FCI Presening Mini-SAS HD Active Optical Cables

FCI Electronics introduced its mini-SAS HD Active Optical Cable (MSHD AOC) assembly, the latest addition to its portfolio of optical and electrical cabling solutions, at DesignCon 2014.

The MSHD AOC solution is a four-channel cable that features low power optical components with an average of 800 milliwatts and is able to support plug and play operations. This cable assembly also has backwards compatibility with both SAS 2.1 (6Gb/s) protocol legacy equipment and SAS 3.0 (12Gb/s) next-generation protocol equipment. In addition, it includes capabilities such as discovery functionality, I2C bus communication, and the ability to customize cable labeling and EEPROM memory map extensions.

MSHD AOC’s small 3.0 mm diameter and helix-based, 8-fiber optical cable architecture allows the cable to be routed in any direction without compromising signal integrity. The connector also has versatility as its cable exit can be configured with either a straight or 90-degree cable exit boot. In addition, FCI is able to provide different length options.

The rugged die cast bodies and robust latching system of the MSHD AOC, ensure its reliability and retention. This cable solution also integrates a pull tab so that engineers and manufacturers can un-mate the cable.

These cable assemblies are compliant to applicable industry standards such as SFF- 8644 as well as SAS and PCIe protocol standards.

“The introduction of Mini-SAS HD Active Optical Cables is a strategic move to reinforce our Mini-SAS HD-based offerings so that engineers will have a more comprehensive selection of internal and external board connectors and copper-based cable assemblies for different applications,” Roy Muscarella, VP and GM, HSIO business unit, FCI. “Our solutions consisting of a broad range of high-performance copper and optical-based cable and interconnect solutions will enable engineers to design the next-generation of communication and storage networks that are faster and more capable to meet the rapidly growing data demands in the market.“

FCI demonstrated the use of MSHD AOC with PLX Technology, Inc.‘s PCIe switch technology during DesignCon 2014. The demonstration showcased a PLX PCIe switch card connected to a PLX five-bay PCIe expansion card mounted with FCI’s MSHD board connectors. This set-up demonstrated MSHD AOC’s 32Gbps optical connectivity capability and highlight its port’s ability to operate with either one meter of MSHD copper cabling or 10 to 100 meters of optical cables.

Engineers interested in developing system solutions for PCIe over non-standard PCIe cabling can leverage this demonstration platform to understand the performance benefits that can be realized in high-performance computing, communications and networking applications with MSHD AOC.

MSHD AOC cable samples are available upon request.