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Expanding Rack Server Possibilities

Employing high-performance rack servers for advanced applications like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) requires a host of improvements that deliver higher speeds, low latency, high bandwidth and flexible scalability. Server racks demand next-gen high-speed cables and modular solutions including I/O, mezzanine interconnects and power options that expand capabilities as the data center grows. An innovator in the field, Molex provides a comprehensive line of connectors and cable assemblies that drive the design of next-generation servers.

The Design of Flexible and Scalable Rack Servers


As high-performance computing enters a new era, servers face a slew of design challenges. As workloads get larger, design engineers need servers they can scale and customize for specific jobs yet are built on a small footprint. Minimizing latency and maximizing bandwidth—while ensuring effective thermal management—is essential to handle demanding AI and cloud applications. To flexibly upgrade, designs must be interoperable and compatible with existing infrastructure, supporting a variety of hardware and software. Recognizing these needs, designers of modular data systems have sought out easier ways to upgrade rack servers without major overhauls. Faster network interfaces, high-speed interconnects and low-latency memory technologies can boost capabilities to handle compute-heavy applications. Adhering to industry standards helps guarantee compatibility with existing hardware, while flexible designs allow easier implementation of advanced liquid cooling or optimized airflow technology to better dissipate heat.

A key innovator of modular systems defined by the Open Compute Project (OCP), Molex delivers pluggable form factors with industry-leading port and bandwidth densities, along with fully shielded designs. Rack server connectors are built for both past and future PCIe generations, ensuring reliable interoperability with existing systems, with options like drop down heat sinks and floating pedestal designs providing effective heat dissipation. Molex addresses the complexities of server design with a range of innovative rack server connectivity solutions with high-density, compact footprints that simplify scaling up.


Internal High-Speed IO Connectors


To meet the demands of modern applications like AI and ML, design engineers must ensure high-speed connections between internal components — such as processors, memory modules, storage devices and peripheral cards — while reducing latency. Molex I/O connectors support high bandwidth and low latency, optimized for cutting-edge protocols like PCIe Gen 6. These flexible server connector systems are engineered with DC-MHS-aligned modules that facilitate seamless scalability and customization to adapt to evolving workloads. 

  PCIe Gen. 4
16Gbps
PCIe Gen. 5
32Gbps
PCIe Gen. 6
64Gbps
PCIe Gen. 7
128Gbps
Standard
NextStream Connector System     x x SFF-TA-1035
NearStack PCIe Connector System   x x   SFF-TA-1026
NearStack HD Connector System   x x    
KickStart Connector System   x x   SFF-TA-1036
Multi-Trak I/O Connectors   x x   SFF-TA-1033
Mini Cool Edge (MCIO) Connector System   x x   SFF-TA-1016
SlimSAS Gen5 Connector System x x     SFF-TA-8654
Sliver Edge Card Connectors x x     SFF-TA-1002,
SFF-TA-1020 

Mezzanine Connectors


Fast becoming the default in advanced modular data centers, mezzanine connectors help design engineers create compact yet powerful server architectures with high-density, high-speed interconnections for server racks while maximizing use of space. Footprint-compatible and hermaphroditic, Mirror Mezz Connectors from Molex combine higher performance, space efficiency and compatibility for next-generation servers.

  Data Rate Stack Height Differential Pairs
MirrorMezz Connectors 112Gbps 5.00, 8.00, 11.00mm Up to 270
MirrorMezz Pro Connectors 112Gbps 5.00, 8.00, 11.00mm Up to 270
MirrorMezz Enhanced  Connectors 224Gbps 5.00, 8.00, 11.00mm Up to 270

External High-Speed Connectors and Cables


External high-speed cabling solutions require flexible cable lengths that deliver consistently high performance across various configurations. Designed to meet MSA, IEEE and SFF architecture specifications, Molex external high-speed cabling is capable of delivering data rates up to 400Gbps in various lengths. Comprehensive assembly solutions from Molex include precision-engineered cables, connectors and cages that adhere to leading-edge protocols and standards such as QSFP-DD and OSFP. 

