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High-Speed Internal I/O

CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors and Cable Assemblies

CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors and Cable Assemblies help customers meet demands for greater speed and capacity driven by AI applications by providing near-chip cabled connector solutions. These systems support routing high-speed signals from near the chip to elsewhere in the system via twinax cable, enabling direct chip-to-chip system architecture at next-generation data rates and improving signal integrity and system performance compared with using PCB traces.

Speed Current Circuits Wire
Up to 112Gbps (CX2) or up to 224Gbps (CX2 Dual-Speed) 0.5A max. per mated contact 32 differential pairs (DPs) or 64 DPs (CX2 Dual-Speed only) 31 AWG (CX2) or 30 AWG (CX2 Dual-Speed) twinax

CX2 Sockets

MX150 PCB Header

CX2 Cable Assemblies

MX150 PCB Header

CX2 Connector System


The demand for higher speeds driven by AI and machine learning applications is leading to requirements for 112G and 224G speeds. With these speeds comes more stringent requirements for enhancing signal integrity (SI) and reducing signal loss in direct-to-chip communication channels.

Near-ASIC cabled connector systems offer a solution, delivering better SI performance when compared with traditional PCB traces. These connections utilize low-loss twinax cable to improve performance to 112G or 224G speeds and utilize innovative shielding to reduce signal loss while extending reach within the box.

The CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed connector systems are near-ASIC cabled interconnects designed to optimize SI and minimize loss for direct-to-chip connectivity. With flexible 30 or 31 AWG high-performance twinax cable and a high-density connector interface, CX2 connectors are ideal for improving system performance, reliability and design flexibility. Mechanical wipe and latch or screw retention help ensure uninterrupted connectivity, minimize assembly errors and enhance long-term reliability.

CX2 Connectors and Cable Assemblies

The CX2 connector system delivers up to 112Gbps of speed through a thumb-proof mating interface and positive latch to minimize the risk of pin damage, simplify installation, ensure consistent connectivity and maximize system performance. 

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CX2 Dual-Speed 224G Connectors and Cable Assemblies

Delivering speeds up to 224Gbps to support next-generation, AI-driven applications, CX2 Dual-Speed connectors with 32 or 64 DPs include an innovative shielding structure and high-performance 30 AWG twinax cable to optimize system performance and span longer distances within the box. 

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  Data Rate Current (max.) Differential Pairs (DPs) Pitch Durability Operating Temperature
CX2 up to 112Gbps 0.5A (per mated contact) 32 DPs 4.00mm DP to DP
1.80mm row to row
200 cycles -40 to +85°C
CX2 Dual-Speed up to 224Gbps 0.5A (per mated contact) 32 or 64 DPs 4.00mm DP to DP
2.30mm row to row
50 cycles -40 to +85°C

Features and Benefits


Next-generation data rates up to 224Gbps PAM-4

CX2 Dual-Speed connectors feature isolated transceiver/receiver functionality with an innovative shielding structure and high-performance 30 AWG twinax cable, enabling maximum system performance and longer reach within the box to support reliable 224G speeds that meet customers’ demands. 

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Enhanced SI performance and reduced signal degradation

The CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed systems create a cable path from near the chip to elsewhere in the system. By routing high-speed signals through low-loss twinax cable, rather than via PCB traces, customers can improve signal integrity and overall system performance. 

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Robust and durable design for reliable operation

CX2 connectors feature a positive latch with a pull tab for fast and simple maintenance, while CX2 Dual-Speed connectors offer screw engagement and integrated strain relief for full, secure mating. The robust design helps reduce assembly errors, simplify maintenance and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. 

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Supports next-generation data rates using 224G channel
The isolated transceiver/receiver pinout with its innovative shielding structure and high-performance twinax cable help enable speeds up to 224Gbps.

Improves reliability and helps prevent mis-mating and accidental disconnection by ensuring full connector seating
The two-piece mated set, consisting of a connector and socket, features mechanical wipe and either positive latch or screw retention. 

 

Enables maximum system performance and greater reach within the box 
Cable assemblies use 31 AWG (CX2) or 30 AWG (CX2 Dual-Speed) twinax cable to support BiPass cabled system architecture solutions. 

Minimizes risk of pin damage on PCB connector during installation
The fully protected thumb-proof mating interface simplifies installation and helps ensure connectors are mated reliably. 

Offers reduced cross-talk and improved signal integrity necessary for higher signal speeds
The design ensures high-speed performance with minimal signal degradation. 

Datasheets and Guides


Applications by Industry


Ethernet-based communications systems

224G
AI clusters
AI infrastructure
AI & machine learning
Graphics processing units (GPUs)

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions


Are CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed connectors intermateable? 
No; although they share some similarities in their designs, the two products are not intermateable. 

What signal speeds do CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors and Cable Assemblies support? 
CX2 connectors and cables are optimized for 112G signal speeds, while CX2 Dual-Speed connectors and cables are optimized for 224G signal speeds. 

What size twinax cables can the CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connector Systems support? 
CX2 Connectors support 31 AWG twinax cable, while 224Gbps-capable CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors support 30 AWG low-loss twinax cables that enable a longer reach within the box. 

How do CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors ensure mechanical reliability and full mating? 
All CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors have a nominal mechanical wipe of 0.75mm. CX2 Connectors feature a mechanical latch with a pull tab, while CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors include integrated screw retention for optimized mechanical performance throughout the product life cycle. 

How many mating cycles are CX2 and CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors rated for? 
CX2 Connectors are rated for 200 mating cycles while CX2 Dual-Speed Connectors are rated for 50 mating cycles.