Stacked connectors maximize PCB space

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

TE Connectivity (TE) has introduced its zSFP+ stacked belly-to-belly connectors that support data rates at both 28 Gbits/s NRZ and 56 Gbits/s PAM-4. The upright latching feature of the stacked connectors can accommodate four-row belly-to-belly applications to enable higher faceplate density, and maximize printed circuit board (PCB) space in hyperscale data centers and network switch applications.

TE’s expanded portfolio includes 2×4 and 2×12 configurations that address different application requirements. The zSFP+ stacked belly-to-belly connectors are backward compatible to previous generations by using the same mating interface and cage dimensions with the entire SFP/SFP+/SFP 28 portfolio. This facilitates easy design-in and system upgrades, said TE.

“We see that 56-gigabit PAM-4 performance is becoming a standard in hyperscale data centers and high-end network switches and routers, and many customers are demanding PAM-4 support as well as higher faceplate density,” said Jimmy Ju, product manager at TE Connectivity’s data and devices business unit, in a statement. “TE’s new zSFP+ stacked belly-to-belly connectors offer both features to facilitate higher data center performance.”