Elastomeric connector
Elastomeric connectors, also known by the registered
Because of their flexibility, they excel in shock and anti-vibration applications. They can create a gasket-like seal for harsh environments. Conductor material possibilities include carbon, silver, and gold. The length, width and height may be specified as well as the stripe pitch. Frequently a recess with ribs is specified that captures and provides the elastomer reference surface for alignment (while allowing the lateral dimension of the elastomer to increase as it is compressed) with a deflection stop to control the final part separation, and alignment pins for substrate alignment.[2]
Elastomeric connectors are widely used, from low cost consumer products such as calculators to high reliability flight data recorders[citation needed].
They are used in two ways:
- spacing of rubber conductive strips equals PCB conductor spacing, with the connector precisely aligned;
- spacing of rubber conductive strips less than half the PCB conductor spacing, without precise alignment.
A "matrix" version consists of short, fine, metallic wires, 300 to 2,000 per square centimeter, aligned parallel but not touching each other, embedded in a rubber sheet.[3] The wires can either protrude slightly from the top and bottom of the rubber sheet, or be curved and flush with the top and bottom planes; the latter is used for repeated assembly or inspection.[3]
Applications
- LCD and electroluminescentdisplays
- Board-to-board connections
- Chip-to-board connections
- Memory cards
See also
- Anisotropic conductive film, another connecting technology
- Silicone rubber keypad
References
- ^ http://tmsearch.uspto.gov USPTO Reg. No. 1017912, LAYERED ELECTRICAL CONTACTS AND CONNECTORS, Filed October 10, 1974 by Technical Wire Products Inc, Cranford, NJ, USA; first used in commerce Apr 26, 1974; renewed Sept 11, 2005; last listed owner Fuji Polymer Industries Ltd Chiyoda Nogoya-shi Aichi-ken Japan
- ^ "Elastomeric Connector Design Guide". Z-Axis Connector Co, Warminster, PA, USA. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ a b "ZEBRA® W Series Matrix Connectors". Fuji Polymer Industries.