Overview

The Mini SAS HD (Serial Attached SCSI High Density) interconnect system has become the backbone of modern data center infrastructure, delivering the density and signal integrity that high-performance storage and server environments demand. CONSHARE’s Mini SAS HD 4i receptacle connector is a 36-pin, vertical surface-mount socket engineered for internal SAS applications requiring reliable 12Gbps per lane performance.

Designed in full compliance with the SFF-8643 specification, this connector provides a compact, high-density interconnect solution that enables system designers to maximize board real estate without compromising electrical performance. Whether you are building rack-mount servers, storage arrays, or high-performance computing platforms, this receptacle delivers the mechanical robustness and signal fidelity your application demands.

CONSHARE—where “CONNECTOR” meets “SHARE”—was founded with a singular mission: to deliver high-quality, high-speed interconnect solutions manufactured to global standards, helping customers reduce lead times and total cost of ownership without sacrificing reliability.

Why Choose This Connector?

Proven Signal Integrity for 12Gbps SAS-3 Applications

At the heart of any high-speed interconnect is the ability to transmit data cleanly and consistently. This connector supports the SAS-3 protocol at 12Gbps per lane, making it suitable for a wide range of storage and server applications. The contact interface features 15µ" gold plating over nickel on the contact area, ensuring low and stable contact resistance (20mΩ max) across the product’s rated lifespan.

For engineers designing systems that must pass stringent signal integrity validation, the combination of gold-plated contacts and precision-molded housing provides consistent impedance control and minimal insertion loss—factors that directly translate to fewer re-spins and faster time-to-market.

Built for the Data Center Environment

Data center equipment operates 24/7 under significant thermal and mechanical stress. This connector is rated for an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable performance in everything from cold-start conditions to densely packed server enclosures where ambient temperatures can soar.

The housing and cover are molded from high-temperature thermoplastic (LCP) with a UL94V-0 flammability rating, providing excellent dimensional stability through lead-free reflow soldering processes. This is not a component that will warp or degrade during assembly—it is built to withstand the thermal profiles of modern SMT production lines.

Mechanical Durability That Reduces Field Failures

One of the most overlooked aspects of connector selection is mechanical longevity. This receptacle is rated for 250 mating cycles minimum, with a latch retention force of 50N minimum and a mating force of 40N maximum. These specifications translate to real-world benefits:

• Confident mating feel – operators and technicians know when a connection is fully seated

• Secure retention – cables stay locked in place despite vibration or incidental tugging

• Controlled unmating – the low unmating force (1.5N max) prevents damage to PCB pads or connector housings during routine maintenance

For systems that require frequent drive swaps or cable reconfigurations, this durability directly reduces maintenance costs and unplanned downtime.

Environmental Compliance Without Compromise

This connector is RoHS compliant and halogen-free (HF), meeting the environmental requirements of major global markets. CONSHARE maintains strict material traceability and quality controls to ensure every shipment meets these standards consistently—not just on the certification paperwork, but in the actual product delivered.

Key Technical Advantages

Optimized Contact System

The contacts are stamped from copper alloy with a three-layer plating scheme:

This plating strategy serves three critical functions: the nickel underlayer provides a diffusion barrier and corrosion protection; the matte tin on the solder tail ensures excellent wetting during reflow; and the gold on the contact interface delivers low and stable contact resistance over the product’s life. The result is a connector that solders reliably, performs consistently, and ages gracefully.

High-Density 0.8mm Pitch

With a 0.8mm contact pitch, this connector achieves significantly higher port density than legacy Mini-SAS 2.0 products (which typically used 1.27mm pitch). For system designers, this means more I/O in less board space—a critical advantage in 1U and 2U server form factors where every square millimeter counts.

Vertical Orientation for Flexible PCB Layout

The vertical (straight) socket configuration provides a 180° mating direction, ideal for applications where the cable exits perpendicular to the PCB. This orientation simplifies cable routing in rack-mount systems and allows for cleaner airflow management compared to right-angle alternatives.

Application Guide

Primary Applications

This connector is designed for internal SAS interconnect solutions and is widely used in:

• Rack-mount servers – connecting HBAs to backplanes and drive arrays

• Storage subsystems – RAID controllers and JBOD enclosures

• High-performance computing clusters – high-bandwidth interconnects between compute nodes

• Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) – providing SAS/SATA connectivity to storage devices

• Network switches and routers – high-speed internal data paths

Compatibility Considerations

4i vs. 8i: The 4i configuration provides 4 data lanes (36 pins total). For applications requiring 8 lanes, two 4i connectors can be used in place of a single 8i receptacle, offering greater layout flexibility.

SFF-8643 Compliance: This connector is fully compliant with the SFF-8643 specification, ensuring interoperability with standard Mini SAS HD cable assemblies and plugs from multiple manufacturers.

85Ω vs. 100Ω: This connector is designed for 85Ω impedance applications, typical for SAS and PCIe signaling. Designers should verify impedance requirements for their specific application.

Selection Considerations

When specifying this connector for your design, consider the following factors:

When to Choose This Connector

Choose this connector when your design requires:

• A compact, high-density SAS interconnect for internal applications

• 12Gbps SAS-3 data rates with headroom for future upgrades

• SMT-compatible packaging for high-volume automated assembly

• Proven mechanical durability for systems with frequent cable changes

When to Consider Alternatives

Consider alternative connectors if your application requires:

• External connectivity – the SFF-8644 (external Mini SAS HD) specification uses a shielded metal housing

• Higher lane count – the 8i (72-pin) version provides 8 lanes in a single connector

• Right-angle orientation – right-angle versions are available for applications with different PCB layout constraints

• Higher current – other connector families support higher per-pin current ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this connector compatible with SFF-8643 cable assemblies from other manufacturers?

A: Yes. This connector is designed to meet the SFF-8643 specification, ensuring interoperability with standard Mini SAS HD 4i cable plugs from any compliant manufacturer.

Q: What is the difference between this 4i connector and an 8i connector?

A: A 4i connector provides 4 data lanes (36 pins), while an 8i connector provides 8 data lanes (72 pins). The 8i receptacle can accept either one 8i plug or two 4i plugs. Choose 4i when your design requires 4 lanes; choose 8i when you need 8 lanes in a single connector footprint.

Q: Can this connector support PCIe applications?

A: Yes. The Mini SAS HD platform supports both SAS and PCIe applications, with impedance options available for 85Ω (SAS/PCIe) and 100Ω (PCIe) applications. This connector is designed for 85Ω impedance.

Q: What soldering process is recommended for this connector?

A: This is a surface-mount (SMD) component designed for reflow soldering. The high-temperature LCP housing is rated for lead-free reflow profiles, and the matte tin plating on the solder tails provides excellent solderability.

Q: How does CONSHARE ensure quality and consistency?

A: CONSHARE maintains strict quality control throughout the manufacturing process, from material sourcing to final inspection. Every connector is tested to meet the electrical and mechanical specifications outlined in the product datasheet, ensuring consistent performance batch after batch.

Ordering Information

For custom configurations or volume pricing, please contact CONSHARE directly.

About CONSHARE

CONSHARE was built on a simple premise: that high-quality, high-speed connectors should be accessible to customers without the long lead times and premium pricing often associated with established brands. With nearly two decades of connector industry experience, the CONSHARE team brings deep technical expertise to every product, from design through manufacturing.

Our commitment extends beyond just delivering components—we provide engineering support to help customers select the right interconnect solutions for their applications, reducing design risk and accelerating time-to-market. Whether you are designing next-generation servers, storage systems, or high-performance computing platforms, CONSHARE is your partner in reliable, high-speed connectivity.

Product Documentation