CABLES CONNECTORS: COPPER CABLE ASSEMBLIES Challenge Optical Performance

摘要

To tackle data transfer rates of 10 Gb/s or higher at longer distances, cable-assembly manufacturers are combining advances in copper conductor technology with improved dielectric materials and high-performance connectors. As a result, they can offer flexible, reliable, efficient, and economical alternatives to fiber-optic modules and cables for applications like high-speed computing, networking, and network storage. To further extend the reach of these copper cable assemblies without compromising performance, manufacturers also are leveraging the benefits of silicon. Specifically, suppliers like W.L. Gore Associates (www.gore.com), Molex, Inc. (www.molex.com), Amphenol Interconnect Products Corp. (www.amphenol-aipc. com), and Tyco Electronics (www.tycoelectronics.com) are targeting 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) and 8G and 10G fibre channel systems with copper cables. By doing so, they are enhancing small-form-factor pluggable (SFP+) copper cable assemblies to satisfy the size, flexibility, and performance needs of these systems. These enhancements also help meet the electrical, mechanical, and physical specifications established by standards like SFF-8431 as well as the emerging SFF-8461.