Stackable multi-row board-to-board connectors enable unprecedented flexibility

     Interplex has introduced new multirow board-to-board (BTB) connector products. The proprietary unit cookie design allows multiple connector units to be stacked on top of each other. This shows that interconnects can be appropriately sized without having to be customized for them. This unique, cost-effective approach will allow different pin count requirements to be met through the same basic interconnect platform without additional expense or engineering effort.

     The new multi-row BTB connector offers 0.4mm miniPLX press-in pins so no welding is required. These pins are made of copper alloy and show very low levels of contact resistance (< 1mOhm). Each pin has 3A current carrying capacity. These pins are optional coated with the company's patented IndiCoat plating technology, which mitigates tin whisker build-up to stop the risk of short circuits and extend service life. The stacking height of the connectors is 7mm to 30mm. They can have one to six rows, each containing up to 30 contact terminals.

     These rugged products meet automotive performance requirements and can withstand high humidity (8-hour cycle to 10pc RH), shock (35g on 5 ms to 10 ms on 10 axles) and vibration (8 hours per axle). The operating temperature ranges from -40C to +150C. "Being able to fit enough interconnect terminal pins into a small space without having any extra pins is a priority for any of our customers. At the same time, it is critical to keep the total cost of ownership low, "explains Ralph Semmeling, Interplex's director of product portfolio. "This means that the companies we are dealing with want to have access to an off-the-shelf product at an attractive price, but at the same time have the inherent flexibility offered by following a customer-based strategy.

     Our new stackable interconnect platform gives them the best of both worlds. Allow them to design to cost." Rugged, high density, scalable multi-line BTB connectors will target a wide variety of applications. Prominent among them are electric vehicles, specifically electric power steering and ecu features. These connectors also have potential applications in industrial automation systems, transportation hardware, medical instruments, and more.