Sliding Power Connector Improves Reliability

Industry technology trends of 5G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud services drive increasing levels of IT infrastructure and supporting hardware. System reliability is critical for IT infrastructure and a key strategy is use of redundant hardware. TE Connectivity’s sliding power connector technology can play a role in this strategy.

Image source: TE Connectivity

The sliding power connector allows for hot swapping of components in a server drawer and utilizes PCBs to transmit power directly to the on-board components. This allows servicing of equipment without having to power down an entire server rack to make repairs. Current industry methods to distribute power typically uses bulky cables which can negatively impact reliability and power efficiency.

System Implementation

The sliding power connector system consists of two blocks, a TE power connector mounted on the moving sled PCB and the stationary baseboard rail PCB. Both PCBs are developed by the customer for their specific application.

Image source: TE Connectivity

TE’s dual pole sliding power connector, part# 2204740-1, can deliver up to 75 A and provides improved voltage drop due to a more direct path from the power source to the server drawer. Detailed PCB dimensional and material requirements are provided in the power connector documentation.

Resources

• Sliding Power Connector Product Flyer
• Sliding Power Connector Downloadable Brochure
• Sliding Power Connector Video