Press Release

Stacking Version of Amphenol TCS XCede® Connector Platform Now Available

XCede Stacker Expands Successful 20+ Gbps Product System

Nashua, NH, January 29, 2008 – Amphenol TCS, the leading provider of high performance backplane interconnect systems today introduced a stacking version of its successful XCede® connector platform. The XCede Stacker will enable parallel board to board designs with the same high levels of performance and reliability as the XCede backplane system.

Stacking connectors provide equipment manufacturers the means to incorporate flexible configurations into their card and system designs. The 4-pair size provides the density and mechanical robustness necessary to address increasing I/O counts. The modular construction of the XCede stacker with different guidance options allows the connector length to be optimized for each application. Several heights are currently available, from 22mm up to 44 mm, making the connector ideal for scaling stackable systems based on 1U increments.

The XCede connector is designed to enable future data rate requirements for datacom, telecom, storage and wireless equipment, meeting and exceeding standards set for Ethernet, SONET/SDH, PCIe, Fibre Channel and Infiniband among others, while employing a highly reliable press-fit attachment. An innovative 3D shield technology enables very low crosstalk and incorporates advanced materials to prevent high frequency resonances. This level of electrical performance and design flexibility allows equipment manufacturers to reliably meet today’s data rates and easily implement performance upgrades in the future, as higher performing silicon becomes available.

“We introduced the XCede connector to the market in early 2007 and it has proven to be very successful in meeting the requirements of a broad range of markets,” said Andreas Pfahnl, Product Strategy and Development Manager for Amphenol TCS. “Customers emphasized the need for headroom in today’s packaging to deliver even more bandwidth down the road without the need for costly and time-consuming re-design. The XCede Stacker now gives our customers this same performance headroom for their mezzanine card applications.”

The XCede connector platform provides the mechanical longevity and ruggedness required by today’s systems. Wide backplane module shield contacts feature a stiffness-enhancing rib and are advanced well ahead of the signals for “drag your finger across” robustness. The XCede family also supports 2-Pair (27.5 differential pairs/inch) through 6-Pair (82 differential pairs/inch) backplane connector versions and integrated power and guidance.

Pricing and Availability
Amphenol TCS XCede connector family is available at approximately $0.10 - $0.16 per mated signal line in full production volumes.

Media Contact:
Laura Gardner
Amphenol TCS
laura.gardner@amphenol-tcs.com
603.879.3474

About Amphenol TCS
Amphenol TCS (ATCS) is a division of Amphenol Corporation. 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. For more information, visit www.amphenol-tcs.com.