48Gb SAS 3.0 External Mini-SAS HD 4X Cables From Amphenol

Cables on Demand, a division of Amphenol Corporation, introduced a suite of new 48.0 Gbps (12.0 Gbps per data lane) external passive copper cable assemblies for Mini-SAS HD High-Density applications in the emerging SAS 3.0 compliant hardware market.

Available at CablesOnDemand.com, Amphenol’s exclusive electronic marketplace, these next-generation cable assemblies are offered in two main configurations: Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS HD and Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS.

The first product configuration, Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS HD, features an SFF-8644 (iPass+ HD) compliant Mini-SAS HD connector on each end of the cable. The Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS HD Cable Assembly would typically be used to link up a pair of SAS devices featuring new SFF-8644 compliant data ports. One such example includes connecting a SAS 3.0 HBA to a SAS 3.0 multi-drive storage array. This would enable a single SFF-8644 port on the HBA to operate at speeds of up to 48.0 Gbps aggregate – allowing fast data transfers to the drives in the drive array; including 4 drives operating at 12.0 Gbps per drive or up to 8 drives operating at 6.0 Gbps per drive.

The second product configuration, Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS, is a ‘hybrid’ cable design featuring the new SFF-8644 compliant Mini-SAS HD connector on one end of the cable and the current industry standard SFF-8088 Mini-SAS (26-position) connector on the other end of the cable. Mini-SAS HD to Mini-SAS cable assembly would typically be used to ‘hybridize’ or merge a new SAS 3.0 compliant SAS device featuring SFF-8644 data ports to a legacy SAS 2.0/2.1 compliant SAS device featuring SFF-8088 data ports. The hybrid cable permits the newer HD Mini-SAS device to negotiate communications with the older Mini-SAS device at its native speed of 24.0 Gbps aggregate (6.0 Gbps per lane).

"Amphenol’s half-century of interconnect manufacturing expertise shines through with each and every product in its growing catalog of High Speed Copper Cables," according to Nick Blas, product marketing manager for Amphenol Cables on Demand. "Amphenol has done an extraordinary job in combining the Engineering resources of its many divisions, thereby streamlining the R&D process."

With the new HD Mini-SAS product in particular, Blas emphasized the collaborative team-work performed by Amphenol’s High Speed Interconnect (AHSI) division for the product’s connector/backshell, Amphenol’s SpectraStrip division for the product’s SKEWCLEAR 48.0 Gbps (4 x 12.0 Gbps) rated wire, and Amphenol’s Teradyne Connection Systems (ATCS) division for the product’s PCB and high-speed backplane.

For OEM’s looking for a complete ‘mated pair’ Mini-SAS HD interconnect system that includes the SFF-8644 connector/cage combo for use on their hardware/PCB designs, in addition to the Mini-SAS HD Cable Assemblies, Amphenol Cables on Demand has the Mini-SAS HD products in-stock and ready for same-day shipment – no minimum buy required.

Its inventory of Mini-SAS HD connectors and cages from Amphenol High Speed Interconnects’ Toronto-based division represent the next generation interconnect solution for storage OEM’s seeking SAS 3.0 capabilities.

The Mini-SAS HD interconnect system is comprised of a 36-position, 2-row, press-fit connector and stamped and formed cage assembly as one unit (connector/cage combo) complying with the latest SFF-8644 specifications.

Prices start at $13.54 for a 1×1 single port Mini-SAS HD Cage & Connector Combo (P/N: U92-A110-1001-10).

In the case of new high-density networked storage devices, Amphenol’s U92 Series (U92-A410-1001-1) Mini-SAS HD four port 1×4 cage and connector combo represents the next generation SAS system, with 4x and 16x cable plugging options to provide faster data transmission and more bandwidth for end users. The Mini-SAS HD connector system has a two-row, right-angle connector operating at 12.0 Gbps per channel. Each connector handles 4 lanes of data for up to 48.0 Gbps of total data throughput. This connector will mate with active copper and optical cable assemblies, as well as active pluggable modules for extended-length applications in data centers.

All of the Mini-SAS HD interconnect products discussed above are available for same-day shipment from Amphenol Cables on Demand’s Endicott, NY-based fulfillment center.

Bulk discounts are available in quantities above 50 pieces.

Cables on Demand offers Free UPS Ground Shipping on all orders over $75.00 and periodically offers special promotional discounts.

As a special one-time-only promotional event in celebration of Amphenol’s new Mini-SAS HD product launch at Cables on Demand, prospective buyers can enjoy a complimentary 20% discount off of their first HD Mini-SAS cable and/or connector purchase through May 31st, 2013. This 20% off discount can be redeemed by entering Coupon Code ‘HDMINISAS’ at checkout via the Cables on Demand website. Limit one coupon code redemption per-user per-day.