Archive: 2023年 7月 11日

Why did you choose the I-PEX automatic latch FFC connector?

1. Principle of self-locking mechanism

1.1 During homework, only one step is required to complete, effectively improving production efficiency. The self-locking design is also suitable for using automated assembly processes.

1.2 The self-locking mechanism can reliably lock the grooves of the FFC, thereby maximizing the retention force and preventing the FPC from falling off due to pulling and vibration.

When the 1.3 FPC is inserted into place, you can hear and feel the “click” sound emitted by the connector, thereby avoiding the problem of embedding caused by inadequate insertion.

2. High speed transmission

The connector adopts innovative terminals and shielding cover, making high-speed transmission possible.

4+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G VT

8+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-VS

10+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-HD

16+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® five

3. High temperature resistance

We offer a variety of products that can operate in high-temperature environments, which are particularly suitable for automotive applications.

-40 ℃~+105 ℃: EVAFLEX ® 5-VS

-40 ℃~+125 ℃: EVAFLEX ® 5-SE, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G VT

How to choose micro-coaxial connectors?

Have you ever been confused about how to choose the right micro-coaxial connector for high-speed transmission?

— There are many factors that can make selecting a connector challenging. To help you make a more informed decision, this article provides some examples of how you should choose the most suitable connector for your current application.

Have you ever encountered the following question, “I want to choose a micro-coaxial connector, but how do I make the decision?”

The decision you make will have a significant impact since connectors are vital electronic components that directly affect the performance of your equipment. Choosing the wrong connector may result in the inability to achieve the desired performance.

Is there a recommended method for selecting micro-coaxial connectors? If you follow the steps below, the selection process can be relatively smooth.

1.Specify the Transmission Standard.

Different devices and components adhere to different transmission standards. Before selecting a connector, determine the signal you need to transmit. The transmission speed is determined by the transmission standard. Here’s an example of how to choose a connector for the USB4 standard:

2.EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Mitigation Measures.

What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?

When a signal is transmitted, it emits noise to the surrounding environment (Electromagnetic Interference or EMI) while being influenced by noise from the surrounding environment (Electromagnetic Susceptibility or EMS). This noise generated by the signal can have adverse effects on the performance of peripheral devices. Similarly, the transmission of the signal can be negatively impacted when environmental noise interferes with it.

Our ZenShield® technology helps prevent environmental noise from affecting the signal within the connector and prevents the noise generated by the signal from affecting external components. This shielding technology allows for greater freedom in placing other electronic components and facilitates high-density installations, which is a trend in circuit board assembly.

If you’re facing noise-related challenges, here is an example of EMC shielding (ZenShield®) solution.

3.The required number of pins.

The next step is to determine the necessary pin count for your application. Choosing a larger pin count requires a larger connector, which takes up more space on the PCB. This also increases the cost. Here is an example of how to choose a 40-pin connector:

4.Connector size description.

The connector size is expressed in terms of height, pitch direction, and depth direction. Among them, the most common limitations are height and pitch size.

Why is the maximum mating height of a connector important?

The receptacle of a micro-coaxial connector is mounted on a PCB and then mated with a mating cable assembly. If the mating height is too high, it may interfere with the device casing, preventing the casing from being installed as intended.

Here is an example of how to choose a connector with a maximum height of 1.2 mm.

What is pitch?

Pitch refers to the distance from the center of one terminal pin to the center of the next terminal pin.

Why is pitch important?

For micro-coaxial connectors, the pitch determines the maximum outer diameter of the cable that can be used. It limits the available space between the pins.

Example 1: A 10-pin connector with a 0.5 mm pitch, compatible with a maximum cable outer diameter of 0.5 mm.

Example 2: A 10-pin connector with a 0.4 mm pitch, compatible with a maximum cable outer diameter of 0.4 mm.

The larger the cable diameter, the lower the loss, resulting in better transmission performance.

However, a larger cable diameter also takes up more space, resulting in thicker wire bundles.

Here is an example of how to choose a connector with a 0.4 mm pitch:

5.Deciding on the cable size

What is AWG (American Wire Gauge)?

As shown in the diagram below, AWG is a numerical representation of the center conductor diameter. The higher the AWG number, the smaller the diameter.

Imagine water flowing through a pipe. The wider the pipe, the more water can flow through it. The same principle applies to cables. The larger the diameter of the center conductor, the more current can flow through it.

