ept connectors compliant with the new PICMG® specification
ept Zero8 connector selected for new PICMG® specification
Market analyses confirm that there is a high demand for modular industrial PCs, and this demand will continue to grow. For this reason, a PICMG® working group known as ModBlox7 has agreed on a new cross-vendor standard to connect modules that are primarily used in bus and rail technology.
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 connectors with a predefined pinout. A box PC therefore 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. Depending on the unit’s complexity, each module can in turn comprise up to three stacked circuit boards. 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, in turn, can each consist of one or more so-called 1.4-inch slots. Twelve slots can thus be arranged in a row up to a maximum width of 16.8 inches.
Requirements for the connector
When developing a standard for modular device configuration, special attention must naturally be paid to the electrical and mechanical connections between the individual modules via connectors. Depending on the operating conditions of the box PCs, this should be a high-speed SMT connector 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 circuit board. This requires high misalignment compensation during mating as well as operational tolerances.
Zero8: The Connector of Choice
The ModBlox7 committee selected the Zero8 SMT connector from ept, a family-owned, German quality provider that delivers complete solutions from a single source with high vertical integration, emphasizing reliability and precision. This 0.8 mm pitch SMT connector belongs to a broad product family offering multiple body styles, heights, and pin counts, along with 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 the ability to simultaneously transmit high currents and high-speed signals. What initially sounds incompatible is entirely feasible thanks to the connector design combined with an appropriate pin assignment, thereby saving space and costs.
Thanks to its gender-neutral ScaleX connection technology with 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 the ability to simultaneously transmit high currents and high-speed signals. What initially sounds incompatible is entirely feasible thanks to the connector design combined with an appropriate pin assignment, thereby saving space and costs.
Thanks to its gender-neutral ScaleX connection technology with 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 connectors from a scalable product family offers a decisive advantage: Connectors do not have to be redesigned and approved time and again—users can save on the associated costs.
Interoperability combined with cost reduction and sustainability. The new specification promises major advances for box PCs. With zero8, secure connections between individual modules are achieved. 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. With zero8, secure connections between individual modules are achieved. The specification is expected to be finalized in the first quarter.
Any questions?
Noch Fragen?Dann kontaktieren Sie uns!
Zum Kontaktformular