The heart of the AirMax VS® connector system is the IMLA or Insert Molded Leadframe Assembly. Shielded connectors are limited in their design flexibility because the signal columns are ‘fixed’ by the relationship to their ground or shield columns. As AirMax VS connectors have no shields, connector column pitch can be on any centers. FCI currently offers 2mm and 3mm centered product. By using the 3mm column pitch, 2 sets of traces can be routed between columns which can offer cost savings by reducing board layer count.