InfiniBand aims for common form factor
A new section of the InfiniBand architecture specifications-Annex A5: Pluggable Interfaces; CATx Copper and Optical-intends to provide a flexible way for companies to incorporate innovative cabling, higher bandwidth links, and active cabling technologies (including copper and fiber) into the InfiniBand specification. Released by the InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA; www.infinibandta.org), the annex seeks to provide a standard electro-mechanical method for attaching cabling to InfiniBand products. With the pluggable connectors standard, IBTA says, new InfiniBand cabling solutions can be more rapidly brought to market. Benefits include the ability to mix copper and fiber cabling; increase connector density versus what is provided with standard copper connectors; definitions for more modern pluggable devices; and more types of pluggable devices than were included in previous specifications. “In developing this annex, the IBTA was looking to provide a way for InfiniBand and other technologies to take advantage of different types of industry-standard cables by providing a standard form factor into which they can be plugged,” says Paul Grun, principal engineer at Intel. “We are already seeing a lot of industry interest in this specification.”
Report: U.S. electronic connector manufacturing market at $4B
Research and Markets’ (www.researchandmarkets.com) recent report, The Electronic Connector Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. and its Foreign Trade (1996-2008), finds that the industry’s revenue for 2006 was approximately $4,290,000,000. The gross profit was 34.85% at $1,495,065,000. Containing data as current as March 2007, the 147-page report focuses upon the U.S. electronic connector manufacturing industry, which the firm says is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing coaxial, cylindrical, rack and panel, pin and sleeve, printed circuit and fiber-optic connectors. The report is intended as an in-depth analysis of the industry, an industry reference guide, an aid for benchmarking and forecasting, and as a tool for uncovering new business opportunities.
Connector customer training facility, lab opens
A 15,000-square-foot Customer Training Center, featuring a demonstration room, training facility, application lab, office space, and small warehouse, has been opened in Houston, TX by Middletown, PA-based Phoenix Contact (www.phoenixcon.com). The company says the Center will bring it closer to its customers in the process and energy industries. “Houston is the epicenter of the oil and gas industry not just in the United States but throughout the world,” says Frank Stuhrenberg, senior vice president of global sales for Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG. “It is critical to have a major presence in Houston to bring us closer to our customers.” Houston area designers, engineers and decision-makers will be able to visit the facility to work in the application lab, and use the training center to learn about new connectivity products and technologies.
Neutrik donates connectors to AES student summit
Audio cable and connector specialist Neutrik (www.neutrikusa.com) recently provided an assortment of connectors to the first annual AES Regional Student Summit held at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. The Summit welcomes students, faculty and members of the audio technology industry who may not be able to travel to the West Coast or East Coast annual AES convention. “As a huge proponent of music education, Neutrik was happy to donate products,” says company president Jim Cowan. “We understand the value of working closely with audio technology students, as they are future industry engineers who will work closely with our products.”
