ERNI expands cable-to-board connector family

Robust iBridge Ultra connectors now with dip solder versions and as pre-assembled cable connectors for various applications in harsh environments

Adelberg, 19 May 2020 – ERNI is expanding its iBridge Ultra connectors to include vertical and right-angle male connectors with dip solder termination, in addition to the SMT variants already available. Dip soldering is a reliable connection technology, especially in the automotive industry. What is more, the cable-to-board connectors are now also available as pre-assembled cable connectors for efficient and time-saving processing.

The connectors in a 2.0 mm pitch are specially designed for use in harsh environments and provide compact and reliable connections that are subject to high vibrations. These kinds of requirements typically occur in the automotive sector, for example in inverters such as on-board charging systems or engine control systems. The high robustness is ensured by the TPA (“Terminal Position Assurance”), an additional securing of the crimp contacts in the socket housing. This locking system makes the connection particularly resistant to strong vibrations.

The latest enhancements open up new possible applications not only in the automotive sector but also in industry, telecommunications and medical technology. The compact design and the flexible contact technology (SMT and dip solder) allow installation even in space-critical locations.

The iBridge Ultra connectors have been tested to the applicable USCAR-2 & USCAR-21 requirements and are UL certified. The UL test mark stands for the proven conformity of a product with the safety regulations of the USA and Canada. This means that the iBridge Ultra components now satisfy an important criterion for the North American market.

Despite the small pitch, the connectors have a high current rating of up to 8 A per contact. The dual beam female contacts ensure reliable mating and the stamped male contacts are robust, coplanar and capable of carrying high currents.

The connector family now includes the following variants: vertical and right-angle male connectors with SMT or dip solder termination. The SMT versions are supplied in tape on reel packaging and the dip solder versions in tube packaging for automated assembly. Metal soldering clips for the SMT versions ensure PCB retention and strain relief of contacts.

The dual beam female contact compensates misalignment mating tolerances, while the close-box design additionally ensures reliable positioning of the male contacts. The crimp contacts are specified for wiring with AWG 22 and AWG 24. The cable-to-board connectors are now also available as standard pre-assembled with cable lengths of 100 mm as single and dual-ended versions. The connectors with tin-plated contacts support a wide temperature range from -40 °C to +100 °C and are available with pin counts of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 pins.