Ultra-compact hybrid FPC-to-board connector offers space and power savings

Hirose has extended its miniature hybrid FPC-to-board connector family to simplify mating and provide design flexibility. Combining space savings and a high-power capacity, the BK22 Series connector allows OEMs to decrease the size of portable devices without sacrificing power performance.

The series connector offers minimised contact resistance, enabling power savings and allowing up to 100W of power to be supplied through USB for fast charging. With two mounting points per contact, the connector design shortens the length of electricity flow to minimise heat generation when a high current is employed. This unique board mounting design suppresses heat generation to 30C or less, even when 15A is applied.

The FPC-to-board connector provides a fully armoured design that covers both ends of the housing with metal for enhanced robustness and significantly reduces the risk of housing damage from misalignment when mating. Along with guidance ribs, a wide self-alignment range of ±0.47mm in the pitch direction and ±0.405mm in the width direction simplifies the mating operation. The series is developed for pick and place mounting and saves production time and cost.

The series also delivers superior design flexibility. Utilising an FPC to connect the USB to the PCB, the USB can be placed anywhere within the end product's design.

The FPC-to-board connector provides a multi-point dimpled contact design for the power (six-point) and signal (two-point) contacts to ensure higher reliability and long operation life. A multi-point metal lock stops unintended unmating due to impact. An insert moulded header and receptacle eradicate gaps between the terminals and housing, preventing solder wicking.

With a mated height of 0.7mm and a depth of 2.3mm, the hybrid connector is typically used for portable devices like audio players, cameras, laptops and gaming consoles, and wearable devices like earbuds, smartwatches and smart glasses.

"Designed for portable and wearable devices with built-in battery or USB connections, the hybrid BK22 Series offers enhanced features and capabilities that enable end-devices to be smaller, lighter, and more reliable," said Pete Lais, AVP of product management for Hirose Electric Americas.

Available in four or six signal positions with two power contacts, the series has a rated voltage of 60V AC/DC and an operating temperature of -55C to +85C.