Molex redesigns the enhanced Micro SAS connector

     Molex reintroduces a line of halogen-free, lead-free Micro Serial Attached SCSI (Micro SAS) connector products for 1.8-inch memory. These Micro SAS connectors are now available in an enhanced design that includes dual memory stack sockets, as well as integrated ground planes and pin protection covers for increased reliability in compact storage applications.

     The Micro SAS connector is a next-generation 1.8-inch serial I/O storage solution designed for compact, high-speed, high-bandwidth SAS applications, including host bus adapters (Hbas) and storage servers.

     A major product in the Molex Micro SAS series of plugs and receptacles is the 78495-0001 Double-stacked right-angle receptacles, a halogen free through-hole interconnect that stacks two high-speed 1.8-inch solid-state memories, compared to an equivalent single-angle product (78395 series) that can only connect a single solid-state memory. It can provide higher storage density for storage users. The connector also provides pin cover to protect all rear terminals from any damage caused by moving or handling.

     A key feature of this dual stack connector is the unique integrated ground layer, which contains specially pressed terminals to shield any crosstalk between two adjacent high-speed differential pairs on each side of the ground layer, thereby improving the signal integrity and electrical speed of the connector. More PCB space can be saved because the integrated ground layer of the connector replaces the discrete ground pin for differential high-speed contact wire pairs and terminates under the connector in a single through hole tail-welded way.

     Another key feature of the dual stack connector is the unique overlapping, interlocking terminal design of the differential signal lines located on each side of the integrated ground layer in the upper area. This overlapping structure promotes stronger coupling of the differential signal lines and brings greater signal integrity to the connector.

     The double-stacked receptacle features a unique 45-degree terminal bend design that allows for a shorter electrical path between the plug contacts and the PCB, smoother signal transmission and improved connector electrical performance. This connector is fully compatible with Molex Micro SATA drives and enables fast data transfer rates up to 3Gbps, meeting the requirements of SAS 2.0 and SFF-8486 specifications.

     Molex right Angle straddle plugs are available with drive housing supports (78528 Series) and without supports (78394 series) to meet low side high requirements. Used together with a single right Angle socket (78395 series), these plugs enable high data rates of 6Gbps and meet the requirements of SAS 2.0 and SFF-8486 specifications.