Tyco Electronics Corporation has released a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) interconnect system, which offers 3 times the density of traditional SFP ports and supports speeds up to 10 Gb/s per channel. This four-channel package is ideal for switches, routers, and host bus adapters (HBA's) where bandwidth is essential.

Tyco Electronics' QSFP product family includes cages, connectors, and copper cable assemblies for a complete solution, developed within the QSFP MSA (Multi-Source Agreement).

Cages feature enhanced EMI springs that have been proven in Tyco Electronics' Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) product to effectively contain EMI between both cage-to-bezel and cage-to-module interfaces. Cages are available with options for riding heat sinks similar to product developed for the XFP MSA Group and light pipes.

They use press-fit technology for board termination, and can be used in belly-to-belly (double-sided) applications. An XFP-style gasket can also be supported to maintain the cage opening behind the bezel. All QSFP cages will accept either copper cables or optics modules.

The QSFP connector is a 38-position 0.8mm pitch surface mount connector, available in pocket tape for pick and place application. This connector is part of Tyco Electronics' EVERCLEAR product family, which also includes connectors designed for Mini-SAS/SATA applications and is designed for high-speed signal integrity.

QSFP copper cable assemblies are a low cost option for short-reach applications. Tyco Electronics is also releasing both active and passive cable assemblies to support Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, and Ethernet protocols. The backshells include a positive latching system and cables feature a pull-to-release tab.

"Tyco Electronics continues to lead in the development of high-speed pluggable I/O solutions with the release of the QSFP product family. Our QSFP product offers significant density gains in a package that will support the speeds of next generation systems," states Michael Walmsley, Tyco Electronics product manager.

Product Features

• 4-channel, 38 position, 0.8mm pitch SMT package includes cages, connectors and copper cable assemblies
  
• Developed within the QSFP MSA
  
• Enhanced EMI springs for cage-to-bezel and cage-to-module effective containment
  
• Cages available with riding heat sinks options and accept copper or optics modules
  
• Press-fit technology for board termination
  
• XFP-style gasket to maintain cage opening

Applications

• Switches
  
• Routers
  
• Host Bus Adapters (HBA's)
  
• Belly-to-belly (double-sided)
  
• Short-reach
  
• Fibre Channel, INFINIBAND, Ethernet protocols