Molex unveils VersaBeam Mini 16-fiber EBO connector for AI networks

Molex has announced VersaBeam Mini, an ultra-compact 16-fiber Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) connector. It packs 16 fibers into a 3.5 x 9 mm footprint, delivering a 3x density improvement that allows up to 3,456 fibers in a standard 1RU panel. Limited customer sampling starts in Q4 2026, with general production in the first half of 2027.

• 16 fibers in a 3.5 x 9 mm footprint
• Up to 3,456 fibers in a 1RU panel — 3x density gain
• Mass insertion engages up to 9 connectors (144 fibers) in one push
• Sampling in Q4 2026, production in H1 2027