LightCONEX Backplane connector | Smiths Interconnect

Optical Backplane Connectors

The LightCONEX^® optical interconnect family includes plug-in and backplane module connectors that have been developed to be compliant with the forthcoming VITA 66.5 standard and in alignment with the SOSA^™ technical standard. These active blind-mate optical interconnects are revolutionary solutions for VPX systems and meet the stringent SWaP requirements of today’s defense applications in which high-bandwidth fiber optic transceivers are replacing copper interconnects.

The backplane connector has a spring-loaded mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule to ensure a secure MT-to-MT mating connection under extreme shock and vibration conditions.

Increases volumetric density of 3U and 6U high-speed switch and payload VPX boards by integrating optical transceiver into plug-in connector.
Intermateability with VITA 66.5-defined backplane connectors enables multiple sources and drives faster design cycles.
Reduces optical interconnect SWaP with rugged MIL-STD qualified edge-mounted optical interconnects.
Enables ultra-high bandwidth port bandwidth density of up to 700 Gbps full-duplex in a half-width slot.
Simplifies VPX board assembly and rework 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

VPX single board computing
C4ISR embedded systems
AESA radars
Ethernet switches, high BW communication link

The backplane connector is VITA 66.4 backplane cut-out compatible and includes springs to ensure a secure MT to MT mating connection under extreme shock and vibration conditions

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 main components of the backplane module connector are:

Connector shells. Dedicated shells are available for VITA 67.3 apertures (modules types C, D, E, and F).
Connector inserts. Different backplane connector shells are available to accommodate VITA 67.3 apertures. The main components of the insert are:
Tab primary guiding feature
MT ferrule(s) with alignment pin
Optical cable (several options available)