FCI Signs Amphenol as Second Source for AirMax VS Connector System

Business Wire, July 14, 2004

ETTERS, Pa. -- FCI announced today that Amphenol, Inc. has signed a second source license agreement granting Amphenol the right to manufacture, market, and sell the 4-pair and 5-pair AirMax VS(R) (Virtual Shield) connector worldwide. FCI's AirMax VS connector is a revolutionary high-speed shieldless backplane connector that exhibits excellent signal integrity at speeds from 2.5 Gb/s to greater than 12 Gb/s without requiring a basic platform redesign . The AirMax VS connector provides designers flexibility in backplane signal routing and fabrication though the ability to vary column spacing without impacting electrical performance. The AirMax VS two-piece header-receptacle connector system is currently available in 2mm and 3mm column spacing.

Richard Kaleida, Senior Vice President and General manager of FCI Communications, Data, Consumer Division stated, "FCI has been extremely gratified by the marketplace acceptance of the AirMax VS connector product family. Other connector companies recognized the revolutionary leap in connector performance and have expressed interest in licensing the AirMax VS proprietary technology. We are pleased to announce Amphenol, Inc. has agreed to be the certified second source for AirMax VS 4-pair and 5-pair connectors."

John Burkett, FCI Product Manager said, "With the broad customer acceptance and early design opportunities, it was important that FCI establish a comprehensive second source program to support our customer base. As a part of the certified second source program, we will assure our customers true mechanical compatibility, electrical equivalency and documented test results."

Mark Twaalfhoven, Senior Vice President of Amphenol stated, "As a recognized leader in the connector industry, our customers have been looking for us to broaden our product portfolio into backplane connectors. We believe the AirMax VS connectors have superior electrical characteristics while providing system designers superb flexibility. We recognize FCI to be a leader in connector innovation and are excited to add AirMax VS connectors to our product offering."

For more information about the AirMax VS connector system, contact FCI Electronics at 825 Old Trail Road, Etters, PA 17319-7883; call 800-237-2374, email electronics.us@fciconnect.com or visit FCI on the Web at www.fciconnect.com.

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Created in 1989, FCI - an Areva Group company - rapidly secured its place among the world's top three manufacturers of connectors and interconnect systems. With a turnover of 1.34 billion Euros in 2003, FCI currently operates in 18 countries where it covers the following markets: communications, data, consumer, automotive and electrical power interconnect. The company employs about 12,500 staff worldwide.

For more information: www.fciconnect.com