Molex EXTreme OrthoPower Solves High-Current Design Conundrum

Molex Incorporated introduced the EXTreme OrthoPower™ orthogonal direct-power connector system designed for routing power to backplane line cards in networking and telecommunications applications. The new EXTreme OrthoPower system uses a dedicated power card to power each line card for 30.0A in-and-out-routing, delivering a total of 60.0A per module via split-blade technology. A first-to-market direct-power orthogonal configuration, the Molex EXTreme OrthoPower system reduces cost by eliminating power routing through a separate orthogonal backplane connector.

The EXTreme OrthoPower connector features validated power contacts and a robust guidance system for proper mechanical alignment during mating. Packaged in a rugged orthogonal style housing the EXTreme OrthoPower system is based on other proven Molex power connectors, including the EXTreme LPHPowerâ„¢ and EXTreme Ten60Powerâ„¢ systems.

“Direct-power has become increasingly critical because of the need for higher system speeds and more cost-effective solutions. OEM designers are challenged with space and board-routing constraints and, specifically, how best to bring power to line cards,” stated Rich Benson, new product development manager, Molex. “The innovative orthogonal style EXTreme OrthoPower connector mounts to a dedicated power card to route power directly to each line card.”

“By reducing the number of components for power routing requirements the direct-power orthogonal architecture incorporates a cost-cutting angle, while solving a design conundrum for OEMs who need higher power in a compact package,” added Benson.