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Card Edge Connector
Industrial, IT Datacom
The CONSHARE 168-pin vertical 4C+ connector is engineered for next-generation high-speed interconnect applications where signal integrity, density, and reliability are non-negotiable. Designed in compliance with the SFF-TA-1002 specification, this connector supports the evolving demands of PCIe Gen 5 and beyond, delivering the performance headroom that system designers need for today's data-intensive architectures.
What sets this connector apart is its 4C+ configuration—a 168-pin layout that provides 24 transmit and 24 receive high-speed I/O signal channels. This dense pin assignment enables system architects to pack more functionality into constrained board spaces without compromising signal quality. The vertical mounting orientation further optimizes PCB real estate, making it an ideal choice for board-to-board stacking and mezzanine applications where height clearance and routing efficiency are critical.
The connector features a 30μ" gold plating over nickel on the contact area—a specification that directly impacts field performance. This thickness is not arbitrary: 30μ" gold provides superior oxidation resistance and maintains a stable contact resistance over the connector's service life. In high-vibration environments or systems with frequent mating cycles, this plating thickness translates to fewer intermittent failures and longer mean time between failures (MTBF).
The 0.60mm contact pitch represents a sweet spot between density and manufacturability. While finer pitches exist, they often introduce yield challenges during assembly and increase the risk of solder bridging. At 0.60mm, the connector balances high-density routing requirements with practical SMT process windows.
The vertical (straight) configuration positions the connector perpendicular to the PCB surface. This orientation offers distinct advantages:
Thermal management: Vertical connectors create natural convection pathways around the component, aiding heat dissipation from densely packed boards
Routing efficiency: Signal traces can fan out directly from the connector footprint without the complex routing constraints imposed by right-angle designs
Assembly simplicity: Vertical components are generally easier to inspect and rework compared to right-angle or straddle-mount alternatives
Modern server architectures demand high-density interconnect solutions that can keep pace with increasing data throughput. The 168-pin 4C+ connector is specifically suited for:
AI training clusters: Where high-speed data movement between GPUs and memory subsystems is the primary bottleneck
High-performance computing (HPC) nodes: Applications requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth board-to-board interconnects
Storage arrays: SSD backplanes and NVMe drive interfaces benefit from the connector's dense pin count and signal integrity characteristics
Switch fabrics and router line cards require connectors that maintain signal integrity across multiple gigabit-per-second lanes. The 4C+ configuration supports 24 differential pairs, making it suitable for 100G and emerging 400G Ethernet applications.
For compact form factor systems where board space is at a premium, the vertical 168-pin connector enables mezzanine card stacking without sacrificing signal performance.
The connector is supplied in tape and reel packaging, with 300 units per reel. This packaging method is specifically designed for automated pick-and-place assembly, offering several production advantages:
Feeder compatibility: Standard reel dimensions ensure seamless integration with existing SMT lines
ESD protection: The anti-static carrier tape and reel construction provide inherent electrostatic discharge protection during handling and storage
Inventory management: Reel packaging simplifies warehouse organization and reduces handling compared to tray or tube packaging
Each reel includes a 15-position leader and 15-position trailer, with an extended 200mm cover tape at both ends. This guard band ensures that the pick-and-place machine's vision system can properly calibrate before placing components, reducing setup time and placement errors.
Per reel: 300 units
Per carton: 3 reels (900 units total)
Partial cartons: Cushioning material is added to prevent component movement during transit
When evaluating this connector for your design, consider the following factors:
The 168-pin 4C+ configuration supports 24 lanes of high-speed I/O. If your application requires fewer lanes, consider the 4C (140-pin) or 2C (84-pin) variants within the same family. Selecting the right pin count avoids unnecessary cost and board space consumption.
The vertical connector is designed for SMT termination. Verify that your PCB's pad design, solder paste stencil, and reflow profile are compatible with the connector's 260°C maximum process temperature.
The connector supports up to 1.1A per pin, with up to 12 pins dedicated for power delivery. For designs requiring higher current, evaluate the power pin allocation carefully to ensure adequate current capacity without exceeding thermal limits.
With a durability rating of 200 mating cycles, the connector is suitable for applications that require occasional field replacement of mezzanine cards or daughter boards. For systems that anticipate frequent mating (e.g., test fixtures, development platforms), consider whether additional margin is needed.
The 4C+ configuration provides 168 pins (24 lanes), while the 4C configuration provides 140 pins (16 lanes). The "+" designation indicates the additional lanes available for higher-bandwidth applications.
Yes. The SFF-TA-1002 specification under which this connector is designed supports PCIe Gen 5 signaling rates. The 85-ohm differential impedance design ensures compatibility with the PCIe electrical requirements.
The connector is rated for -40°C to +85°C, covering the full industrial temperature range for most enterprise and data center environments.
Many connectors in this category use 15μ" or even thinner gold plating. The 30μ" thickness provides approximately twice the wear resistance and superior corrosion protection, making it particularly valuable in environments with temperature cycling or humidity exposure.
While primarily designed for board-to-board applications, the connector family supports cable interconnect options for systems requiring flexible routing between boards or chassis.
CONSHARE is committed to delivering high-speed, high-reliability interconnect solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern data center, server, and networking equipment. As a Chinese manufacturer focused on quality and performance, CONSHARE provides:
Technical support: Application engineering assistance for integration and troubleshooting
Supply chain reliability: Consistent production and on-time delivery
Quality assurance: Compliance with RoHS and halogen-free requirements
The CONSHARE 168-pin vertical 4C+ connector represents the intersection of performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness—a combination that system designers and procurement professionals increasingly require in today's competitive landscape.
