HIROSE
HIROSE Electric is a renowned Japanese manufacturer of high-quality connectors used worldwide across the electronics industry. Its product portfolio includes Wire-to-Board, Wire-to-Wire and Board-to-Board connectors, as well as circular connectors, card connectors, interface connectors, FFC/FPC connectors and coaxial connectors.
Samples Contact PersonWhy CODICO Works with HIROSE
CODICO has been working closely with HIROSE Electric for many years, as the Japanese manufacturer embodies the same values that define our own work: technical excellence, continuous innovation and the highest standards of manufacturing quality. The successful partnership was also officially recognised in 2022, when CODICO was named "Distributor of the Year" by Hirose Electric Europe in recognition of its "outstanding contribution to marketing, sales and growth."
HIROSE Electric regularly introduces new connector series that address key industry trends such as miniaturisation, increasing data rates, higher current-carrying capacity and reliable performance under extreme environmental conditions. These are all critical requirements for our customers in industries including industrial automation, automotive, medical technology and consumer electronics.
Typical Applications
HIROSE Electric connectors are suitable for a wide range of applications, including factory automation, industrial machinery, LED lighting, data transmission, measurement and control technology, safety equipment, instrumentation, consumer electronics, automotive applications and many more.
- Consumer: Smartphones & wearables, smart home devices, PCs & tablets
- Automotive: Autonomous driving, powertrain (e-axle, motor, inverter, DC/DC, EPS), infotainment, connected cars, automotive lighting
- Industrial Automation & Machinery: Smart grids, factory automation, robotics (industrial, service and mobile robotics, AGVs/AMRs), medical technology, telecommunications & networking, data centres, rail and commercial vehicles, as well as other industrial applications
Product Portfolio & Series
From space-saving Wire-to-Board connectors and innovative floating Board-to-Board connectors to FFC/FPC solutions, HIROSE Electric's portfolio of more than 240 product series covers virtually every requirement for modern connectivity. Depending on the application, key selection criteria include pitch, number of contacts, current-carrying capacity, environmental conditions and available installation space.
Board Connectors
Board connectors are one of HIROSE Electric's key product categories. They include solutions for connecting PCBs to wires using Wire-to-Board and Wire-to-Wire connectors, as well as solutions for directly connecting multiple PCBs using Board-to-Board connectors.
Wire-to-Board & Wire-to-Wire: These connectors are ideal for the internal wiring of electronic devices and are available for both discrete wires and flat ribbon cables. The series combine a compact design with reliable locking mechanisms and easy assembly.
Series: KW30, DF51, DF52, DF62, DF62W, DF63, DF60
Board-to-Board Connectors: For direct PCB-to-PCB connections, HIROSE Electric offers mezzanine, right-angle and coplanar solutions. The FunctionMAX family uses floating contacts to compensate for misalignment and tolerances during mating and to maintain reliable connections under vibration. Applications include medical equipment, servo motors, powertrains, infotainment systems and ADAS.
Series: BM28/29, DF40, FX20, FX23, FX25, FX26, FX27, FX30B, FX31, ER8
Card Connectors
Card Edge Connectors for memory cards, SIM and SD cards, as well as other removable card modules, combine a low profile with high mating-cycle durability and reliable contact performance even when cards are inserted and removed frequently. These characteristics make them suitable for consumer devices, industrial PCs and communication systems.
Series: KP15, KP13, KP10, DM1B, DM3
Circular & Rectangular Connectors
Circular and rectangular connectors provide robust solutions for outdoor and mobile applications such as AGVs and drones, as well as for automotive applications. Selected series are waterproof to IP67/IP68. Series such as ZE05, ZH05 and BH12 are heat-resistant up to 125 °C and offer high current-carrying capacity.
Series: HR25, HR30, HR10, LF, HR34B, HR41, BH12, EM30/40
FFC/FPC Connectors & Cables
For connecting FPC/FFC cables, HIROSE Electric offers various locking mechanisms, including Front-Flip, Back-Flip and One-Action Lock designs. These solutions combine particularly low profiles and fine pitches and are available in both shielded and unshielded versions.
