Low-force helix

A low-force helix (LFH) is a 60-pin electrical connector (four rows of 15 pins) with signals for two digital and analog connectors. Each of the pins, visible in the photograph, is twisted approximately 45 degrees between the tip and the white plastic frame which holds all the pins. Hence "helix" in the name.

LFH60F connector
DMS-59 connector (note missing pin 58)
DMS-59 VGA adapter (note missing pin 58)

The LFH connector is typically used with workstations, because it can connect a single computer graphics source to up to four different monitors. The standard interface is a 60-pin LFH connector with two breakout VGA or DVI cables. This system provides users with flexibility for a variety of display configurations, though forsakes standard DVI or VGA connectors. This renders the LFH connector unusable without an adapter.

It's also used in HDCI (High Definition Camera Interface) used in Polycom HDX video conferencing systems.

Using the LFH interface requires a graphics card with multi-monitor capabilities and an LFH port. Currently, NVIDIA, Matrox and BFG Technologies manufacture such cards.

Another application of LFH capabilities is manufactured by Matrox. The Matrox card outputs via two LFH cables to a single monitor, delivering 9.2 million pixels of resolution (3840 × 2400). This system provides large amounts of detailed information for professional applications such as aerospace and automotive visualization, computer aided design, desktop publishing, digital photography, life sciences, mapping, oil and gas exploration, plant design and management, satellite imaging, space exploration, and transportation and logistics.

The LFH connector is present as a serial network interface on Cisco routers.

See also

References

Molex DMS-59 Product Page

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