The traditional belief is that you should always use thicker cables. However, as mentioned earlier, the cable size used with the connector is also limited by the connector spacing.

What is cable impedance?

In the cable size table above, the cable’s outer diameter varies based on impedance.

If we once again compare signal transmission to water flow through a pipe, smooth flow of water is disrupted at points where the pipe diameter suddenly changes.

Similarly, if the signal travels through an impedance mismatched path, reflections occur due to these disturbances. Impedance matching between the circuit board, connector, and cable is necessary for transmitting signals with minimal reflections.

If there is a mismatch in characteristic impedance (as shown in the diagram below), transmission losses occur.

When there is a match in characteristic impedance (as shown in the diagram below), transmission losses can be reduced.

For many common applications, the characteristic impedance of the signal transmission path is specified as 50 Ω. However, it may vary as impedance is determined by each respective transmission standard organization. For example, USB4 specifies a characteristic impedance of 42.5 Ω.

To minimize losses during high-speed transmission, it is crucial to select a cable that closely matches the desired characteristic impedance for the application. Here is an example of how to choose a #40 AWG ultra-fine coaxial cable:

You can also choose the size of the discrete cable.

6.Confirm the insertion and removal direction
The placement of the connector on the PCB, PCB dimensions, and other factors may vary depending on the customer and application. As a result, the required orientation of the connector can also differ.
Here is an example of how to choose a horizontal mating connector:

Therefore, you can search for CABLINE by executing steps (1) to (7) ®- CA II.

Have you selected the appropriate connector in the following order?

I-PEX is an expert in high-speed transmission connectors, and we design various types of connectors based on customer use cases to achieve optimal transmission performance.

The key factors for achieving efficient sealing in hermetic connectors are as follows:

As an essential component in modern manufacturing industries, hermetic connectors play a crucial role in various application scenarios. Hermetic connectors are a specialized type of connectors designed to provide excellent sealing capabilities, ensuring efficient operation of fuel, gas, and liquid systems. This article will explore the importance of hermetic connectors and introduce key factors that ensure efficient sealing.

1. Importance of Hermetic Connectors Hermetic connectors play a crucial role in many important applications. For example, certain mechanical systems require high-precision hermetic connectors to maintain high levels of vacuum, thereby improving the effectiveness of research or other experiments. The automotive and aerospace sectors demand excellent hermeticity to protect fluids and gases within the engines, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance. Moreover, sealing systems in various high-tech applications, such as semiconductor equipment, rely on efficient hermetic connectors to maintain tight connections both internally and externally, ensuring proper operation.

2. Ensuring Efficient Hermetic Connectors: Key Factors

2.1 Process Control The first step towards achieving efficient sealing is to ensure the machining precision and surface quality of hermetic connectors. During the manufacturing process, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate flatness and smoothness of the internal and external surfaces of the connectors. Additionally, deformation during the processing needs to be controlled, and dimensional and shape compatibility between the internal and external surfaces of the connectors must be ensured.

2.2 Material Selection Material choice also significantly impacts the performance of hermetic connectors. The connector materials should possess good sealing properties and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, ensuring the reliable stability of hermetic connectors is essential. Therefore, materials with thermal conductivity and resistance to expansion are utilized to guarantee stable performance under varying temperatures and pressures.

2.3 Design Structure Optimization The design structure of hermetic connectors is a critical factor in achieving efficient sealing. For instance, the sealing structure inside the connector must comply with specifications and standards and be equipped with appropriate sealing elements such as O-rings and threaded sealing components to ensure a tight connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hermetic connectors play a vital role in many high-tech and industrial applications, ensuring efficient operations. The key factors for achieving successful sealing in hermetic connectors include controlling the manufacturing process, selecting suitable materials, and optimizing the design structure.”

BD20 BD24 Metal Waterproof Connector

BD20 BD24 Metal Waterproof Connector is a high-quality electronic connector widely used in various industrial control equipment, communication devices, mechanical equipment, and other fields. It features a compact design and provides reliable connectivity and waterproof performance, making it an essential component in the industry.

The BD20 BD24 Metal Waterproof Connector is a high-quality and durable electronic connector that finds wide application in various industrial control equipment, communication devices, and mechanical equipment. It is constructed with a metal material, providing exceptional durability and strength to withstand challenging environments. Its remarkable waterproof performance sets it apart from other connectors, effectively preventing water, oil, dust, and other impurities from entering the internal components of the equipment, thereby enhancing stability and reliability.

