbow 2mm+ connector supports 12.5 Gb/s data rates in a high-density (63 pair/in) configuration. The connector demonstrates crosstalk less than 1.5 % at 50 ps and is designed to complement Crossbow Matrix. Both versions of the Crossbow platform fit on the same rear organizing stiffener, allowing designers to configure a single connector to support orthogonal midplane connections and route high-speed signal lines across the backplane in hybrid architectures.

The Crossbow platform meets the most rigorous mechanical robustness requirements. It incorporates many of ATCS's proven technologies such as the GbX (R) 0.018" compliant pin and mating interface to ensure mechanical robustness. Both the Crossbow Matrix and the Crossbow 2mm+ connectors include unique features on the backplane modules that reduce the potential for bent pins.

The Crossbow Matrix platform includes a 6 x 6 (differential pairs) and 4 x 4 Matrix version. The Crossbow 2mm+ features 5 differential pairs per column. Both connectors include power and guidance.

Pricing and Availability
Amphenol TCS Crossbow connector family is now available at approximately $0.11 - $0.16 per mated signal line in full production volumes.

About Amphenol TCS
Amphenol TCS (ATCS) is a division of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH). Amphenol TCS is the leader in high-speed, high-density connection systems, designing and manufacturing the industry's leading high-speed, high-density connectors and backplane systems for application in the networking, communications, storage, and computer markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's leading producers of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cable and interconnect systems.

Amphenol Corporation Contact:
Diana G. Reardon,
Tel: 203.265.8630

Amphenol TCS Media Contact:
Catherine Palmer
Teradyne Connection Systems
Tel: 603.879.3600