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:

Designing with PCIe
Spectrum Concepts Editor's Choice Interconnection
PCI Express has become the backbone of modern high-performance systems with each new generation promising higher bandwidth, but that performance comes with a cost.

Read more...
Connectivity solutions for hydrogen technologies
Hiconnex Interconnection
As the production distribution and utilisation of hydrogen continue to scale, connectivity becomes a key enabler for efficient energy transmission, data communication, and system control.

Read more...
Robust single-pole power connectivity
Hiconnex Interconnection
Designed for cable-to-cable and cable-to-equipment use, Radiall’s single-pole power connector support current ratings from 250 A to 750 A and operating voltages up to 1000 V AC or DC.

Read more...
M12 push-pull connectors
IOT Electronics Interconnection
Phoenix Contact’s M12 push-pull connectors with internal locking set a new benchmark for fast, secure, and space-saving connectivity in industrial automation.

Read more...
Versatile outdoor waterproof connectors
Vepac Electronics Interconnection
The LP-20 outdoor waterproof connector series offers a versatile range of rugged, circular connectors with 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 14-pin configurations.

Read more...
Comprehensive range of data connectors
IOT Electronics Interconnection
Phoenix Contact’s comprehensive range of data connectors provides reliable connection solutions for modern networked applications across industrial, infrastructure, and commercial environments.

Read more...
Compact inline connector for aerospace
Hiconnex Interconnection
Radiall’s Small Inline Connector series is a fully qualified wire-to-wire solution designed to simplify harness creation, installation, and modification in aerospace applications.

Read more...
Compact hybrid power storage connector
IOT Electronics Interconnection
Phoenix Contact has introduced a new hybrid connector for electrical energy storage systems, designed to combine power, signal, and data transmission in a single, compact interface.

Read more...
MIL-spec connector series
Future Electronics Interconnection
The MIL-HD2 connector series from Amphenol is the company’s next-generation, SOSA-aligned solution engineered to meet the most demanding requirements of modern military embedded systems.

Read more...
DC connectors approved for 2000 V
IOT Electronics Interconnection
Phoneix Contact’s Sunclix DC connectors are now approved for system voltages of up to 2000 V in accordance with TÜV Rheinland’s new test specification, opening the door to higher-voltage PV designs and reduced system costs.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved