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KickStart Connector System

The KickStart Connector System creates an all-in-one cable-based connection system for cabled boot drives that is flexible, easy to implement, and combines power and signal circuits into a single cable.

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Product Highlights

SFF
Number:		Speed:Current:Differential
Pairs:		Single
Ended:
SFF-TA-1036PCIe Gen. 5 and Gen. 6 CapableUp to 4.0A1012

High-Speed I/O Connectors

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KickStart Plug

High-Speed I/O Cables Assemblies

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KickStart Cable Assembly

Features and Benefits

Standardized Server Boot Drive Connectivity

The KickStart Connector System is SFF-TA-1036 standard. The Open Compute Project (OCP) has recommended the KickStart Connector System in its M-PIC specification for cable-optimized boot peripheral connectors.

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Power and Signal Circuits in One Cable Assembly

KickStart cable assemblies and connectors reduce the need to manage multiple cables by combining power and signal circuits into a single, easily installed cable assembly.

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Low-Profile, Robust Design

KickStart connectors have a low-profile design for better space optimization, boasting a vertical height of 11.10mm that makes this the only OCP-recommended internal I/O connector solution designed specifically for boot drive applications.

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Reduces the need to manage multiple cables by offering an easily implemented single-cable solution for boot drive connectivity:
Design incorporates power, high-speed and low-speed signal circuits into a single cable assembly.

Enables simple hybrid cables and is compatible with Sliver 1C cabled receptacles:
Supports a full EDSFF (enterprise and data center standard form factor) x4 hard drive pinout 1-to-1

Offers robust mechanical design:
Meets industry specification of 25N active wrench test with margin.

Maximizes space by using a low-profile design:
With a mated height of 11.10mm, KickStart connectors meet the Open Compute Project (OCP) maximum specification of 11.30mm and are lower than any other OCP-recommended internal I/O connector specification.

Utilizes a known design to minimize risk and enable fast time to market:
Contact and termination design are based on proven NearStack PCIe technology 

 

Simplifies system design and procurement as an OCP M-PIC standard:
The KickStart Connector System is recommended in M-PIC and standardized in SFF-TA-1036

Increases design flexibility through multiple cable exit options:
Horizontal exit cable is available today, with vertical exit cables planned for availability soon

Offers next-generation high-speed capability:
Twinax cable and optimized connector design enable the KickStart system to support Gen. 5 PCIe (32 Gbps NRZ) speeds, with planned support for Gen. 6 PCIe (64 Gbps PAM-4) speeds soon

Overview

Multiple boot drive interconnect strategies existed from different server manufacturers. Multiple cables could be used within those solutions, creating no unified standard of performance or supply. The KickStart Connector System offers complete functionality in a single, standardized cable assembly solution.

Advancing data rates of storage signals create challenges. The KickStart system has the capability to support Gen. 5 PCIe speeds and will soon support Gen. 6 speeds.

Server and storage customers want a solution that can be automated to meet their high-volume demand. Design for manufacturability is a critical part of the Molex product development process.

Applications by Industry

OCP-based servers
Data centers
White box servers
Storage systems

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any unique PCB assembly (PCBA) processing required when terminating KickStart PCB connectors?
No, the PCB connector or “plug” requires standard solder processes to terminate to the PCB.

Are KickStart products available today?
Yes, Molex is shipping KickStart cable assemblies and connectors today.

What signal speeds can the KickStart Connector System support?
Due to the high-speed twinax and optimal connector design, the KickStart Connector System can support Gen. 5 PCIe (32 Gbps NRZ) with planned support for Gen. 6 PCIe (64 Gbps PAM-4) soon.

What cable exit configurations are planned?
Currently, a low-profile right-angle cable is available, and Molex will also offer a vertical or “straight” exit cable in the coming months.

Resources