First OCP-compliant, all-in-one boot-drive connector
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Molex has expanded its array of offerings recommended by the Open Compute Project (OCP) with the introduction of the KickStart Connector System.
An innovative, all-in-one system, KickStart is the first OCP-compliant product that combines low-speed and high-speed signals, as well as power circuits, into a single cable assembly. This complete connector system eliminates the need for multiple components, optimizes space and accelerates upgrades by offering server and device manufacturers a flexible, standardized and easy-to-implement approach for boot-drive peripheral connections.
“The KickStart Connector System reinforces our goal to remove complexity and drive increased standardization in modern data centers,” said Bill Wilson, new product development manager for Datacom and Specialty Solutions, Molex. “The availability of this OCP-compliant connector system reduces risk for customers, alleviates their burden of validating separate solutions and provides a faster, simpler path to critical data center server upgrades.”
KickStart is a flexible, easy-to-implement interconnectivity system replaces multiple components and reduces need to manage multiple cables. Further, its low-profile design and mechanical structure is aligned with Molex’s OCP-recommended, NearStack PCIe to optimize space, reduce risk and speed time to market.
Modular building blocks
The integrated signal and power system is a standardized Small Form Factor (SFF) TA-1036 cable assembly that complies with OCP’s Data Center Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) specification. Developed in collaboration with members of OCP, KickStart is recommended in the OCP M-PIC specification for cable-optimized, boot-peripheral connectors.
As the only OCP-recommended internal I/O connectivity offering for boot-drive applications, KickStart empowers customers to address evolving storage-signal speeds. The system accommodates PCIe Gen 5 signal speeds, with data transfer rates up to 32 Gbps NRZ. Planned support for PCIe Gen 6 will meet demands for ever-increasing bandwidth requirements.
Moreover, KickStart is aligned with the form factor and robust mechanical structure of Molex’s award-winning, OCP-recommended NearStack PCIe Connector System, which offers the lowest mated profile height of 11.10 mm for improved space optimization, increased airflow management and reduced interference with other components. The new connector system also allows for simple, hybrid cable assembly pinout from KickStart connectors to Sliver 1C for Enterprise and Data Center Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) hard-drive docking. Support for hybrid cables further simplifies integration with servers, storage and other peripheral devices while easing hardware upgrades and modularization strategies.
Unified standards boost performance, reduce supply chain constraints
Ideally suited for OCP servers, data centers, white box servers and storage systems, KickStart reduces the need for multiple interconnect solutions while expediting product development. Designed to support both current and evolving signal speeds and power requirements, Molex’s data-center product development team collaborated with the company’s power engineering group to optimize power-contact design, thermal simulation and power dissipation. As with all Molex interconnectivity solutions, KickStart is backed by world-class engineering, volume manufacturing and global supply chain capabilities.
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