Stewart Connector's New ARJ45™ Connector Series Meets Proposed Category 7a Standards as Defined by IEC
Parts are Designed for Category 7a Premise Wiring, 10 Gig Ethernet and Varied Next-Generation High-Speed Data Transmission Applications
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELYNovember 13, 2006
Glen Rock, PA, November 10, 2006…Stewart Connector, a subsidiary of Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ: BELFA & BELFB), today announced the release of the ARJ45™ Series of high-speed Category 7a modular plugs and jacks. The new Series joins the Company’s extensive portfolio of connectors engineered for higher-speed networking and computing applications, and will initially consist of a cable-mounted plug, and single-port, PCB-mounted jack. The ARJ45 Series is specifically engineered to meet the proposed Category 7a performance parameters of up to 1000 MHz, far exceeding IEC’s current Category 7 standards (IEC 60603-7-7 and IEC 61076-3-110). The robust components’ design is based on the proven reliability of the industry-standard RJ45 interface, and provides enhanced mechanical properties to accommodate the higher data transmission speeds. Moreover, they are interface compatible with Nexans’ GG45 connector system. Stewart and Nexans collaborated to insure their respective devices’ interoperability and intermatability, making the parts the only proven intermatable solution for Category 7a offered from independent manufacturers.
Ideally suited for Class Fa premise wiring systems, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and higher-speed data transmission applications, the ARJ45 plug and jack may be used as a low-cost connector replacement in closed-loop InfiniBand®, Fiber Channel, EyeMAX®, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), PCI Express®, and microTCA applications. Further, as they comply with the proposed Category 7a specifications, they are uniquely appropriate for employment in data centers, healthcare imaging and financial applications.
Manufactured of UL94-VO plastics, the parts are provided standard with gold-plated (50-microinch) contacts to ensure high-cycle life. Additional specifications include an operating temperature range of -40 degrees to +85 degrees C, and durability of 750 matching cycles. Their voltage range is 150 VAC, and current rating is 1.5 A @ 25 degrees C. For additional information, visit http://www.belfuse.com/Data/DBObject/ARJ45-Cat7a-conn.pdf.
Pricing for Bel Stewart Connector’s ARJ45 Series of Category 7a jacks starts at $3.50 each in quantities of 1,000. While production quantities will start shipping early Q1 2007, samples for design-in are currently available. To locate a representative or distributor, visit http://www.belfuse.com/StewartConnector/RepsList.asp, or http://www.belfuse.com/StewartConnector/DistributorList.asp.
About Bel
Bel (www.belfuse.com) and its divisions, including Stewart Connector, are primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of products used in networking, telecommunications, high- speed data transmission, and consumer electronics. Products include magnetics (discrete components, power transformers and MagJackÒ connectors with integrated magnetics), modules (dc-dc converters, integrated analog front-end modules, custom designs), circuit protection (miniature, micro and surface mount fuses) and interconnect devices (passive jacks, plugs and cable assemblies). The Company operates facilities around the world.
Except for historical information contained in this news release, the matters discussed are (including information regarding the ARJ45™ Series of Category 7a modular plugs) forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the effect of business and economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing; capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; product development, commercializing or technological difficulties; the regulatory and trade environment; and the risk factors reported from time to time in the Company's SEC reports.
Bel Fuse Inc.
206 Van Vorst Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
tel 201.432.0463
fax 201.432.9542
Investor Contact:
Neil Berkman Associates
(310) 277-5162
Company Contact:
Daniel Bernstein
President