Unique three-piece contact system for linear LED and coplanar PCB connections

AVX Corporation offers a cost-effective, ultra-high-reliability, three-piece STRIPT contact system for linear LED and coplanar PCB connections in off-road vehicle lighting applications. Intended to absorb wide end-to-end mating tolerances, handle up to 20A of continuous current, and display robust resistance to severe shock, vibration, and temperatures, the 70-9159 Series linking board-to-board contact system comprises two low-profile, single-position, and high-spring-force surface-mount C-clip contacts and a linking bridge contact. The system’s SMT C-clip contacts are constructed of fatigue-resistant phosphor bronze, with multiple spring-finger contact points that sustain high mating forces and guarantee uninterrupted connections. They are just 2mm tall, enabling them to be located close to LEDs without interference. Integral dimples on the bridge contact give positive retention in the C-clip contacts to stop it from backing out, and a centred tang stops it from moving side to side.

The company’s portfolio of UL-certified STRIPT solutions also produces ultra-high-reliability performance in a lower profile and at a lower cost than conventional insulated connectors.

“Although we developed the new 70-9159 STRIPT linking contact system in response to a customer request for a robust, high-current, coplanar, board-to-board connector for off-road vehicle lighting, the system’s high current capabilities, extreme environmental resistance, and ultra-high reliability can also provide improved performance, space savings, and cost reductions in other challenging coplanar, board-to-board applications,” said Tom Anderson, product manager at AVX.