Interconnection


Connector redesign enables smaller footprint and high-density or high-current variations

18 May 2005 Interconnection Products & Solutions

Erni, a leader in the area of SMT assembly - is continuing to design and improve its popular 1,27 mm pitch surface mount connector (SMC) family. This complete redesign is also backwards compatible.

With a corresponding design layout, the high-density SMC connectors can reliably transmit differential signals at data rates of up to 2,5 Gbps. The SMC model range is ideally suited for diverse mezzanine, board-to-board, and board-to-cable applications in industrial automation, telecom, and datacom applications. For example, these SMC connectors have been certified for the new Airbus 380.

Besides the SMT versions, the SMC connectors are also available in press-fit versions for certain applications (such as rear I/O connections on the rear side of backplanes), and in IDC versions for easy connection of flat ribbon cables with a pitch of 0,635 mm. Consequently, they lend themselves to hybrid processing techniques.

The primary design criteria for the SMC series are a double-sided design of the female contact (ERNI Type 6) for good RF characteristics, heat-resistant insulation bodies (with polarisation, pre-centring and optional coding), superior mating reliability due to long wipe lengths, and two solid-metal SMT mounting brackets.

Various profiles and configuration

For variable module design, one often needs to vary the board-to-board stacking heights. Thus, besides the standard versions (8,2 and 9,0 mm), Erni SMC models also offer low-profile versions (6,2 and 6,7 mm). By combining male and female connectors with different assembly heights, it is possible to implement any PCB stacking height between 8,0 and 14,0 mm. Long wipe lengths ensure that mating quality is maintained for all intermediate sizes. PCBs can be connected together using the straight male and female SMC connectors with 12, 26, 50, 68 and 80 pins. And, PCBs can be connected to the backplane using a right-angle version of the SMC connector. Since all versions are available in inverted versions, any conceivable board-to-board configuration is possible.

Male and female connectors are supplied in tape-on-reel packaging for automatic SMT assembly. The SMC connectors have a large lock-in range that is specified at ±0,7 mm or ±4° in the longitudinal and ±2° in the transversal direction. Additional design features for fully automated assembly are: a black insulating body for rapid and reliable visual recognition, a pre-assembled mounting hood for easy pick-and-place, and sturdy SMT mounting brackets made of metal.

Future plans

Erni has revealed that over the next few months it will redesign the complete SMC family with different termination techniques. The purpose of these measures is to achieve further production improvements, generate new variants that require a smaller footprint on the board, and develop high-density or high-current variations. Increased mechanical stability and quality in accordance with the company's new philosophy with regard to mounting and stamping technology is an additional criterion. For future developments for customers, the new design makes it possible to double the number of pins without increasing size requirements.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
Blade terminals deliver greater power density
Spectrum Concepts Interconnection
[Sponsored] Connectivity has become more important as designers pack more power into smaller spaces, all while managing thermal loads and ensuring efficiency.

Read more...
What’s the big deal with open pin fields?
Spectrum Concepts Interconnection
The concept behind the open pin field array is that it provides many contacts that are not limited to a single role.

Read more...
Hirose Electric’s push-on bayonet lock connectors
Avnet Abacus Interconnection
Hirose Electric’s HR22K Series is a compact, waterproof, and oil-resistant connector designed for demanding industrial environments.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Staying grounded: Ensuring effective ESD control
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD component safety in storage and transportation
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Conductive containers create a Faraday cage effect, safely channelling electrostatic charges away from the components inside.

Read more...
New connector for Push-X technology
Phoenix Contact Interconnection
Phoenix Contact is extending the series of PCB connectors with innovative Push-X technology to include a new connector for conductor cross-sections up to 2,5 mm2.

Read more...
Film and mica capacitors
Actum Electronics Passive Components
By utilising various polymer dielectrics plastics, Exxelia film and mica capacitors meet most technical requirements and serve all functions from standard filtering to specialised applications.

Read more...
Test cable designed for maximum ruggedness
Conical Technologies Interconnection
The Anoison PT test cable is designed for maximum ruggedness using a high-quality raw cable, connector, and smart armouring module.

Read more...