Space-saving floating BTB connector series has the world’s smallest width

Hirose has extended its DF40 BTB floating connector series to support PCI-ex Gen.4 (16Gbps) and MIPI D-PHY Ver.1.1 (1.5Gbps). The DF40F Series offers high-density mounting, great space-savings, and high-temperature resistance to 125C for automotive applications. The series is typically used in in-vehicle sensor applications, including cameras, LIDAR, millimetre-wave radar, and more.

Simplifying assembly, the floating design provides a degree of play between the contacts during mating to permit the connector to absorb alignment errors. This allows multiple pairs of connectors to be employed on the same PCB by absorbing the cumulative tolerances. The series features floating contacts with a wide self-alignment range of ±0.3mm in the X and Y directions.

The robust connector provides a superior stamped contact design with a clear tactile click that confirms secure mating. The stamped contacts allow a longer effective mating length of 0.25mm, including shock and vibration resistance common to automotive applications. Further protecting signal contacts, the series has curved contacts to stop buckling during mating.

The series combines a 0.4mm pitch with a mounting depth of only 3.68mm. The series is available in a 30-position version and has a stacking height range of 3.5mm to 6mm. This space-saving design minimises connector depth while ensuring a vacuum pick and place area that does not affect mountability.

“Featuring the world’s smallest width floating contact system, the DF40F Series simplifies design and assembly processes, saving OEMs time and money,” said Pete Lais, assistant vice president of Product Management for Hirose Electric Americas. “Ideal for in-vehicle sensor applications, the miniature DF40F Series enables customers to develop smaller end-products or add functionality to designs, all without sacrificing reliability.”

The contact area is enclosed in a housing to protect against solder waste and flux during the mounting process. Solder wicking is prevented through a nickel barrier.