Hitaltech’s flexible interconnect offering has been significantly enhanced by its appointment as an authorised distributor for Omron Electronic Components.
Electro mechanical specialist, Omron, boasts a high quality flat flexible cable (FFC), flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector range, thought to offer great synergy with Hitaltech’s existing interconnect range.
Managing director at Hitaltech, Andrew Fitzer, explained: “Hitaltech is focused on design-in applications. Our existing range of products includes zero insertion force (ZIF) and low insertion force (LIF) flexible interconnect cables used to connect two or more printed circuit boards. The inclusion of Omron’s FFC-FPC connector range allows us to offer a connector which is compatible with our flexible cables.
“Our in-depth knowledge of the UK electronics market and our customers’ requirements will allow us to generate opportunities for the Omron product range.”
Interconnect innovation
As part of this distribution agreement, Hitaltech will now offer Omron’s range of FPC-FFC connectors including the XF3M. This connector is ideal for applications requiring a connection between an LCD panel and a printed circuit board, or for other board-to-board connections across varying electronic and industrial applications.
The key feature of the XF3M is the rotary back lock mechanism, said to offer easier cable insertion, positive confirmation of correct installation and secure cable retention. The mechanism is based on a rotary slider for securing the FPC/FFC cable, which is mounted independently from the FPC/FFC socket. A ‘click’ on engagement confirms that the latch is completely locked.
This mechanism enables the socket to be constructed with a four sided housing designed to securely hold the FPC/FFC cable for enhanced mounting reliability. With conventional rotary lock connectors, the rotary slider is positioned at the FPC/FFC socket, which means that lifting the cable or applying excessive force may cause the rotary latch to disengage. The design of the Omron XF3M looks to address these issues.
The connector has a height of 2.0mm and a depth of 6.4mm when locked. The XF3M has a dual contact structure, enabling the cable to be inserted either way up. To further simplify insertion, the connector can accept cable inserted at an angle and will then lock securely to hold the cable in place.
The connector will accept 0.3mm thick FPC or FFC cable, is available in 0.5mm or 1.0mm pitches and conforms to an industry accepted board footprint. Moulded parts use liquid crystal polymer (LCP) resins and its halogen-free construction is said to make the XF3M environmentally friendly.