The Open Compute Project (OCP) is a collaborative community focused on redesigning hardware technology around the IT infrastructure. The goal is to make the data center more efficient, flexible, and scalable. While Samtec does not actively build frames, cooling systems, or piping for the data center floor we want to make sure that our connectors play well within these spaces.
OCP Connectors
Samtec is keeping an eye on hard connector requirements being discussed in the work groups. We are currently working to support reference designs within some of the sub-project groups. One of these is the immersion cooled ExaMAX® high-density backplane systems that we worked with Submer on. You can read more about it in this past blog; Submer and Samtec: Smarter Connections.
Keeping it Cool
Immersion cooling is not new to Samtec. If you followed the link you will see we are evaluating multiple connector families and cooling fluids. In the future of a data center heat and noise are some of the escalating concerns. Immersion cooling is a very viable solution for not just heat and noise, but also space. (I like to slide the bar side to side on Submer’s page to see the footprint difference they propose)
Before the reference design mentioned above Samtec was working on immersion cooling with our active optics FireFly™. This was done initially for super computing, but can be adopted across multiple platforms. Read more about this application here; Submersible Optical Transceiver For Super Computing
Upgrades and Add Ins
Open Compute includes specifications that help Enterprise and Data Center Solid State Storage devices by utilizing the Gen-Z connector. Samtec’s version of the this connector is our HSEC6 series. This connector series features;
- 56 Gbps PAM4 performance
- 0.60 mm pitch differential pair system
- PCIe® Gen 5 compatible
- Compliant to SFF-TA-1002: x4 (1C), x8 (2C), x16 (4C & 4C+)
- Meets Gen-Z™ specifications
The need for Speed
Speed requirements may be driven by the silicon you start with, where as the Open Compute Project focuses on the framework all around that. Samtec is ready for the data rates and is looking forward to going faster and farther with you in your designs. Apart from the OCP talk if you are looking to drive 112 Gbps on your future designs you should take a close look at Samtec’s NovaRay® connector family.
NovaRay® combines extreme density and performance for 112 Gbps PAM4 per channel in 40% less space than traditional arrays.
Learn More
If you are new to the Open Compute community you can learn how to participate in OCP by watching their 101 video. If you are interested in working with Samtec on your reference design or learning how you can work with Samtec please reach out to us at TMG@samtec.com.
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