Press Release

Amphenol TCS expands the XCede Platform with 85 Ohm Connectors and High-Speed Cable Solutions

Nashua, NH, February 2, 2009 – Amphenol TCS, the leading provider of high performance backplane interconnect systems, today announced two additions to the XCede® connector platform – XCede 85 Ohm and XCede cables and assemblies. XCede 85 Ohm for applications where matching lower system impedance is desired and XCede cable connectors and cable assemblies for high-speed, high-density front panel and backplane cable connections.

Connectors with lower characteristic impedance increase margin in high performance backplane systems by minimizing impedance discontinuity between the board footprint and the connector, improving channel linearity. XCede 85 Ohm was designed specifically to meet the requirements of PCI Express 2.0 and 3.0, the Intel® QuickPath Architecture, and other applications where matching the connector impedance to an 85 ohm system impedance is desired.

“In early 2007, we introduced the XCede connector to the market and it has proven to be very successful in meeting the requirements of a broad range of markets,” said Mark St. Hilaire, XCede Product Line Manager at Amphenol TCS. “The XCede connector platform provides designers with a readily available 85 Ohm solution without the challenges of retooling and requalification, in turn reducing the costs associated with meeting the latest specifications.”

To meet the growing demand for high-speed cable applications, Amphenol developed the XCede cable connector and assemblies which offer a broad range of compatible cable solutions for front panel and backplane connections. XCede cable solutions provide the same industry leading electrical and mechanical performance making them the ideal choice for 10 Gbps applications and higher. Currently, 2-Pair and 4-Pair versions are available. The 2-Pair configuration is ideal for space constrained areas fitting within a 15mm pitch on the front panel. Wafers are available for 85 and 100 ohm impedance, and can support multiple cable designs ranging from 24 to 30 AWG.

Pricing and Availability
XCede 85 Ohm is available at approximately $0.10 - $0.16 per mated signal line in production volumes. XCede 85 Ohm is available in 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-pair versions of the right angle backplane connectors, 15-44mm stackers, coplanar, and cable assemblies.

XCede cables are available in 2 and 4-Pair configurations. Pricing is based on different variables including length, cable selection, and mechanical latching requirements.

Demonstrations
Amphenol TCS will exhibit February 3-4 at the International Engineering Consortium's (IEC) DesignCon 2009 conference; Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara California.

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 is one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world. The company designs, manufactures and markets electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, coaxial and flat-ribbon cable, and interconnect systems. For more information, visit www.amphenol-tcs.com.