At the Electronics Design Show (EDS) this year we will be showcasing the very latest in device connection technology together with electronics enclosure solutions for embedded systems. This year’s highlight products include the SKEDD direct plug-in PCB connectors, M12 power connectors, UCS & ECS enclosures for embedded systems & harsh environments, and electric vehicle charging solutions.
Device connectivity is much more than finding the correct connector for the job. When considering a new project we focus on the application and production process in order to achieve the best solution for the customer.
Design for manufacture is a critical consideration when selecting a device connector and impacts the overall cost of production and not just the bill-of-material cost. Today’s PCBs are dominated with surface mount and through-hole reflow components including micro pitch connectors but larger connectors traditionally have required a secondary wave solder process. This adds significant time and cost to the production cycle and requires manual assembly of the larger components. But there is a better way with Phoenix Contact as we have been developing a comprehensive portfolio of high performance device connectors designed for the automatic pick and place reflow soldering process.
The Surface Mount Device (SMD) and Through-Hole Reflow (THR) portfolio now consists of a wide range of connectors for cable cross up to an impressive 2.5mm2 (AWG 14) and rated up to 320 volts, 24 amps. The portfolio includes PCB terminals, plugs & headers, and circular M8/M12 PCB connectors providing real choice for design engineers and at the same time simplifying the production process.
SMD & THR circular connectors from Phoenix Contact offer another significant benefit compared with the traditional litz wire alternative. Instead of having 2 connectors and one PCB terminal block connected to a second circular connector mounted through a panel, the M8/M12 PCB portfolio connects the PCB to the outside world providing high IP protection for the device connectivity and cost effective automatic assemble.
With the larger SMD & THR connectors mechanical strength is of critical importance. Traditionally a wave soldered connector provides the mechanical strength from the pins soldered through the PCB. In order to achieve the same mechanical performance SMD connectors will either have anchor points or 2 THR pins but still leave free space on the underside of the PCB. THR connectors on the other hand achieve the necessary mechanical strength with pins which are shorter than conventional wave components but still protrude though the PCB.
At Phoenix Contact we strive to provide solutions and not just components to ensure that our customer’s objectives are met with the most appropriate solutions on offer today.
For more information or to discuss a project please visit our stand M18 at EDS, Ricoh Arena on the 18th-19th October 2017.
