As demand for smaller connectors continues to rise, design engineers face a new set of challenges. They can no longer put the connector's design in the final stages of the project. The miniature connector requires foresight. It requires designers to consider various factors such as encapsulation, durability, current load capacity, and interchangeability.

Designers should consider the ease of replacement, especially in enclosed enclosures.

Here are some of the design recommendations from the micro connector * * dealer. These suggestions are not only from the connector design experts, but also the designer's bitter experience summary, so it is worth the designer's reference.

1 、 consider connectors at the early stage of design

Engineers are often too focused on designing the overall system, and putting the connector into the final stage of the design." "They think the connector is simple, so they can put the design in the final stages," says Mitch Storry, director of engineering at TE Connectivity products. Then they got stuck with their designs."

Storry has seen too many designers rush to design connector stories at the end of the design. He told us that in many cases, designers finally had to choose non-standard connectors to complete the design, which not only increased costs, but also delayed delivery time.

To avoid such problems, the experts suggest that you should consider the connectors you will use in the early days of the design, then design space for them, and design around them.

"No reason to hear you say" first of all, you need to decide the connector "," TE Connectivity Stephen T. Morley * * product engineer said, "but if they do, they actually can save a lot of time, but also a lot less trouble."

2. understand the limits of space

Although miniature board to board connectors are usually less than 1 millimeters thick, they are also commonly used in packaging applications. To solve potential packaging problems, designers need to consider line routing on the PCB board and additional wires attached to the connector. "Because the spacing is smaller, you have to make the wire and the wires narrower." Molex Regional Product Manager Mike Higashikawa said.

Also, remember that some connectors (such as flexible cable connectors) have * * * options for forward and backward flips. When designing systems, you need to consider these rollover methods. For example, a backward flip connector can be very difficult to access if there is another component on the back.

Finally, designers should also note that surface mount devices sometimes fail to block smaller components. In some cases, they need new vacuum nozzles to solve these problems.

3. make clear the current load capacity

As the connector size drops, the connector's current load capacity also decreases. In general, the micro connector can deliver current between **200mA and 500mA, almost half of the rated current of the board to board connector. To compensate for the problems associated with lower ampacity, designers may need to increase the number of terminals.

4. consider the stability of small / micro connections

"I need to suggest this, not only in the design phase, but also in the process of making sure they are not harmed." TE Connectivity of Morley said.

Morley, an expert in micro connector design for RF applications, recalls that half of the connectors he had designed in military and space applications were destroyed during the testing phase.

"If you don't take this problem first, it may push up costs," he says. The damaged connectors need to be reconfigured, refurbished, and marked. Even more expensive, field replaceable connectors may be needed, and such changes may allow the design time to extend for a week or two.

"It's important to note that you always have to prioritize existing connectors," says Morley. "If these connectors are not compatible with your design, and then consider your own design, this can save you a lot of time."."

5. consider interchangeability

If the appearance of the product is closed, then you need a connector that can be replaced from the outside. Otherwise, you'll need to do some welding work.

"The more you do, the more skilled you are with welding skills, but the higher the risk of damage to the overall system," Morley says."

6. understand the functional requirements of connectors

* * * businesses need customers to fully express their needs, or they may misinterpret customer requirements. This is especially important when it comes to * * * Custom connectors.

"It is critical to accurately illustrate the requirements of the connector," Storry said. "If we do not specify or omit, we may ignore the critical requirements of the design."."

7. consider mechanical stress

Temperature, shock, and vibration produce stress between the interface and the circuit. Experts suggest that you should select connectors that can avoid these forces.

"I saw the solder joints split into pieces in the PCB board," Morley said, "when the connector is firmly connected to the board or outside the structure, it must be able to withstand the shock and vibration caused by force, otherwise it may crack."

Morley recommends that engineers use interconnect systems to minimize the build-up stress between the mounting structure and the connection point. "There are many * * * * * systems like this." "Designers should pay close attention to that," he said."