Gore Launches New Digital Cable Assembly for Next Generation High Speed Backpanel Applications

Gore Launches New Digital Cable Assembly for Next Generation High Speed Backpanel Applications AirMAX VS(R) License ELKTON, Md., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore), a leading supplier of performance driven cable assemblies, and FCI combine their technologies to offer the next generation of high data rate digital interconnect solutions. The data link leverages the advantages of FCI's AirMax VS(R) high-speed connection system with Gore's expertise in cable assembly development. The new configuration utilizes the patented AirMax connector technology to provide excellent high frequency performance without the use of elaborate shielding. The target markets for these assemblies are telecommunications, large scale computing, and automatic test equipment. "We are pleased to bring together FCI's expertise in high speed connector design with Gore's high data rate cable technology to offer a data link that can provide an aggregate bandwidth of 1.0 Terabit per second using only 50 linear millimeters of backplane space," states David Gioconda, global data communications market segment leader for Gore. "FCI's wealth of connector knowledge and Gore's years of experience in cable design and termination have come together for the first time to provide the industry with a reliable cost-effective interconnect system for bussing high speed signals. This technology is ideal for large scale servers, telecom switches and other data intensive hardware." "We are excited about this opportunity," said Rob Poort, global communications market manager at FCI. "Working with Gore will drive the development of high performance digital cable connectors that can support very high data rate transmissions. Gore's expertise on high-speed cables and cable assemblies provides great synergy with FCI's efforts to further push the electrical performance of Airmax VS (cable) connectors." The cable assembly uses cable with Gore's expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as the dielectric core. The helically wrapped ePTFE core ensures constant impedance throughout the length of the cables with excellent stability with temperature cycling or flexing. Their smaller diameter and minimum bend radius allows more signal lines per area and delivers consistently higher bandwidth performance than other comparable cable configurations. Through the use of Gore's unique cable assembly manufacturing technology and innovative design, the cable assemblies offer the best combination of low signal loss, low crosstalk, low skew, controlled capacitance, and controlled impedance. By optimizing these properties, the assemblies provide the most open eye patterns available at this density. The FCI AirMax VS(R) connectors are offered in multiple configurations: 5, 4 and 3 pair per column versions and in a variety of column counts including 10, 8 and 6. AirMax VS shieldless connectors deliver proven performance at an inherently lower cost. About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Founded in 1958, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. has parlayed its unique technical capabilities into hundreds of diverse products and is world-renowned for its expertise in configuring the remarkably versatile polymer PTFE. This has resulted in numerous products for electronic signal transmission; fabric laminates; medical implants; as well as membrane, filtration, sealant, and fiber technologies for diverse industries. With sales in excess of $1 billion, the company is headquartered in Delaware in the US and employs approximately 7,000 associates at 45 facilities throughout the world. Gore is one of only five companies included in every selection of Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" since the list began in 1984. During the last two years, Gore has also been cited among the "Best Places to Work" in Germany, Italy and Scotland. For further information, please visit Gore's Web site at www.gore.com. About FCI Created in 1989, FCI -- an Areva Group company -- rapidly secured its place among the world's top three manufacturers of connectors and interconnect systems. With a turnover of 1.34 billion Euros in 2003, FCI currently operates in 18 countries where it covers the following markets: communications, data, consumer, industrial, automotive and electrical power interconnect. The company employs about 12,500 staff worldwide. For more information: www.fciconnect.com Source: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. CONTACT: Kathryn R. Vogel, Media Relations Manager of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., +1-410-506-4569, krvogel@wlgore.com Web site: http://www.fciconnect.com/ Web site: http://www.gore.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment