TECHNOLOGY ROUNDUP

Connectors for Telecoms and Embedded Computing

Our roundup of connector technologies covered in recent issues of Arrow Innovation looks at products for the ‘higher technology’ embedded computing and telecommunication markets where standards are continuously being developed.

3M’s new 68-position board mount version of its Mini D Ribbon (MDR) connector is fully compatible with 3M MDR 68-pin wire mount plugs for straight replacement use without re-design. The 101 and 102 series conform to the standard contact pattern of pin-and-socket SCSI-2 interfaces and thereby extend the benefits of the MDR range without any board re-design to applications where traditional connectors are usual.



Features

• 68-position board mount MDR connector
• SCSI-2 pin-and-socket compatibility
• Enables MDR connectors to be used in a greater range of applications
• Highly suited to small footprint situations
• No need for board re-design
• Easy to install and robust enough to withstand unplugging and re-plugging
• Board-lock for reliable connectivity
• 360° shielding ensures signal integrity
• Thumbscrew and quick-release options available

A range of PC/104 compatible connectors from Harwin for use with embedded PC applications come with standard or press fit configurations. The devices suit test and measurement, medical and automotive equipment among other environments and are designed for stacking boards with a common bus. The connectors meet industry standards for embedded PCs and have a maximum 3A current rating. A press fit tail option enables solder free attachment.



Features

• Industry standard PC/104 connectors
• Maximum 3A current rating
• Press fit or solder tails
• Configurations include 20 + 20 way and 32 + 32 way devices
• Stack through and non stack through versions
• 2.54mm (PC/104) or 2.0mm (PC/104 plus) pitch
• 300mΩ contact resistance
• 12VDC voltage rating
• Voltage proof up to 1000VAC
• Maximum temperature range -55°C to +105°C

FCI offers a wide range of connectors for Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) and Flexible Printed Circuitry (FPC). Both families include Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) and Low Insertion Force (LIF) variants. The company’s FPC connectors are robust, with a strong latch, developed to provide high-density mounting and design flexibility with both up and down contact types.



Features

• FFC and FPC connectors
• ZIF and low insertion force variants
• Strong latching mechanism
• High density mounting
• Up and down contact types
• SMT form factor
• Pitches of 0.30mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm, 0.80mm and 1.00mm
• Super low profile option: 0.9mm high
• Rear rotating or flip type actuator

The Molex External DisplayPort* is a next generation Digital Multimedia Interface that provides connectivity for high bandwidth audio and video transfer in accordance with the VESA-developed DisplayPort standard for products such as projectors, monitors, high definition TV, Set Top Boxes (STBs) and game consoles. It consists of 20-circuit, 0.50mm pitch SMT, external receptacles (series 47272) designed with a polarised, D shape mating interface and metal shield for full EMI/RFI protection. In addition, the connectors have four solder pins for added mechanical stability and robustness and a snap in plastic peg for positive polarisation during connector mounting.



Features

• Plastic locating peg provides secure seating on PCB during soldering
• Superior shielding against EMI
• Detent locks provide strong mating between plug and receptacle
• Solder tabs offer secure PCB retention
• Locking latches provide additional security for long cable latching
• Small footprint uses less PCB real estate
• Polarised mating geometric prevents mis-mating

Tyco Electronics’ range of connectors supports AdvancedTCA (ATCA), AdvancedMC (AMC) and MicroTCA (µTCA) PICMG standards, XTCA compliance and expansion, and contains products that suit the wide array of applications and markets where these standard configurations will be used. The products include both fully compliant interconnects as specified in the PICMG standards and additional connectors that product designers need to customise their solutions for specific markets.



Products

• Range of connectors for next-generation industry standard communications architectures
• ATCA
  • Zone 1 Z1 power connector
  • Zone 2 Z-PACK HM-Zd high-speed connector
  • Multiple options for Zone 3 power and signal connectors
  • Guide/keying modules for front board, backplane, mid-plane and RTM card
• AMC
  • Right angle and vertical card-edge connectors ATCA and µTCA applications
• µTCA
  • MINIPAK HD two-piece power connector
  • Vertical AMC card-edge signal connector

For further information, including Datasheets from 3M and Molex, a Product Specification Sheet from Harwin and the Tyco Product Catalogue, please click here

* DisplayPort is a standard developed by VESA