PCB Connectors

The MicroStac connector series is a hermaphroditic design. The connector and the counter connector are identical, and the typical subdivisions of male- and female-multipoint connectors are omitted. Nevertheless, ERNI discovered a way to implement two contact points (similar to double female contact). The design calls for fast, fully automatic SMT assembly. We use the tilt-proof contact principle by way of dual-side positioning of the contact on the circuit board. In addition, we use the very low weight, as well as the insulator body-integrated grip surface, for the vacuum pipette and the tape-and-reel packaging.

The new MicroSpeed SMT Connector, for fast data transmission, was designed especially for board-to-board connections in telecommunications and data transmission devices. This new modular connector system is the right solution for next-generation systems with transfer rates of up to 10 Gbits/sec. For differential-data transmission several different signal-pair arrangements are possible. Parallel signal connections are recommended for improved crosstalk properties. We achieve exceptional signal integrity using a design which features two signal and two shield contact rows. SPICE models are available. Evaluation boards also can be borrowed or purchased.

The SMC line of versatile connectors offers a great deal of design application flexibility. Different modules (such as the MiniBridge, straight and angled male and female multipin connectors) in combination with other options (e.g. IDC versions) give users the freedom for an optimal assembly design. The connectors are reliably produced on state-of-the-art, fully automated manufacturing machines. Due to the high contact density and small space required, SMC connectors offer a number of new application possibilities. The precision manufactured contacts guarantee a reliable mate. SMC connectors are available in several different heights. The combination of standard and low profile male and female connectors supports four different board-to-board stacking heights (8.0 - 14.0mm).

ERNI's ERmet line of connectors offers incomparable performance and flexibility for today's system designs. With constant technical advancements and expansions, this series of connectors supports any possible arrangement of circuit boards, such as board-to-backplane and board-to-board. ERNI's complete product offering includes right angle females, with and without shrouds, vertical males, available 15 different contact lengths, vertical females, right angle males, power connectors, shrouds, coding keys and cable assemblies. ERmet connectors are popular and well received around the world. They are primarily used in telecom- and in network-systems. IEC standardization ensures compatibility between manufacturers. The ERmet product line is increasingly being used in industrial computers (IPCs), where PICMG specifications apply.

ERmet ZD connectors were specially developed for differential high-speed signal transmission in telecom applications with data rates of up to 10Gbits/sec.
This robust, high quality modular connector system is just as well-suited for use in conjunction with the 2mm HM (IED 61076-4-101) ERmet line of connectors.
The inline design of the signal and ground contacts makes simple, economic routing (conductor track routing) possible. Signal and ground contacts have different connection levels with a gap of 1.5mm, thus ensuring a safe connection. In addition, the contacts are assembled into a robust housing.
The ERmet ZD connector utilizes an optimal grid construction that reduces signal interference and offers ample room for conductor track routing. Its optimized design and effective shielding allow the ERmet ZD system to exhibit superb performance when it comes to crosstalk and reflections.
The ERmet ZD connector has been selected as the backplane interconnect for the PICMG 3.x (ATCA) industry standard.

This high speed backplane connector system was specially developed to meet the electrical requirements in designs with differential, low-voltage signals and high data rates. ERmet zeroXT has a very low Crosstalk level, minimal skew, good routing properties (simple conductor track routing), a reliable dual beam female contact design, different contact levels, and a robust housing. The optimized contact grid (2.5mm) allows for effective and flexible routing. Every differential signal pair is closely coupled with the ground signals to ensure a controlled impedance. Each wafer is enclosed by a shield plate. In addition, all differential signal pairs on the male connector are shielded by C-shaped shields.

The alignment modules were developed to securely connect the daughter card to the backplane. The modules also offer integrated support for HM coding pieces. Coding at the connector is no longer required, and more signal contacts are available as a result. For an even more stable and “capacitive” coding, there are guide pins designed that match the coded hole in the counterpiece. This provides an additional eight different codings, incl. an octagonal version. Another auxiliary function is the version featuring an electrical contact. The gold-plated contact surfaces allow low-resistance shielding, and transmitting current over a large cross section with up to 40 A at 20 °C.

The 2.54 mm single row cable connector system is ideally suitable for high reliable and space saving connections between PCBs and decentral units, e.g. lamps or info-panels, front plate elements like buttons, switches, fuses or LEDs, motors, fans etc. The cable system can be used in different applications, for example: automotive, telecom, industrial, medical or even consumer electronics.
Thanks to the availability of vertical and right angle male connectors and female connectors with 180° cable outlet the system can be used in a versatile manner. Emphasis is put on flexibility of the usable cable sizes. Thus the required current carrying capacity can be adjusted over a wide range.

The DIN 41612/IEC 60603-2 connector line from ERNI includes standard connectors and customer-specific connector technology solutions. The standard and inverted connectors for printed circuits correspond to national and international standards. All connectors have the same installation requirements, regardless of differing application characteristics. This connector line includes modules with a high contact density for low voltages; and modules with a low contact density for high voltages. In addition to the standard types, ERNI offers a wide variety of versions and connection technologies that provide users with economical solutions.

ERNI LPV connectors (Latch Headers), in compliance with IEC 60603-13 (DIN 41651), are well known to our customers worldwide. These connectors were installed in large number for interfacing hard disk drives (HDDs) to processor boards about 10 years ago. Miniaturization has created increasingly popular “low profile” versions (e.g. for embedded systems featuring the PC104 or PC104 plus standard). The international standard specifies a soldered pin connector for circuit boards. Meanwhile, other termination types have become established, too. The female connector is designed to be used to connect a ribbon cable using IDC technology. Integrated coding at the center of the insulating housing eliminates contact damage caused by improper mating. Optional locking latches secure the connection against inadvertent release due to vibration or shock. The male connectors can be obtained as a pressfit, wave soldering or THR connection system.

ERNI pin connectors are one- and two-row plastic strips assembled with square 0.6 x 0.6mm pins. The connector side is completely gold-plated, and the terminal side is tin-plated. Unshrouded headers are available in different connection lengths and termination types. Right-angle versions are also available.
Single and dual row connectors can easily be broken off to the desired number of pins that is required, by using predetermined break points. Any number of pin connectors can be arranged next to each other in a row, as the housings have detents on their long sides. ERNI supplies many customer-specific solutions of this kind. It is also possible to have unshrouded headers with a pressfit zone on both sides - an inexpensive board-to-board connection.

The majority of components connected to a backplane are connected using solderless pressfit technology. Two-row power taps featuring either an elastic pressfit zone or soldering termination were developed by ERNI for connecting power supply lines. Cable plugs or terminal sockets can be optionally used for cable termination.
The power taps can either be connected via screw or plug-type terminals with cable lugs or flat terminal sockets. For versions featuring 6 pins, the max. current is 30A at 20°C ambient temperature. Versions featuring 10 pins can withstand 40A at 20°C.