Like FCI’s popular AirMax VS® connector, the ZipLine™ connector allows for flexible pin assignments and eliminates the costly and heavy shields between columns of terminals. Since proximity to ground shields are not required to achieve high performance, it is also possible to vary the column pitch to accommodate unique trace routing patterns. Zipline connectors perform to Telcordia Central Office requirements and provide two points of contact at the mating interface for reliability. Compatibility with Hard Metric design practice allows the designer to utilize auxiliary components such as guides, power and even AirMax VS and Millipacs® Hard Metric signal modules on the same board edge as ZipLine connectors. No PCB cutouts are necessary. Header options include two- or four-wall housings. The two wall shroud allows ZipLine™ modules to be stacked end-to-end with no breaks in the PCB hole pattern. The four-wall header provides additional protection for header contacts when a module is used alone, or at the end of a row of headers. ZipLine connectors are the highest density backplane connector with press-fit termination. A stainless steel organizer provides a strong ground structure around the outside of the right-angle connector module. This sturdy module can be pressed onto boards using simple “flat rock” tooling.