Stackable multi-row board-to-board connectors achieve unprecedented flexibility

Interplex has just launched its new multi-row board-to-board (BTB) connector product.

The proprietary snap-in biscuit design allows multiple connector units to be stacked together. This indicates that interconnections can be appropriately sized while bypassing the necessity for them to be custom-built. The unique, cost-effective approach will allow different pin count needs to be attended to through the same basic interconnect platform with no extra expense or engineering effort.

The new multi-row BTB connectors provide 0.4mm miniPLX press-fit pins, so the necessity for soldering is eradicated. These pins are created from a copper alloy and display very low levels of contact resistance (<1mOhm). Each pin has a 3A current carrying capability. The optional coating of these pins with the company’s patented IndiCoat plating technology alleviates tin whisker build-up to stop the risk of short circuits and extend operational lifespan.

The connectors are offered in board stacking heights from 7mm to 30mm. They can have between one and six rows, with up to 30 contact terminals incorporated into each row. Conforming with automotive performance demands, these rugged products can withstand high humidity levels (8-hour cycling up to 10% RH), shocks (35g for 5ms to 10ms across ten axes), and vibrations (8 hour per axis). A working temperature range of -40C to +150C is supported.

“Being able to fit enough interconnect terminal pins into a small space while not having any excess is a priority for any of our clients. At the same time, keeping their total cost of ownership down is also vital,” explains Ralph Semmeling, product portfolio director at Interplex. “This means that the companies we are dealing with want access to off-the-shelf products at attractive price points but with the inherent flexibility that following a custom-based strategy offers. Our new stackable interconnect platform gives them the best of both worlds. Allowing them to design to cost.”

The robust, high-density, scalable multi-row BTB connectors will be targeted at a wide variety of applications. Among the most prominent are EVs, particularly for Electric Power Steering and ECUs functions. There are also possibilities for these connectors to be employed in industrial automation systems, transportation hardware, medical instrumentation, and more.