Today's electronic systems demand packaging and interconnection solutions offering ever higher density and data speed at low cost. The ept line of 2mm 'Hard Metric' connectors is designed to meet IEC standards, and ideal for use in high-speed data and telephony applications. They are classic, reliable two piece pin and socket connectors that offer a full range of configurations to meet CompactPCI™ applications. The newest specification for PCI-based industrial computers, CompactPCI™ utilizes the Eurocard form factor popularized by the VME bus.

ept 'hm' 2mm is a gas tight, high density pin-and-socket connector which meets the IEC-1076 international standard. Its low inductance and controlled impedance make it ideal for PCI signalling. The connector has 47 rows with 5 pins per row giving a total of 220 pins (15 pins are lost to the keying area). An additional external metal shield is also provided. The large number of ground pins ensures adequate shielding and grounding for low ground bounce and reliable operation in noisy environments. The connector's controlled impedance minimizes unwanted signal reflections and enables CompactPCI™ systems to have eight slots, as compared to the desktop PC's four.

With CompactPCI™ PCBs can be exchanged without problems from system to system. Important parameters like fixing, shielding and coding remain compatible to all applications.
ept offers different types with inverted mating configuration. The male connector is a fixed module at the backplane and the female connector is a free component of the plug-in module. The male connector has 5 signal rows and 2 shielding rows. A male connector version with 8 signal and 2 shielding rows is also available.

The outer shielding rows 'z' and 'f' of the male connector engage the shielding contacts of the female connector. The shield is also designed for gas tight, press-fit installation.
The six basic ept 'hm' 2mm connector types can be assembled end to end in any order to cover most eventualities. The connectors are designed to "nest" with each other, which provides additional support for the side walls when fitted in longer runs.
The connector system offers 15 press-fit contact lengths. Within the 15 contact lengths are 3 mating levels, achievable on both the plug-in and rear I/O side. Press-fit contacts avoid exposing high layer count PCBs to the thermal stress of soldering.