The LightCONEX® active blind mate optical interconnect is a revolutionary solution for VPX systems that includes a fixed plug-in module connector and a floating backplane connector compatible with proposed VITA 66.5 standard.
The low-profile plug-in module connector is screwed on the board edge through an interposer, saving board space and eliminating fiber cable handling. The backplane connector has a spring-loaded MT to ensure a secure MT to MT mating connection under extreme shock and vibration conditions.

The LightCONEX® active blind mate optical interconnect is a revolutionary solution for VPX systems that includes a fixed plug-in module connector and a floating backplane connector compatible with proposed VITA 66.5 standard.
LightCONEX styles A, B, and C product line

Backplane connector
The LightCONEX backplane connector contains the Face plate and Insert. The connector is designed to provide float in both the X- and Y-directions to enable alignment of the MT ferrule mating interfaces. The design complies with the ANSI/VITA 66.4 mating requirements with the MT ferrule displacement occurring within the backplane connector.
Single or dual MT ferrules and/or hybrid configurations (including RF coaxial contacts) are available.
Backplane connector features
- Spring-loaded MT ferrule (12-lane or 24-lane)
- Coarse and fine mating alignment
- Low profile: 10 mm height
- Compatible with 12-lane or 24-lane OM3 or OM4 fiber ribbon cable
The main components of the backplane connector are:
- Face plates. Dedicated face plates are available for VITA 67.3 (apertures C, D, and E) and VITA 66.4.
- Insert housing available in styles A, B, and C.
The main components of the housing are: - Primary alignment feature
- MT ferrule with alignment pins
- Optical cable assembly with springs
Plug-in module connector
The LightCONEX plug-in module connector contains the optical transceiver with its MT ferrule, an LGA interposer, and a front mating plate. The front mating plate has the primary alignment feature socket and a hole to accommodate the MT from the transceiver.
Optical transceiver with front mating plate
The LightCONEX plug-in module connector contains the optical transceiver with its MT ferrule, an LGA interposer, and a front mating plate. The front mating plate has the primary alignment feature socket and a hole to accommodate the MT from the transceiver.
Plug-in module connectors shown with 4TRX optical transceivers.
Interposers
- 1 mm, 2 mm, and 2.74 mm 96 positions
- 1mm and 3.03 mm, 233 positions

233-position interposer

96-position interposer