Board-mount connectors stay on the level

For high-reliability applications, Harwin has introduced the Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek SMT connectors, which offer an improved accuracy of coplanarity in situations requiring horizontal board mounting.

The new connectors will be displayed for the first time at the Electronica exhibition in Munich, Hall B3, Stand 349.

The Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek horizontal, surface-mount connectors use a new contact system that guarantees co-planarity of mould and contact.

These male connectors come in a range of mounting options, with the ability to withstand very high bending and shear forces.

They are available with latches, jackscrews or jackscrew board mounts and can be used reliably with pick-and-place equipment.

Conventionally, horizontal board-mount connectors employ a straight pin which is bent twice to produce a horizontal contact.

This method can make it difficult to maintain the accuracy of coplanarity (the degree to which the component sits square on the board).

If bent incorrectly, the connector will not sit on the board properly, creating handling problems with pick-and-place equipment.

Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek connectors eliminate this hazard by using a contact system which is prestamped, avoiding the need for bending.

These connectors are suited to applications requiring high-reliability connectors in production volumes, such as high-end industrial equipment.

They are available in RoHS-compliant and non-RoHS-compliant versions.

Harwin's Datamate is a high-reliability connector system employing a four-finger beryllium-copper contact clip.

It conforms with British Standard 9525-F0033 and can withstand high levels of shock and vibration in addition to a large number of mating cycles, all without loss of performance.