EDN Access -- The Design Information Source of the Electronics Industry


Components Showcase: Connectors


Socket connector suits small-outline DIMMs.

photographic representation of product

The FCN-07 double-stack socket connector is compatible with the JEDEC standard 72-pin small-outline dual-in-line memory module (DIMM). The socket’s double-stack configuration accommodates two memory expansion boards. Independent ejection and locking mechanisms on each slot facilitate board insertion and withdrawal. To enable high-density mounting, the FCN-07 has a profile of only 9.5 mm (0.374 in.). Surface-mount terminals are arranged in two rows with 0.635-mm spacing. Specifications include a voltage rating of 100V dc and a current rating of 0.5A dc. The DIMM socket connector costs $10. Fujitsu Microelectronics Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 922-9000.


Receptacle connectors permit rear-entry pc-board stacking.

photographic representation of product

Designed to mate with 0.025-in.-square headers on 0.100-in. centers, the TKO series of rear-entry receptacle connectors keeps a low stack height from board to board. Stack height is limited to the thickness of the header insulation strip. TKO receptacle connectors are mounted on the top side of the board, while the mating header engages the device through the bottom side. The connector, which comes with surface-mount or through-hole leads, costs $0.027 per position (10,000). Teka Interconnection Systems, Providence, RI. (401) 785-4110.


Flat-cable connector has sensor interface.

photographic representation of product

The ASI series of flat-cable connectors lets you directly connect binary sensors or actuators for Fieldbus networks. Each connector consists of a flat cable with an integral sensor-actuator interface to enable bidirectional communications with the binary element without the need for complex cabling. Pricing starts at $7.50 for the 933302-100 connector (100). Hirschmann of America Inc, Riverdale, NJ. (201) 835-5002.


LCC sockets fit JEDEC Type-C chips.

A line of surface-mount sockets accommodates JEDEC Type-C leadless chip carriers. Offered in 32- and 44-position versions, the LCC sockets incorporate a chip retention clip to ensure contact reliability and retention. Surface-mount terminals extend beyond the side of the socket body, allowing direct access of infrared heat to the terminal and preventing undesired head exposure of the insulator. Typical pricing starts at $4.61 (1-49). Advanced Interconnections, West Warwick, RI. (401) 823-5200.


I/O connectors suit 100BaseTX requirements.

photographic representation of product

A high-density shielded I/O connector series meets the emerging IEEE 802.3 100BaseTX media independent interface (MII) specification, which allows 100BaseT networks to communicate over existing 10BaseT media, such as twisted pair, coax, and fiber. The FCN-230 connector paves the migration path between the central processing unit and the MII transceiver module. The 40-position plug-and-socket combination has 0.050×0.050-in. contact spacing and comes in a variety of configurations. The FCN-230 costs $4.16 (1000). Fujitsu Microelectronics Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 922-9000.


Stereo phone jack has isolated ground.

Designed for pc-board mounting, the CTP-310 and CTP-312 3.5-mm stereo phone jacks offer optional grounded or isolated bushing and a life expectancy of 5000 mating cycles. The mini-phone jacks can be used for industrial, consumer, and computer multimedia sound cards, as well as other applications requiring audio input and output. Unit price in volume quantities is $0.20. Connect-Tech Products Inc, Carson City, NV. (702) 883-0986.


Unit connects power cords for testing.

photographic representation of product

Safebloc lets you temporarily connect power cords to safely test equipment during product development or burn-in. The unit is constructed with a safety interlock integrated into a hinged lid. Power is supplied to the load only when the lid is closed. When the lid is open, the load can be connected to the cord’s color-coded spring-loaded clips. Safebloc is protected by a 13A fuse rated at 250V ac and costs $33.08 (100). Panel Components Corp, Oskalossa, IA. (515) 673-5000.



BGA evaluation kit works with PowerPC 604 processor.

photographic representation of product

A BGA socket evaluation kit lets you socket or test the PowerPC 604 microprocessor. Each kit is furnished with the vendors’ Ball/Nest pin, which provides a four-fingered nest for each ball termination of the device being socketed. The Ball/Nest pin is supplied in sockets with 1.27- or 1.5-mm pin spacing. The kit costs $250. Aries Electronics Inc, Frenchtown, NJ. (908) 996-6841.





Mini connector resists moisture and chemicals.

The environmentally sealed EN3 miniature connector incorporates a double seal to prevent moisture and chemicals from reaching the contacts. An integral O-ring molded onto the cord-housing assembly prevents leakage, and additional protection is provided by a gasket molded onto the panel-housing assembly. The thermoplastic rubber body simulates a closed-entry contact system and prevents probe damage or accidental loss of spring retention due to misaligned or bent pins. The EN3 comes in versions with two to eight contacts and costs $3 to $6 per mated pair in OEM quantities. Switchcraft Inc, Chicago, IL. (312) 792-2700.


Connectors permit stacking heights of 3 and 4 mm.

photographic representation of product

Offered in versions with 60, 80, 90, 100, 120, or 140 contacts, the FX8 series of surface-mount connectors provides 3- and 4-mm stacking heights and 0.6-mm pitch-board mounting. For trouble-free mating, the FX8 connectors come with guiding ribs, as well as board positioning bosses to prevent misinsertion. Coplanarity of the surface-mount soldering lead portion is 0.1 mm or less. A device with 80 contacts costs $3.97 per mated pair (1000). Hirose Electric Inc, Simi Valley, CA. (805) 522-7958.






BGA socket/adapter fits MC68356 microcontroller.

photographic representation of product

A 357-pin, 19×19 grid, 0.050-in. pitch BGA socketing system for the Motorola MC68356 microcontroller features closed bottom surface-mount socket terminals with low-insertion-force gold-plated contacts. The body of the BGA socket is raised above the board to provide added space for hot convection of air reflow soldering. The BGA device is soldered to the BGA adapter to minimize thermal stress at device operating temperatures. Typical pricing is $85/set (1-49). Advanced Interconnections, West Warwick, RI. (401) 823-5200.


Low-profile coaxial connectors save board space.

Subminiature coaxial connectors in the E.FL series have a mated height above the pc board of just 3 mm and a footprint of only 9.4 mm2 on the receptacle side. When compared with S.FL2 and H.FL series connectors, the E.FL devices reduce board space by as much as 56%. The surface-mount connectors offer a VSWR of 1.3 or less from dc to 2000 MHz. Connectors cost $1.94 per mated pair (100). Hirose Electric Inc, Simi Valley, CA. (805) 522-7958.


| EDN Access | feedback | subscribe to EDN! |
product categories...
| connectors | integrated circuits | test & measurement | embedded systems |
| electronic design automation |


Copyright © 1996 EDN Magazine. EDN is a registered trademark of Reed Properties Inc, used under license.