AdvancedTCA was developed to define the next-generation of carrier-grade telecommunications equipment. One of the latest ATCA specification evolutions is the PICMG 3.8 standard. PICMG 3.8 specifies Zone 3 requirements for rear transition modules in ATCA systems. The standard also addresses power, cooling, and keying issues. This supports the use of ATCA in applications other than telecomms. The standard defines a power and system management connector which allows application-specific connectors to be used. Positronic's Scorpion connector series was chosen as the power and system management connector for the 3.8 standard. It has high-density packaging of miniature power contacts with 16 contacts rated at 3A each at a maximum temperature rise of 30°C. All contacts are energised. Contact resistance is 6mΩ maximum.
