Home automation has become a popular application closely related to people's lives, and it has gradually entered ordinary people's homes from the previous concept products. These home automation devices are usually small in size and need stable network connections, in which connectors play an important role in connecting various parts and lines. This article will show you the application and features of the Easy-On FFC FPC connector introduced by Molex.
Connectors can improve signal integrity and stability
More complex, interconnected and modular devices are required in home automation applications. These systems use multiple printed circuit boards (PCB) and flexible components for sensors, cameras and multiple active module PCBs. These components require connectors with improved signal integrity (SI) to achieve speed and robustness in tight spaces. While connectivity requirements are increasing, they must be achieved without increasing the product profile.
Most of the devices in home automation have the innovative function of Internet of Things (IoT), so it will be necessary to increase the internal PCB and flexible assembly density in the same application profile, which will promote more modularity. It is essential to add semiconductors, memories, capacitors and resistors on multiple boards, making the design of the circuit more complex and thus increasing the demand for low-profile connectors.
The home automation system needs to coordinate different information (audio/video, security camera and access system), and the automation capability greatly increases the modulation capability in these applications. Therefore, it also increases the demand for high-performance connection points. Developing connectors with retention and mechanical characteristics can perform well in a low-profile and space-saving environment and support the demand for home automation applications.
FFC/FPC flat cable can improve connection efficiency
In many electronic devices, many components use cables for connection to transmit signals and power. In particular, FFC(Flexible Flat Cable) and FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) are the most convenient cables to connect, so they are widely used in wiring applications of internal circuits of various electronic devices.
FFC flat cable is made of two layers of insulation foil sandwiched with flat copper foil. The finished product is simple and thicker. The number and spacing of wires can be freely selected, which makes the connection more convenient, greatly reduces the volume of electronic products, reduces the production cost and improves production efficiency.
For FPC flat cable, FCCL (Flexible Copper Clad Laminate) is processed by chemical etching to obtain single-sided, double-sided and multi-layer flexible circuit boards with different circuit patterns, which are flexible connection lines to a certain extent. FPC can be divided into many kinds according to its functions, such as FPC antenna, FPC touch screen and FPC capacitive screen.
Multiple connector options meet different application requirements
Molex has introduced a series of Easy-On FFC FPC connectors for the connection between FFC and FPC flat cables. According to different application requirements, it produces FFC/FPC connectors with various spacing and circuit sizes, as well as ZIF, non-ZIF, slider, flip and one-touch connection actuators, and Flexi-Latch connector combining a locking function, which is highly reliable and user-friendly.
Easy-On FFC/FPC connector has incomparable versatility with its terminal pitches ranging from 0.20 mm to 2.00 mm, suitable for various applications from miniature wireless earbuds to automobiles. The number of circuits it supports ranges from 2 to 96, supporting a right angle or vertical orientation. It has options of top contact, bottom contact or both. The contact points can be gold-plated or tin-plated, operating temperature up to 150℃. It can be used with general FFC cable, eared/notched FFC cable for locking function, or customized FPC cable, and the connector with grounding terminal can also be used with shielded cable. Molex is still developing new products to meet the changing market demand and provide smaller, more reliable connections with better performance and function. Easy-On FFC/FPC connectors can be widely used in automobiles, connected home appliances, consumer, data/computing, industrial automation, medical technology, mobile devices and other fields.
One-touch connector for convenient installation and disassembly
Among Molex's Easy-On FFC/FPC connectors, 200485 series one-touch connectors that feature quick-assembly have 0.50 mm spacing, automatic locking mechanism for single-step mating, high retention for fast and reliable connection and easy operation, easy unmating push buttons, and right-angle and vertical variations options, making it a connector suitable for many industries.
200485 series Easy-On FFC/FPC one-touch connectors can be inserted with one touch, and have wide FFC/FPC mouth, which is helpful for easy insertion and automatic locking of assembly lines and for running customers production lines. It has a locking system, which can ensure the connection of FFC/FPC cables with high retention force. The visible release button can simplify the release operation of FFC/FPC cables. Signal terminals can be selectively gold-plated to prevent solder wicking of SMT solder tails, providing a one-touch right-angle connector that is easy to install. The same characteristics are also applicable to vertical connectors, which can operate at a temperature as high as 125℃, meeting a wide range of application requirements.
200485 series Easy-On FFC/FPC one-touch connectors can support the maximum voltage of 50V and the maximum current of 0.5A. With the maximum contact resistance of 40 milliohms, they have the dielectric withstand voltage capability of 125V AC; with the minimum insulation resistance of 50 megohm, they support the durability of at least 20 cycles.
Conclusion
Using one-touch connectors on the assembly line of manufacturing will help to improve the production efficiency of products and facilitate subsequent product maintenance, which is an ideal choice for developing and designing related products. Molex has rich experience in developing connectors with retention and mechanical properties. Easy-On FFC/FPC connectors are suitable for low-profile and space-saving scenarios and will be an excellent choice for designing home automation applications.