Previously and most commonly used in consumer handheld devices, microminiature connectors are now increasingly used in devices across a variety of applications, including household appliances, surgical equipment, home security devices, vehicle infotainment systems and more. Discover the trends that are increasing the use of microminiature connectors across multiple industries and learn more about Molex’s super-fine pitch and small-size Easy-On FFC FPC connectors.
Good things come in small packages
More innovative device features become available as IoT evolves. This evolution has also created an opportunity for increased modularity and an increased demand for flexible printed assemblies for the new features.
Microminiature connectors were originally created for handheld devices in the consumer market and are now increasingly designed into devices across a variety of industries. But why are applications across industries using more microminiature connectors? To answer that question, it’s important to examine the following three reasons.
Intuitive user interface
A transformation in user interface design goes hand-in-hand with the advances of technology and innovative smartware. The evolution of user interfaces (UI) is now changing the way we work, shop, drive and communicate. This increased UI interaction has created an opportunity for microminiature connectors to be designed into devices such as cooking appliances, surgical equipment, home security devices, vehicle infotainment systems and more.
A great example of this can be found in the growing Connected Vehicle market. Automobile designers are striving to offer the optimal in-vehicle experience for drivers and passengers alike. As interior LCD panels become a standard in steering wheels, center consoles, and seats, new opportunities arise for designing with Molex’s Easy-On FFC/FPC portfolio. Featuring a variety of options, the Easy-On family offers superior connectivity for these applications.
Feature-rich options
The time we spend using mobile devices is growing each year, as new capabilities are developed and released to the industry. As our devices become more important in our daily lives, manufacturers are constantly competing to provide the most desirable features. Consumers are searching for the lowest profile devices, with the largest screen size and highest resolution.
Increased UI and feature-rich options can result in an increased requirement for flexible printed assemblies and modular design. For example, features such as touch screen, touch buttons and displays are all key microminiature connection points requiring flex assemblies.
The requirement for new and exciting features is present regardless of design parameters, and Molex FFC FPC super-fine pitch products provide a solution with an offering that ranges from just 0.20mm pitch.
Profile changes
As the development of applications for smaller and higher performing technologies increases, the demand for the products to meet these requirements is growing. This can sometimes mean that higher performance in a smaller space is demanded for products including micro wire-to-board, FFC/FPC and memory card connectors.
The mobile device market has evolved from the sliding form factor introduced in the 90s - consumers are now searching for streamlined devices with decreased profiles. With phones getting thinner, the products in them need to be even thinner. Molex’s Easy-On family offers low profiles of 0.75mm to satisfy this need.
Molex Easy-On FFC FPC Connectors
Molex is on the frontline, innovating microminiature components for customers and engineers who need space savings, high-density signals and durability in connector designs.
The Easy-On FFC FPC range offers super-fine pitch and small-size FFC/FPC connectors in many circuit sizes to offer superior reliability and speedy data rates. Offering 0.20 to 2.00mm pitches, Easy-On connectors are ideal for tight-packaging applications. They also deliver features such as positive locks and a dual-contact design that ensures a reliable connection.
Additionally, a secure connection between the FFC/FPC connectors and terminals is established through a wide variety of actuator options including ZIF, slider, and flip.
As the evolving market demands smaller more reliable connections, Molex is continually developing lower-profile and higher-density interconnects to meet these needs.
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