PLUG CONNECTORS IN PIN-IN-PASTE TECHNOLOGY REDUCE COSTS
IN DEVELOPING ITS METRAL® TINT BACK PANEL PLUG CONNECTORS, FCI ENSURES COMPATIBILITY WITH STANDARD PIP-SMT PROCESSES (PIP: PIN-IN-PASTE; SMT: SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY), THUS RENDERING EXPENSIVE ADDITIONAL FITTING STAGES, INCLUDING HEAT STAKING, WAVE SOLDERING AND PRESS FITTING SUPERFLUOUS.
The 4-row (24 positions) and 5-row (30 positions) Metral® TINT plug connectors are based on the popular standard Metral® family of plug connectors and comply with the 2 mm pitch specification pursuant to IEC 61076-4-104. Since the plug connectors are compatible with the PIP process, they can be soldered using the reflow method in the same process as other small active and passive SMT components.
The form and symmetry of the rigid lug ends and the cast positioning and retaining pins make for easy fitting work.
To meet the requirements of standard pick-and-place machines, the Metral® TINT PIP plug connectors are supplied in a single-piece, rigid plastic casing.
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This casing not only offers a large useful target area for the vacuum grommet, but also has a front and rear surface with which mechanical grabs can make contact.
In contrast to smaller SMT components, the weight of the plug connector and the complexity of its pin outs mean that it is necessary to control position better during the soldering process. To facilitate this the positioning and retaining pins on the Metral® TINT plug connector are designed in such a way that they can withstand a fitting force of 20 N and hold the plug connector in position when it has been fitted but before it has been soldered, with a force of 5 N.
In most cases the positioning pins and the large diameter and round profile of the solder lugs on the Metral® TINT plug connector are sufficient to withstand the forces that occur during handling, connector and disconnecting.
However, many product developments require additional holding forces. In view of this FCI offers the option or a HDF (hold down feature) plate for its PIP-compatible plug connectors, which can be soldered to the appropriate soldering position on the board.
An application manual for Metral® TINT plug connectors featuring pin-in-paste technology is available on the FCI website at the following address: http://www.fciconnect.com/products/tlib_06.asp . Naturally you can also access this site via www.codico.com.
Further information is also available from the following:
Gerhard Strobl, EXT 37
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