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Molex CX2 connectors and cable assemblies.

CX2 Connectors and Cable Assemblies

CX2 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 112G data rates and improving signal integrity and system performance compared with using PCB traces.

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Speed Current Circuits Wire Size
Up to 112Gbps 0.5A max. per mated contact 32 differential pairs (DPs) 31 AWG

CX2 Sockets

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CX2 Socket

CX2 Cable Assemblies

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CX2 Connector and Cable Assembly.

CX2 Connector System

The demand for higher speeds driven by AI and machine learning applications is leading to requirements for 112G 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 speeds and utilize innovative shielding to reduce signal loss while extending reach within the box.

The CX2 connector system is a near-ASIC cabled interconnect designed to optimize SI and minimize loss for direct-to-chip connectivity. With 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.

Features and Benefits

Enhanced SI Performance and Reduced Signal Degradation

The CX2 system creates 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.

CX2 connectors terminated to low-loss twinax cable.

Robust and Durable Design for Reliable Operation

CX2 connectors feature a positive latch with a pull tab for fast and simple maintenance. The robust design helps reduce assembly errors, simplify maintenance and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

CX2 connector with a positive latch and pull-tab design.

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 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.

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Enabling Modular Data Center Connectivity

Delivering modular, high-performance near-ASIC connections, CX2 Connectors and Impulse Backplane Connectors provide flexible solutions to high-speed interconnect challenges. Discover how cabled backplane solutions optimize signal integrity and minimize loss compared to PCB traces, improving channel performance and enabling next-generation data rates.

Applications by Industry

Ethernet-based communications systems

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

What signal speeds do CX2 Connectors and Cable Assemblies support?

CX2 connectors and cables are optimized for 112G signal speeds.

How do CX2 Connectors ensure mechanical reliability and full mating?

CX2 Connectors have a nominal mechanical wipe of 0.75mm. These connectors feature a mechanical latch with a pull tab for optimized mechanical performance throughout the product life cycle.

How many mating cycles are CX2 Connectors rated for?

CX2 Connectors are rated for 200 mating cycles.