ept connector compliant with the new PICMG® specification
ept Zero8 connector Selected for New PICMG® Specification
The demand for modular industrial PCs is high and will continue to rise, as market analyses confirm. For this reason, a PICMG® working group known as ModBlox7 has agreed on a new vendor-neutral standard to connect modules that are primarily used in bus and railway.
Goals of ModBlox7
ModBlox7 defines the basic specification for a modular box PC, consisting of various functional modules such as the CPU, power supply, and I/Os. This new, vendor-neutral standard enables users to implement a wide range of device combinations in a modular design through interoperable functional units. The PICMG® also aimed to reduce costs and promote sustainability.
Scope of the new specification
The new PICMG® specification covers the mechanical design, the modular functional units, and the electrical connections via connector with a predefined pinout. Accordingly, a box PC consists of a chassis, one or two power supply units, and one or two CPUs, each with up to four PCI Express and up to eight USB-based I/Os. Each module, in turn, can comprise up to three stacked printed circuit boards, depending on the unit’s complexity. The dimensions of the box PC are specified in terms of height and depth. The front width, however, varies depending on the number of units. These units, in turn, can each consist of one or more so-called 1.4-inch slots. Twelve slots can be arranged in a row to achieve a maximum width of 16.8 inches.
Requirements for the connector
In a standard for modular device configuration, special attention is naturally given to the electrical and mechanical connection of the individual modules via connectors. Depending on the operating conditions of the box PCs, this should be a high-speed-connector in SMT that is characterized not only by exceptional robustness during installation but also by high tolerances during operation and outstanding resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Since some applications require an additional connector to ensure reliability through redundancy, it must also be possible to use multiple connectors simultaneously on a single printed circuit board. This requires a high degree of misalignment compensation during mating as well as operational tolerances.
Zero8 as the connector of choice
The ModBlox7 committee found a connector suitable for the diverse requirements in the Zero8 from connector manufacturer ept. The SMT-Stecker with a 0.8 mm pitch is part of a large product family featuring various types, heights, and numbers of positions, as well as optional EMC-shielding. For the ModBlox7 specification, the angled, 80-pin version is used, enabling horizontal PCB connections between adjacent units. To ensure redundancy for reliability, the specification also permits the simultaneous use of two Zero8 connectors. This is made possible by a 0.7 mm offset compensation during installation and operational tolerances of 0.4 mm. Otherwise, the modules could be damaged during connection.
Another advantage of the Zero8 is its ability to simultaneously transmit high currents and high-speed signals. What initially sounds incompatible is entirely feasible thanks to the connector design in combination with the appropriate pinconnector assignment, thereby saving space and costs.
Thanks to its gender-neutral ScaleX connection technology, featuring interlocking male and Female contacts, the Zero8 also offers exceptional contact reliability, ensuring reliable signal transmission even under vibration and shock. For
more information about the product, click here:
Zero8 »
Another advantage of the Zero8 is its ability to simultaneously transmit high currents and high-speed signals. What initially sounds incompatible is entirely feasible thanks to the connector design in combination with the appropriate pinconnector assignment, thereby saving space and costs.
Thanks to its gender-neutral ScaleX connection technology, featuring interlocking male and Female contacts, the Zero8 also offers exceptional contact reliability, ensuring reliable signal transmission even under vibration and shock. For
more information about the product, click here:
Zero8 »
Zero8 is also available for PCB connections within individual units.
The Zero8 portfolio also offers a tailor-made solution for the mezzanine connections of up to three printed circuit boards in a CPU under the same installation conditions. The use of multiple connector from a scalable product family offers a decisive advantage: Connectors do not have to be redesigned and approved over and over again—users can save on the associated costs.
Interoperability combined with cost reduction and sustainability. The new specification promises major advances for box PCs. The Zero8 enables secure connections between individual modules. The specification is expected to be finalized in the first quarter.
Interoperability combined with cost reduction and sustainability. The new specification promises major advances for box PCs. The Zero8 enables secure connections between individual modules. The specification is expected to be finalized in the first quarter.