Series: TF31, FH35C, FH34, TF45, FH52, FH41, FH28, TF38
I/O Interface Connectors & Data Connections
HIROSE Electric offers a broad range of I/O and interface connectors for a wide variety of applications. The ix Industrial™ series is particularly well known for saving up to 70% of PCB space compared with conventional RJ45 solutions, making it ideal for industrial Ethernet applications in factory automation, robotics and machine vision.
Series: IX Industrial, CX, ZX, TM21P, TM31P, TM21R, TM11R, TM11P
RF / Coaxial Connectors & Cables
For high-frequency applications, HIROSE Electric offers coaxial and micro-coaxial connectors as well as matching cable solutions designed for low-loss signal transmission. With its extremely compact design, the U.FL series has become an industry-standard solution for RF connections.
Series: U.FL, H.FL, X.FL
Cable Assemblies
In addition to its standard portfolio, CODICO also offers cable assemblies with HIROSE connectors, including overmoulded solutions. SINBON is CODICO's main partner for these customised HIROSE solutions.
FAQ
What Distinguishes the ix Industrial™ Series From a Conventional RJ45 Connector?
The ix Industrial™ series offers the same data transmission performance as an RJ45 connector, supporting data rates of up to 10 Gbps and CAT5e/CAT6A applications, while requiring up to 70% less space on the PCB. Depending on the version, separate power pins are also available, allowing power to be supplied to connected devices such as sensors or cameras alongside the data connection, without requiring an additional cable or second connector.
Combined with a robust, lockable design and high vibration resistance, the ix Industrial™ series is particularly suitable for compact industrial applications such as robotics, machine vision and factory automation, where conventional RJ45 connectors may be too large or lack the required mechanical robustness.
When Does it Make Sense to Use a Shielded FFC/FPC Connection?
HIROSE offers both shielded and unshielded versions for many of its FPC/FFC connectors. A shielded version is recommended whenever high-frequency or particularly noise-sensitive signals need to be transmitted, for example in camera and display connections, high-speed interfaces or electromagnetically demanding environments such as automotive and industrial applications.
Shielding reduces both radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the coupling of external interference into the signal path. For non-critical, short connections with lower data rates, an unshielded and therefore more cost-effective solution is often sufficient. We are happy to advise you on selecting the most suitable series for your specific application.
Success Stories
Robust Connection for Industrial and Robotic Applications (KW30 Series)
The KW30 series from HIROSE Electric was selected for the internal wiring of motors and sensors in a new generation of machines developed by a machine builder. The harsh industrial environment, with continuous high levels of vibration and frequent mating cycles, placed increased demands on the connector. Standard circular connectors were ruled out due to cost considerations.
Several series with different locking mechanisms were evaluated. The KW30 series was ultimately selected. Its two-point contact system and secure locking mechanism provide high vibration resistance and long-term electrical stability.
Compact Hybrid Connection for E-Mobility (BH12 Series)
In the growing electric vehicle market, the BH12 series was selected as a compact, waterproof hybrid connector for both signal and power transmission. The requirement was for a waterproof solution that would reduce installation space and weight without compromising current-carrying capacity. Conventional separate signal and power connectors, as well as other hybrid solutions, were also evaluated but ruled out due to limitations in installation space or current-carrying capacity.
The BH12 series supports currents of up to 20A through the power contacts while combining low weight with a robust, vibration-resistant locking mechanism. The right-angle cable connection on the receptacle enabled a more compact drive unit design and reduced the required installation space in the vehicle.
CODICO as a HIROSE Distributor
CODICO is an official distributor of HIROSE Electric and supports customers in selecting the right connector solution for their application. Our close partnership with HIROSE gives CODICO direct access to the manufacturer's product development teams. This allows us to provide early information on new connector series, clarify technical requirements and, where required, initiate customised solutions. Our technical sales team provides personal support throughout the entire process, from the initial Design-In phase through to series production.
