Date: 23/02/2009

Small form factor pluggable cage for Ethernet networking equipment

Technitrol owned Pulse has added a new member to its line of connectors and cages with a 2x8, small-form-factor-pluggable (SFP) cage for use in high-end Ethernet networking equipment such as blade servers, switches, routers, and add/drop multiplexers. The SFP032-L cage is used for connecting transceivers and shielding them from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Its high port density offers cost saving advantage.
This cage has a two-piece structure to prevent deforming during press fitting. Press fitting force is applied only to the cage's top section, while forces on either side of the cage are balanced so they will not twist or buckle. To prevent interference with the transceiver, the improved EMI tab rests on the cage so that the end does not sink into the cage when pressed. Pulse modified the cage with a special latch to accommodate a wide variety of transceivers and transceiver modifications, including those with short-travel actuating slides, which are commonly difficult to access to unlock and extract. Pulse also increased the slot depth of the middle cage, preventing interference with the middle cage transceiver, another common problem.

Pulse's new 2x8 cage measures 25.5mm high x 63.25mm deep x 114.25mm wide. The footprint is compliant with the SFP Transceiver MultiSource Agreement (MSA) standard and is RoHS compliant. It handles speeds up to 5 gigabits and improves connectivity in high-density printed circuit board (PCB) environments. The cage reduces the operating temperature of the transceiver, protects the transceiver from EMI emissions, provides mechanical stability and offers easy transceiver plug-in. Holes in the cage allow air circulation and heat transfer. The cages can withstand temperatures of minus 40 to plus 85 degrees Celsius.

Pulse's versatile cages can handle optical transceiver links as well as transceivers configured as traditional copper RJ45 connectors, enabling conformity to each company's internal networking requirements for balancing load and bandwidth.

"Pulse continues to expand its line of connectors and cages to improve the performance and reliability of the transceivers, and thus the network they are connecting," said Michael Cheng, director of connector research and development at Pulse. "Our unique construction makes these cages more rugged and compatible with a wide variety of commercial transceivers."

Pulse's SFP032-L cage is available in tray packaging with prices starting around $40.00 each. Volume discounts are available. Individual part pricing may vary due to order configuration and shipping destination. Lead time is six weeks.