The integrated connector module plays the role of interface and circuit protection in LAN applications.
In today's high-speed systems, traditional connectors are being replaced by ICM (Integrated Connector Module), which includes standard RJ-45 connectors and discrete converters. In addition to providing an electrical interface for the local network, this type of filter connector also provides an independent barrier between the network cable and the equipment to suppress conducted EMI and radiated EMI. These functions are not available in unfiltered connectors.
Although the ICM looks the same as the RJ-45 connector, there are some features that make the ICM unique. In order to ensure that ICM can meet the specific requirements of the equipment in which it is located, design engineers should conduct joint research with the ICM supplier during the design phase.
The issues that should be paid attention to when choosing ICM include the rate and type of data being transmitted, the connection method, and the application environment. At the same time, the factors to be considered are electrical indicators, durability ratings, RJ-45 materials and mechanical specifications.
ICM considerationsSince ICM is also a part of data transmission, there are several electrical parameters that need to be explained. These parameters determine the impact of ICM on signal quality, including insertion loss, return loss, common film rejection and crosstalk.
Speed ​​is the primary consideration when choosing ICM. When the data transmission rate-10Base-T, 100Base-Tx or 1000Base-T-is determined, the engineer must decide whether the ICM needs PoE capability. If the description of the part does not clearly indicate it, PoE is probably not provided.
Under what temperature conditions is the connector used? Is it necessary for the ICM to work in a wider temperature range? It is very important to confirm whether the core material can withstand the low temperature environment. When the temperature is -40～0℃, the inductance value will decrease, and it may not be compatible with IEEE. Therefore, a magnetic material with good robustness is required.
The durability of RJ-45 is determined by the insertion force, pull-out force and plug-in-jack retenTIon (plug-in-jack retenTIon), etc. This requires checking the materials used in the shielding, connection and housing.
Number of socketsOnce the above problem is determined, the designer must calculate how many sockets are needed. The configuration of the standard ICM ranges from a single port to a maximum of 16 ports.
When using multiple ports, the sockets can be arranged in a single row, or stacked in two rows, and can also contain one or two USB connectors.
Type of socketWhen the number of sockets and the type of configuration are determined, the next step is to decide "tab up" or "tab down", and whether the termination is surface mount or through-hole soldering.
Another thing to be clear is to select the number of annunciators on each socket, such as the number of LED signal lights. There are several kinds of LEDs, such as single color, double color and multicolor, which can indicate information such as speed, power supply and PoE enable. Each socket can have up to two LEDs.
Mechanical specificationsRegarding mechanical specifications, engineers should consider what size, what configuration, and how many pins are needed. The pin arrangement is often regarded as standard, in fact, there are big differences between various manufacturers, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Application of connectors in the LAN market
Desktop PCs use a 1×1 platform and a filtered RJ-45 connector, possibly with two USBs, while laptops require low-profile (11.30mm) components. Whether it is 10/100Base-Tx or 1000Base-T, the rate determines the type of connector platform.
Bridge deviceBridge devices such as switches and routers generally require a 2×n platform. Any combination of 2×4 (8 sockets), 2×6 (12 sockets) or 2×8 (16 sockets) can be used, which is determined by the most suitable number of sockets.
SOHO applicationIn SOHO applications, 1×n platforms such as 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or 1×8 are the most commonly used. As mentioned earlier, the combination of platforms is determined by the number of sockets required by the system.
However, when considering EMI and data integrity, not all filter connectors have the same robustness. In order to avoid this problem, PCB design sometimes requires the participation of magnetic material suppliers for system-level evaluation.
In addition, if you choose a non-standard 2×n pin arrangement, you may need to redesign and delay time to market. In short, to recognize the main standards and system needs.
serverServer rack, tower and blade solutions mainly use high-speed 1U or 2U platforms. When trying to meet EMI standards, choosing G-bit modules for rack-mounted servers is challenging.
A high-performance, space-saving server with multiple functions such as document/print data sharing requires a 1×n platform. If the system is used in an environment of -40 to 0°C, an ICM with a wider operating temperature range is required.
BroadbandFor broadband products such as cable and xDSL, low-cost, high-capacity 1×1, 1×2 filter connectors are most suitable. A large number of applications still require 10/100Base-Tx, and a 1×1 locking platform is usually used.
The advantages of using integrated modules are becoming more and more obvious. The price gap between it and discrete solutions is narrowing, and it can indirectly save costs, such as saving PCB space, minimizing the number of individual components, and increasing yield. Although there are user-customized parts, the advantages of customization cannot be compared with the cost and time advantages of standard parts.
Game industry applicationIn applications in the game industry, low-cost 1×1 10/100 Base-Tx, which is the same as broadband applications, is often used. Of course, in some applications, a higher rate is also required. At this time, the 1000Base-T ICM can be used.
Wireless applicationIn wireless applications such as base stations and access points, a 1×n platform with a PoE standard compatible socket is required. Some PoE compatible magnetic components can work under extreme temperature conditions and are suitable for industrial Ethernet applications.
Many wireless access points now have 5 Ethernet sockets. Since there are not many standard platforms with 5 sockets on the market, the best solution is to use a 1×4 and a 1×1 ICM.
NICThe network interface card (NIC) requires a rate of 10/100Base-Tx or 1000Base-T. Some later solutions used PCI Express cards instead of traditional NICs.
A faster rate means that there is likely to be more noise. In this case, the best solution is to choose a filter connector with good common mode attenuation.
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