What the 2214574-8 Is — Ganged 1x4 QSFP+ Cage Assembly
The TE Connectivity 2214574-8 is a QSFP+ receptacle with an integrated ganged cage, configured as a 1x4 stack — four ports side-by-side on a single metal housing. Each port carries 38 signal and power positions, for a total of 152 circuits across the assembly. The cage is EMI shielded and includes a built-in light pipe for port-status indication, saving the cost of a separate LED board or light-pipe array. Termination is press-fit into plated through-holes, with a right-angle orientation that places the cage parallel to the PCB edge — the standard I/O footprint for a switch, router, or server backplane. The press-fit tail eliminates solder defects common in high-density backplane assembly and allows rework without desoldering.
Board Layout and Press-Fit Assembly
The right-angle press-fit tail mates into a through-hole footprint. The board layout must account for the cage body extending beyond the PCB edge — the 1x4 ganged cage is wider than a single-port QSFP+ footprint, so the keep-out zone on the panel side needs clearance for the full four-port width. Press-fit insertion requires a controlled-force press tool; the compliant-tail design accommodates standard PCB thickness ranges without solder. The EMI shield is integral to the cage — it grounds through the press-fit tails and the cage's own contact fingers, which mate with the panel cutout. The light pipe is a molded plastic part that clips into the cage front; its position aligns with the port LEDs on the host board. No separate light-pipe assembly or secondary shield can is needed.