FCI USA Inc. in Etters, Pa., is announcing D-subminiature 7W2 connector options to enable 48- or 60-volt DC input connections to power modules used in MicroTCA shelves. Each power contact provides 24-amp current-carrying capacity. The shielded connectors fit the power module faceplate on the front side of a power module made in accordance with the MicroTCA specification. The board-mount connector offering includes through-mount options suitable for wave soldering or pin-in-paste reflow soldering, which enables soldering through-mount components using conventional reflow soldering processes. This process can eliminate the need for a separate wave soldering operation in the process flow that can result in lower applied costs. Users also can choose between a cable connector having two standard solder bucket signal contacts or a version having a pre-installed shunt on the signal contacts used for First Mate Last Break (FMLB) functionality for lower applied cost. Power contacts are offered in both solder bucket and crimp versions for cable termination. The 24-volt/49-amp version will be available in the second half of 2007. All MicroTCA power module input connectors meet the RoHS European Directive EU 2002/95/EC. For more information, contact FCI online at www.fciconnect.com.
