The Advantages Of Integrated Connector Modules

The Advantages Of Integrated Connector Modules

Summary: A MagJack, or Integrated Connector Module (ICM for short) is a combination of up to discrete components. They include: The RJ connector, the impedance matching transformers, LEDs, termination resistors, high voltage capacitor, and often common modes chokes as well.

Todays ethernet or LAN hardware engineers have two ways to lay these components out on their boards. First, they can do it discretely. That is, they can lay out each of the parts I mentioned indiv...

magjack, bel, integrated connector modules

Article Body: A MagJack, or Integrated Connector Module (ICM for short) is a combination of up to discrete components. They include: The RJ connector, the impedance matching transformers, LEDs, termination resistors, high voltage capacitor, and often common modes chokes as well.

Todays ethernet or LAN hardware engineers have two ways to lay these components out on their boards. First, they can do it discretely. That is, they can lay out each of the parts I mentioned individually on the board, and this is the way it was typically done up until the late s. The second, and I believe the better way, to attack this problem, is to use a MagJack, or Integrated Connector Module, from BEL.

The advantages to using a MagJack in an ethernet design are numerous, but I will outline what I believe to be the top reasons to consider this approach.

. Maximize Avaliable Space. By combining up to components into one housing, you can literally cut the real estate used on a PCB by more than %.

. Maximize Efficiencyin engineering, purchasing, inventory management, and manufacturing. By using component instead of , you can turn designs faster, simplify the purchasing process, streamline inventory management, and reduce manufacturing time.

. Reliability. Most people dont realize that magnetics are often the least reliable component on a PCB. That is because the fine copper wire used to produce todays impedance matching transformers is very fragile. By keeping the magnetics, as well as the other components, inside the RJ housing, they are protected from heat and other environmental exposure which can accelerate untimely and unexpected field failures.

. Noise Reduction. Todays designers are faced with increased system noise manifesting itself in any number of forms, such as EMI, RFI, cross talk and jitter. As communication speeds increase, so do the problems brought on by noise. Using MagJacks is a simple way to reduce system noise. You see, by taking all components, including the noise countermeasures like common mode chokes, and housing them within the RJ, you reduce the number of exposed components, reduce the number of exposed traces, and reduce the overall signal path, all of which significantly reduces system noise. In addition, by using shielded MagJacks, you can reduce system noise even further.