Molex expands SlimStack small pitch board-to-board connector product line

     Molex Corporation has released two new versions of the SlimStack small pitch SMT board-to-board connector. The SlimStack Hybrid Power SMT board-to-board Connector and the SlimStack Armor™ SMT board-to-board connector integrate more power cords into the signal connector.

     Designed for use in smartphones, portable audio players, and mobile medical devices, the Molex SlimStack connector portfolio offers manufacturers a wide range of low-profile, narrow-width interface options with a variety of heights and circuit numbers to choose from, saving space and increasing design flexibility.

     Mike Higashikawa, Product Manager at Molex, said: "Mobile device manufacturers need better strategies to increase the available signal and power and reduce the time it takes to charge a battery without taking up more space. "Our compact SlimStack connector provides highly reliable power and signal connectivity for the ever-decreasing size, thinner thickness and increasing number of mobile devices that consumers tend to use."

     Molex SlimStack Hybrid Power SMT Board to Board connectors mainly support power functions in batteries and other mobile device power applications. With an ultra-low profile of 0.40 mm pitch and 0.75 mm insertion height, this hybrid connector offers high current carrying capacity, while the dual contact construction provides excellent power and signal reliability. The SlimStack combined connector has a power of 6.0 amps and provides a 0.3 amps signal.

     The Molex SlimStack Armor SMT board-to-board connector features 0.35 mm pitch and 0.60 mm insertion height, primarily supporting signal functions in mobile devices and other tightly packed applications. When additional power is needed for added value functions, such as fast battery charging or LED flashing, the metal housing cover of the SlimStack Armor connector acts as a power pin to provide up to 3.0 amps of additional power. Molex SlimStack connectors are available for firm terminal retention. The double contacts on the signal and power terminals are constructed with a high-strength copper alloy to reduce the risk of power or signal disruption due to shock, vibration or drop.

     The SlimStack Armor connector has a robust metal cover at the housing corner to prevent damage due to misalignment during insertion and removal. By loading the terminals from the bottom, the Armor connector achieves a "covered" style outer cover in the housing that acts as a barrier against terminal pull-out during roughly angled pull-out. The cover can also absorb the effects of wear during multiple insertions and removals to prevent shell damage. The wide chamfer centering area facilitates simultaneous connector and plug guidance. Sound and haptic feedback confirm when the SlimStack connector is properly plugged into the device.

     Higashikawa adds: "Whether device manufacturers need to save space in a 'power plus signal' connector or a 'signal plus power' connector with a stronger housing, the Molex SlimStack connector will do the job."