Stewart's Modular MRJ21(R) Cabling System Engineered for The Premise Wiring and Telecom Industry

January 19, 2010

GLEN ROCK, Pa., Jan 19, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Stewart Connector, a division of Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ: BELFA) (NASDAQ: BELFB), today announced the availability of the modular MRJ21(R) interconnect system under a license agreement with Tyco Electronics. The MRJ21 cabling system is designed to promote optimal port density in space-constrained telecom and premise wiring applications. The Category 5e cable assemblies simultaneously support VoIP (Voice over Internet), PoE (Power over Ethernet) and GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) while offering installers the ability to connect 24 twisted pairs (12 two-pair or 6 four-pair ports) with just one connection. These Input/Output (I/O) interconnect systems' double-blade design allows up to 4 times the port density of traditional 2x6 stacked modular jacks (RJ45), and up to 3 times the port density of an RJ21 connector. Devices are available in four connection schemes including six unshielded RJ45 connectors to 45-degree angle MRJ21 connectors, six unshielded RJ45 connectors to straight MRJ21 connector, straight MRJ21 connector to straight MRJ21 connector, and straight MRJ21 connector to 45-degree angle MRJ21 connector. The MRJ21 board-mount receptacle boasts a robust board lock design for superior PCB strain relief, and the cable assemblies provide offset jackscrews to ensure positive latching and secure cable retention. Assemblies are durability tested to 500 cycles.

Stewart Connector's MRJ21 cabling system targets telecommunication and premise wiring applications wherever traditional stacked modular jacks and RJ21 connectors are used. They may be confidently employed in applications including network closets, core and edge routers, digital cross connects, GbE switches, 10/100BASE-T, and DSLAM. The assemblies allow a connection migration path from such legacy products as punchdown blocks, modular plug breakouts, and standard RJ21 assemblies, and are designed with a die-cast backshells for shielded applications.

Fully shielded to reduce EMI emissions, the high-performance modules' differentially paired footprint and contact layout further reduce crosstalk through built-in compensation. Connectors feature 1 mm pair spacing and 1.5 mm pair-to-pair spacing. Additionally, the dual-row receptacles meet the height requirements of the CompactPCI(TM) specification.

Average pricing for Stewart Connector's MRJ21 cable assemblies is $145.00 each. Delivery is from stock to 4 weeks. Custom assembly lengths are accommodated.

MRJ21 is a trademark owned by Tyco Electronics Corporation used here under license.

About Bel

Bel (http://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 MagJack(R) 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 MRJ21(R) Series) 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.

SOURCE: Bel Fuse Inc. 

Bel Fuse Inc.
Donna Marganella, 858-676-9650 Ext. 108
or
Berkman Associates, 310-826-5051
or
Stewart Connector
717-235-7512
Fax: 717-235-4675
www.stewartconnector.com

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