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Versatile Format Interconnect (VFI) 1x8 backplane connector assembly.

Versatile Format Interconnect (VFI) Optical Backplane System

The modular, plug-and-play, high-speed Versatile Format Interconnect (VFI) Optical Backplane System supports co-packaged optics and scalable system growth for next-generation data centers and computing architectures. The versatile form factor and robust, blind-mating mechanical design support compatibility across multiple form factors and provide simple, reliable optical connectivity solutions that help meet growing AI-driven capacity demands.

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Ferrule Type Port Configurations (MT Ferrule) Fiber Counts (MT Ferrule) Fiber Mode
MT or VersaBeam MT 1x2, 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 8, 12, 24 or 36 fibers per ferrule Singlemode, multi-mode

Features and Benefits

Rising AI-driven bandwidth demands require data centers to develop high-speed, scalable and versatile system architectures. To meet these speed requirements and move signals off the board, co-packaged optical solutions with direct-to-chip connectivity are becoming increasingly popular.

Data centers need modular and scalable fiber optic connectivity solutions that can meet rapidly evolving demands. These connections must be reliable enough to minimize system downtime over the product life span and compact enough to integrate into space-constrained architectures.

The VFI Optical Backplane System provides a flexible, modular and compact optical connectivity solution that uses industry-standard ferrules and a rugged form factor to support high-speed, scalable data transfer. Plug-and-play compatibility with existing MT ferrule-based systems streamlines system integration, minimizes redesign time and accelerates time to market. The VFI system is designed for easy changeover from copper interconnects, enabling co-packaged optical deployments and simplifying AI-driven system upgrades without redesigning entire architectures.

Flexible Density and Scalable Design Options

The modular, high-density design of the VFI system offers up to 36 fibers per MT ferrule with 1x2, 1x4, 1x6 and 1x8 port configurations that enhance scalability, improve design flexibility and accelerate time to market for co-packaged optics designs and complex architectures.

VFI connector assemblies.

Reduced Debris and Improved Optical Reliability

The MT connector’s micro-lens array and the VersaBeam MT connector's expanded-beam design enhance reliability, improve network uptime and minimize performance issues that are caused by debris ingress during mating and handling.

VFI 1x8 backplane connector assembly showing the mated configuration.

Superior Performance with MT-Ferrule Footprints

Compact and high-performance MT and VersaBeam MT ferrules provide low crosstalk and insertion loss in a miniaturized form factor, supporting next-generation data center architectures and high-performance computing applications with large bandwidth requirements.

VFI 1x8 connector assembly.

Streamlines scalability and simplifies upgrades to alleviate design restrictions
Multiple MT ferrule configurations, including 1x2, 1x4, 1x6 and 1x8 options, provide flexibility to optimize designs and meet evolving performance demands.

Enables co-packaged optical connections, eliminating routing congestion and complexity
The compact form factor and high-speed capability allow direct-to-chip optical connectivity, supporting high-fiber-count optical connections from the front or rear panel.

Offers interoperability and high fiber density
The industry-standard MT ferrule interface delivers superior optical performance, up to 36 fibers per ferrule and compatibility with any MT ferrule-based footprint, minimizing integration challenges. Cable assemblies reduce design constraints by terminating to standard ribbon fiber or FlexPlane assemblies.

Reduces maintenance requirements
The available MT micro-lens array with non-contacting ferrule interface minimizes issues stemming from debris and enables simple air-blast cleaning, reducing downtime.

Simplifies installation operations to decrease downtime
The blind-mating, hot-swappable design ensures generous mechanical float in all three axes, making copper-to-optical system changeovers easier.

Applications by Industry

Co-packaged optics
Switches

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Versatile Format Interconnect (VFI) Optical Backplane connectors and adapters?

Versatile Format Interconnect (VFI) Optical Backplane connectors and adapters are modular, plug-and-play, high-speed optical connectors that use an industry-standard interface and robust blind-mating mechanical design to streamline integration and ensure reliability. The VFI system supports scalable system growth, reduces integration complexity and ensures strong signal integrity for next-generation data centers and computing architectures.

What makes the VFI Optical Backplane System different from the competition?

The VFI system uses a blind-mating design to make installation fast and easy without requiring additional mating force. This reduces system downtime and simplifies maintenance and upgrades.

How do VFI Optical Backplane connectors and adapters create value for manufacturers?

The VFI system enables faster, easier and more cost-effective changeovers that support scalability and flexibility. The ferrule can be replaced to change the fiber count while using the same connector, enabling capacity upgrades with no special tools required. This helps data centers meet evolving needs with a minimum of architectural changes.

How is the VFI Optical Backplane System a building block for co-packaged optical (CPO) solutions?

The VFI Optical Backplane System is designed to enable efficient and scalable connections between the AI server and the switch in CPO systems.