With the versatility of an edge card connector, Molex’s HBMT MT high-density backplane provides a smooth transition from PC-board components to the backplane. Utilizing a standard MT ferrule as the optical interface, the HBMT interconnects provide up to 96-fiber interconnects and is ideal for connecting backplanes and cross-connect systems in computing and telecommunication equipment including transmitters, switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. Molex’s HBMT backplane interconnects system; together with Molex's FlexPlane optical-flex-circuitry system, provides a total optical-backplane solution.

The Molex HBMT features a blind-mate interface for easy insertion, removal, and exchange of the daughter card without disrupting the input/output ports or associated cabling. This system has a low-profile 6.00 mm (0.236") backplane fiber and a 14.80 mm (0.583") maximum height, ensuring compatibility with 20.00 mm (0.787") card spacing.

The HBMT backplane uses a single-housing containing up to four MT ferrules and can be configured for either multimode or single-mode ribbon fibers. The system also supports the MT low-loss and 24 fiber MT ferrule technology, offering improved performance and density. The RJ-45 mechanical latching provides easy insertion of individual terminated MT ferrules. A patented dual-shutter design offers dust and eye safety protection.

Video: Molex 100 Gbps silicon photonics with HBMT and FlexPlane optical backplane interconnect demonstration at OFC/NFOEC 2012