LightConex Series

Product catalog summary

Overview: The LightCONEX series by Smiths Interconnect offers optical plug-in and backplane module connectors designed for VPX systems, meeting the defense industry's stringent SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) requirements. These connectors replace high bandwidth coaxial copper interconnects with fiber optics, providing high bandwidth and forward compatibility.

Key Advantages:

Increases volumetric density of VPX boards by integrating optical transceivers into plug-in connectors.
Intermateability with VITA 66.5-defined backplane connectors for faster design cycles.
Reduces SWaP with rugged MIL-STD qualified edge-mounted optical interconnects.
Supports ultra-high bandwidth density up to 700 Gbps full-duplex in a half-width slot.
Simplifies VPX board assembly by eliminating fiber pigtail on edge-mount transceiver.

Configurations:

10.3125G: 4TRX (40G, full duplex), 12TX or 12RX (120G), 12TRX (120G, full duplex).
28G: 4TRX (100G, full duplex), 12TX or 12RX (300G, in development).

Applications: Suitable for VPX single board computing, C4ISR embedded systems, AESA radars, and Ethernet switches.

Connector Styles:

Style A: Dedicated for VITA 66.4 aperture, features a tab primary guiding feature above the MT ferrule.
Style C: Available with 1× MT only or hybrid with 1× MT and 10 nanoRF above.
Style D: Features 3× MT, with lower MT ferrule mating with the plug-in module active MT.

Optical Performance:

10G Modules: Performance up to 10.3125 Gbps/channel, ruggedness qualified to MIL-STD 883, reach up to 300 m with OM3 fiber.
28G Modules: Performance up to 28 Gbps/lane, reach up to 100 m with OM3 fiber.

Ordering Information: Various configurations and part numbers are available for different styles and applications, with specific interposer and backplane connector shell options.

Contact Information: Sales and technical support contacts are provided for Americas, Europe, and Asia across different product lines.

Catalog excerpts

LightCONEX Optical plug-in and backplane module connectors for VPX systems

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This VPX series of active, blind mate optical interconnects solution offers flexibility, light weight, very high bandwidth, and forward compatibility. The LightCONEX active blind mate optical interconnect is a revolutionary solution for VPX systems that includes a fixed plug-in module connector and a floating backplane connector compatible with proposed VITA 66.5 standard. The low-profile plug-in module connector is screwed on the board edge through an interposer, saving board space and eliminating fiber cable handling. The backplane connector has a spring-loaded mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule...

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Optical backplane module connector features Optical plug-in module connector features The LightCONEX® optical backplane module connector consists of a connector shell and insert. The shell is designed to provide float for the insert in both the X- and Y-directions to enable alignment of the MT ferrule mating interfaces. The design complies with the ANSI/ VITA 66.4 mating requirements with the MT ferrule displacement occurring within the backplane connector. The LightCONEX® plug-in module connector contains the optical transceiver with its MT ferrule, an LGA interposer, and a connector shroud....

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LightCONEX optical performance LightCONEX ordering information The LightCONEX® 10G LC Series and LightCONEX® 28G LC Series optical modules are available in different configurations. These modules offers flexibility, light weight, very high bandwidth, and forward compatibility. 10G 4TRX optical module, Style C shown. LightCONEX 28G 4TRX optical modules Performance: 28 Gbps/lane from –40 to 85 ºC ºC Size: 5.6 mm high (module and interposer) Ruggedness: MIL-STD 883 shock and vibration qualified Ingress protection: Moisture and thermal shock resistant Reach: up to 100 m, OM3 fiber Sensitivity:...

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