  Data Rate (per Lane) Aggregate Speed External Cable
OSFP Connector System 56, 112, 224Gbps Up to 1600Gbps DAC, AOC, ACC/AEC
QSFP-DD Connector System 28, 56, 112Gbps Up to 800Gbps DAC, AOC, ACC/AEC
CDFP Connector System

 

16, 32, 64Gbps Up to 400Gbps

 

DAC, AOC
QSFP Connector System 28, 56, 112Gbps Up to 400Gbps DAC, AOC, ACC/AEC
SFP-DD Connector System 28, 56Gbps Up to 100Gbps DAC
zSFP Connector System 28, 56Gbps Up to 56Gbps DAC

Memory Sockets


As workload demands increase, design engineers look to incorporate memory sockets with a minimal footprint, providing the flexibility to scale to achieve higher performance while maintaining compatibility with various types of memory modules. Molex memory sockets deliver speeds of up to 6.4Gbps, featuring a small socket footprint and lower seating plane for greater printed circuit board (PCB) and vertical-space savings.

  Circuits Standard PCB Thickness
DDR5 DIMM Sockets 288 JEDEC 1.57 to 3.18mm
DDR4 DIMM Sockets 288 JEDEC 1.70, 1.80, 2.00, 2.36, 2.54mm

High Power Connectors


When managing high-power distribution through rack servers, design flexibility is vital for tackling the complex challenges of thermal management. Molex provides a diverse portfolio of busbars, connectors and cable assemblies specifically engineered for high-current applications, delivering optimal power densities, superior thermal management and exceptional design flexibility.

  Current Pitch Voltage
EXTreme Ten60 Connectors 2.5 to 60.0A 2.00 to 7.50mm 600 AC / 250 DC
  Current Plating Operating Temperature
PowerWize Connectors 190.0A   -40 to +125°C

Busbars

  Tin, nickel, silver  
EXTreme Guardian Connectors 80.0A Gold -40 to +105°C

PowerPlane Busbar Connectors

100A+ Silver -40 to +125°C

Low Power Connectors


As servers become more compact, design engineers face the difficult task of fitting more connections within limited space. Molex provides a range of compact rack server connection options that maximize PCB real estate while maintaining the necessary power and durability requirements for reliable system performance.

  Current Pitch Circuits

FPC/FFC Connectors

  0.20 to 2.00mm 2 to 120

DuraClik Connectors

3.0A 2.00mm 2 to 15
Milli-Grid Connectors 4.5A 2.00mm 2 to 50
Micro-Fit + Connectors 13.0A 3.00mm 2 to 24

Near Edge Connectors


Strategic placement of connection terminals on the PCB facilitates the easy addition or replacement of components such as storage drives, network cards and GPUs.  Available in various configurations, Molex Near Edge connectors provide greater design flexibility, optimizing board space and supporting a modular approach for efficient upgrades and maintenance.

Near Edge Data Rate Industry Standard
Sliver Edge Card Connectors 32Gbps, Roadmap to 56Gbps SFF, COBO, EDSFF, CXL, OCP

I/O Connectivity


Long-term reliability of I/O ports relies on durable materials and robust designs. These ports must also be compatible with various devices adhering to industry standards, such as USB 3.0, USB-C and RJ45 for Ethernet. Molex I/O Connectivity server solutions are engineered for longer lifespan in high-speed applications, with smaller footprints and reinforced attachments.

  Standards
USB Connectors USB Type-A, USB Type-B, USB Type-C, USB 4, USB 3.0
  Ethernet Speed Operating Temperature Industry Standards
Modular Jacks 10, 100, 1,000Mbps  -40 to +85°C IEEE compliant

Magnetic and Modular Jacks and Plugs

100, 1,000Mbps -40 to +85°C IEEE compliant