Floating connectors that support high-speed automated manufacturing and long-term reliability

     Harwin has released a range of board-to-board connectors that meet the data and power transmission needs of high-performance applications while accommodating small movements with multiple axes. Targeted applications for the new series include factory automation, electric vehicles, LED displays, security cameras, Internet of Things devices, data communications, and various embedded systems. These connectors support high-speed automated assembly and increase resistance to shock and vibration during their service life.

     The new Flecto floating connector series offers up to 160 contacts in a symmetrical two-row layout with three micro-pitch options :0.5mm(0.0197 "), 0.635mm(0.025 ") and 0.8mm(0.0315 "). By accommodating movements of up to ±0.5mm on the X and Y axes, By accommodating movements of up to ±0.5mm on the x and y axes, they allow for the precise placement of multiple connectors between the same two PCBS, where otherwise the sum of misalignment could make a high-speed, high-precision fit difficult.

     The position tolerance flexibility of the connectors also improves the reliability of the system, maintaining the integrity of the connection during shock and vibration events and reducing the possibility of degradation or failure due to "fretting". "Fretting" refers to the situation where prolonged vibration causes wear of the rigid mating pin coating, exposing the underlying alloy to potential oxidation.

     "The growing demand for multiple connectors per a pair of boards due to the capabilities of automatic take and place systems and the associated reflux process increases the potential for mechanical calibration issues, which can cause connectors to experience unexpected strain," said Ryan Smart, vice president of product at Harwin. In addition, once the system is operational, many connectors are stressed by short - or long-term exposure to shock and vibration."

     Harwin's Flecto family of products features an innovative spring suspension mechanism that enables Oems to address both challenges with a comprehensive selection of fine-pitch, high-pin count, high-performance board-to-board floating connectors for data and power transfer."

     These connectors support board-to-board fit heights as low as 7.2mm and data rates up to 12Gbit/s. Other power supply pins with 0.5mm pitch options are rated for current up to 3A. Vertical and horizontal female connectors allow boards to be connected parallel or at right angles to each other, while only signal connectors have positioning pins or posts to eliminate movement during solder reflux. On the mixed signal and power connectors, solderable posts through the plate are provided to ensure positioning accuracy and improve mechanical strength. Some connectors feature contacts with a protective cover to prevent accidental damage when there is no matching connector, while others provide polarization within the protective cover to ensure a one-way match.