At DesignCon 2007, FCI and Intel presented a joint paper titled "Improving System Performance by Reducing System Impedance to 85 Ohms." FCI has since developed several high-performance AirMax VS® connectors in support of the Intel 85-ohm system platform. Initial connector configurations include a right-angle receptacle, vertical headers, and a right-angle header. Each connector consists of 10 insert-molded leadframe assemblies (IMLAs) on 3mm column spacing, and each IMLA provides 15 contacts capable of supporting 5 high-speed differential signal pairs. An individual connector contains a total of 150 contacts providing capacity for up to 50 differential pairs. 85-ohm characteristic impedance offers advantages over short routing lengths: reduced impedance discontinuities; reduced PCB thickness, material and cost; and increased routing density.

AirMax VS® and ZipLine^TM orthogonal midplane connectors are high-density, high-performance interconnects optimized for use in systems that utilize a midplane with horizontal cards on one side mating to vertical cards on the opposite side. The connectors on the midplane create a short pass-through connection by allowing differential pairs on each side of the midplane to share the same vias. The connector systems employ vertical headers on the midplane and right-angle receptacles on the daughter card. An AirMax VS module provides 16 differential signal pairs along 16.6mm of board edge. The ZipLine module provides 72 differential pairs in 21.6mm with a minimum card slot pitch of 1 inch, achieving the highest signal density available: 84.6 differential pairs per inch.

The HCI^TM connector system anticipates increasing system power demands that are driving the need for greater power density. A single power contact accommodates over 85 amps based on 30°C temperature-rise with zero airflow. The high current-carrying capacity and a robust, molded-in guidance system are ideal for high-wattage, blind-mate power supplies. Available HCI configurations enable coplanar and backplane connections with Hard Metric mating compatibility. Integrated connector solutions, providing power and signal contacts in a single molded housing, also offer incredible flexibility to address custom requirements. HCI products are UL/CSA/TUV certified. The connectors feature cost-effective stamped contacts, vented insulators to optimize airflow through the connector to carry heat away from the contact surfaces, and the lowest product height among comparable high-current connectors.