ERNI has taken the wraps off a new, single-row cable connector system with a pitch of 1.27 mm (0.050 inches). It is aimed at space-saving and flexible board-to-cable connections.

The new MiniBridge™ connectors are ideally suited for diverse sensor, actuator, power-supply, and data applications in the fields of automotive and industrial electronics, computer technology, consumer electronics, and medical-device technology.

Small size, big currents

With dimensions of only 10 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm (4-pin version), the new miniature connector components offer a current-carrying capacity of 4 A (at 20 °C, depending on the cable). Using straight or angled male connectors, and female connectors where the cables are fed out at 90 or 180 degrees, this connector makes it possible to overcome practically all spatial restrictions. Wide temperature range (-55°C to +125°C) is an additional crucial advantage making the connector suitable for diverse and demanding applications.

Four pins, now, more later

The MiniBridge connectors are being launched with a 4-pin version. Additional variants are planned with 2, 3, 6, and 8 pins. The male connectors have SMT termination, and the female connectors use insulation displacement connector (IDC) termination. In addition, female connectors are available with different types of locking latches for normal vibration/shock loads (black model type) as well as for applications involving heavy vibration/shock loads (red model type). With the robust version (e.g. red connector), opening the lock requires a tool.

Designed for automated pick, place or SMT processing

This new, inexpensive interconnect system offers proven performance features from the SMC family and is designed for fully automatic pick and place, or processing on SMT process lines. For SMT processing, the MiniBridge male connectors are available in tape-on-reel packaging. In addition, with their heat-resistant plastic housing, MiniBridge connectors are suited for processing with lead-free reflow soldering (RoHS compliant).

With the female connectors, the cable guiding ensures easy and fast attachment of a ribbon cable with a pitch of 1.27 mm, or of a single conductor. The IDC terminal is configured for AWG-26 conductors (solid or stranded). Partial loading is also possible.

Processing is fast and easy: Fully automatic pick and place and reflow soldering of the male connectors, and insertion of the preassembled cable, is all that is required.

About the 1.27-mm Series

The MiniBridge family is the latest addition to ERNI''s popular SMC family of connectors with a pitch of 1.27 mm. Besides SMT versions, ERNI''s double-row SMC connectors are also available with press-fit technology for certain applications, such as rear-I/O connections to the rear side of backplanes, as well as versions with IDC technology for easy connection of ribbon cables with a pitch of 0.635 mm (0.030 inches). This model series is designed for diverse mezzanine, board-to-board and board-to-cable applications. The fundamental design criteria for the series are the double-sided contact-spring design for the female contact (ERNI Type 6TM), heat-resistant insulators, and excellent mating reliability thanks to long wipe lengths.