Positronic Scorpion Series chosen for PICMG 3.8

AdvancedTCA was developed to define next generation carrier-grade telecommunications equipment. ATCA architecture enables increased mobility and improves reliability, availability, and serviceability. The ATCA specification allows the standard to keep up with an evolving and competitive industry.

One of the latest ATCA evolutions is the PICMG 3.8 standard. PICMG 3.8 specifies Zone 3 requirements for rear transition modules in ATCA systems. The standard also addresses power, cooling, and keying issues. This addition to the family of PICMG standards supports the use of ATCA in a variety of applications outside of telecommunications.

One of the key features of PICMG 3.8 is the definition of a power and system management connector. This allows a consistent means of supporting generic system requirements, while allowing the flexibility to utilize application specific connectors as needed.

Positronic’s Scorpion connector series was chosen as the power and system management connector for the 3.8 standard. The Scorpion’s high-density packaging of miniature power contacts made it the preferred choice for this application.

The PICMG 3.8 power connector has 16 contacts rated at 3A each at a maximum temperature rise of 30°C; all contacts energized. Contact resistance is 6mΩ maximum. The connector package offers blind mating capability and is only19.8 mm wide. Contact termination types include right angle solder and straight press-fit.