The connector features a straight plug with a self-locking mechanism, offering simplicity and high reliability. The straight plug design prevents any shaking or rotation during the connection process, ensuring that the connector remains in the correct position and angle at all times. Additionally, its connector port allows for multiple cable connections simultaneously, simplifying and expediting the wiring process.

In summary, the BD20 BD24 Metal Waterproof Connector is a high-quality, reliable, and rugged connector suitable for various harsh environments, including liquid and dusty environments, as well as indoor applications. With proper usage and maintenance, this connector will become a stable and dependable component of your equipment, ensuring exceptional performance.

Why did you choose the I-PEX FPC connector?

1.Mechanical latch enhances FPC retention

The independent locking terminal improves the retention force of the FPC. The locking terminals are located inside the plastic on both sides of the connector and work together with grooves for embedding FPC. Compared with our company’s 0.3mm spacing and 19Pin connector without mechanical latch, products with mechanical latch can increase FPC retention by about 1.8 times. Therefore, this connector is not only perfectly suitable for applications in high vibration environments, but also more suitable for equipment with high requirements for FPC retention force

Connector with a spacing of 0.3 mm for products with mechanical latch design

MINIFLEX 3-BFN LK (0.3 mm, optional for large Pin count products)

MINIFLEX 3-BFN L-LK-HD (0.3 mm, large pin count, piano cover widened)

MINIFLEX 3-BFNH L-HD (0.3mm, reinforced)

Connector with mechanical latch and spacing of 0.4 mm~0.5 mm

MINIFLEX 4-ST (0.4 mm, ultra-low height, 0.50 mm)

MINIFLEX 5-BFN II LK (0.5 mm, high temperature resistant)

DW-5 (0.5 mm, compatible with electronic cables and FPC connectors)

2.The Hold Down design can prevent damage to the plastic side and prevent the piano cover from falling off

Have you encountered any poor patterns of piano cover detachment during the use of connectors in your company? Some of the FPC/FFC connectors produced by I-PEX company are designed with Hold Down on the plastic inner side to prevent the piano cover from falling off.

Hold Down welding on the substrate can prevent damage and deformation of the plastic side.

3.Even if the FPC is not inserted, accidental closure of the piano cover will not cause any problems!

The MINIFLEX series products of I-PEX have higher reliability, such as the ability to open and close connectors even without inserting FPCs.

3.1 The connector can still maintain reliability

3.2 Even if the insertion force increases, the performance of the connector can still be maintained

3.3 The retention force of the connector remains unchanged

What are the advantages of pin header and socket connectors? Precautions for using pin header and socket connectors!

Pin header and socket connectors are widely used in the electronics industry mainly due to their 6 key advantages:

1.Compact design and convenient fitting, with noticeable differences in size and assembly compared to through-hole pin headers.

2.Pin header and socket connectors can attenuate electromagnetic interference and possess the ability to shield against electromagnetic interference.

3.As connectors are typically used as communication interfaces between PCB motherboards and external components, pin header and socket connectors have a strong load-bearing capacity, even under significant external forces.

4.Components assembled using through-hole technology exhibit higher reliability compared to their surface-mount counterparts. Pin header and socket connectors can withstand strong tensile forces, torsion, and thermal shocks without detaching from the PCB.

5.They can meet the requirements for high voltage and large current transmission.

6.Pin headers, contact points, or contact terminals can withstand additional test voltages.

Operating precautions for pin header and socket connectors:

1.Check if anti-static measures are in place for the pin headers and sockets.

2.Strictly control the temperature and time during wave soldering. The preheating temperature should be 100°C ±5°C, not exceeding 120°C. The preheating temperature should rise steadily. The soldering temperature should be 245°C ±5°C. It is recommended to keep the soldering time within 3 seconds.

3.The minimum current value for pin headers and sockets is 20mA. It is generally recommended to use a current not exceeding 80% of the rated value. Particularly for devices with small pin spacing and poor heat dissipation conditions, the current value may decrease.

4.Pin headers and sockets generate heat during operation. Excessive temperature can affect the decay rate and stability of LEDs. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the printed circuit board and the ventilation of the enclosure can both affect the performance of pin headers and sockets.

5.Control the verticality of the circuit board. For straight pin headers and sockets, ensure that LEDs are perpendicular to the printed circuit board during reflow soldering by employing adequate technical measures.