The TE Connectivity 2-2170814-2 is a QSFP28 cage, ganged as a 1 x 2 configuration with an integrated heat sink. This is the cage-and-heat-sink assembly that mounts on the PCB edge to receive QSFP28 pluggable modules — the press-fit termination and through-hole, right-angle mounting orient the cage parallel to the board, with the module insertion axis perpendicular to the PCB plane. The EMI shielding and integrated light pipe are built into the cage, so the assembly provides both RF containment and a visual link-status indicator without separate add-on components.
Press-Fit Termination and Right-Angle Mounting
Press-fit termination means the compliant pins are pressed into plated through-holes — no solder, no reflow profile to manage. That makes this cage suited for high-reliability backplane assemblies where solder-joint inspection is impractical and rework on a ganged cage is a non-starter. The right-angle orientation places the cage's module opening at the board edge, which is the standard layout for faceplate or panel-mount I/O on switch and server line cards.
Integrated Features: EMI Shield and Light Pipe
The EMI shielding and light pipe are integrated into the cage — not optional clip-ons. The shield provides the conductive enclosure around the module that keeps radiated emissions from the high-speed SerDes within the chassis. The light pipe routes the module's Tx/Rx status LED to the panel face, so a separate light-pipe assembly isn't needed. If your design requires panel-mounted link indicators without a secondary light-pipe part, this cage saves that BOM line.
QSFP28 Compatibility Check
This cage accepts standard QSFP28 modules that comply with the MSA mechanical interface. The ganged 1x2 configuration holds two modules side-by-side in a single cage body.