Automotive MicroBridge cable connectors fit tight spaces

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Building on its MiniBridge (1.27-mm-pitch) and MaxiBridge (2.54-mm) cable-to-board connector families, ERNI has released a single-row MicroBridge  family in a 1.27-mm pitch for the automotive sector. The cable-to-board connector line has been developed in accordance with the automotive test specifications VW75174 and USCAR-2.

With the small pitch of 1.27 mm, the MicroBridge cable connector is suited for small installation spaces. Available in straight and angled SMT versions, the cable connector family is available in two to 20 pin counts. The current rating per contact is specified at 9.0 A at 20°C (two-pin version).

The single-row female connectors are available as insulation displacement (IDC) versions. They are currently available with a 90° cable outlet and are qualified according to global standards. The double design of the insulation displacement terminal ensures reliability, while the integrated strain relief protects the IDC from mechanical stress caused by cable movements.

To help reduce possible failures, the connectors provide Koshiri security and optional electrical connector position assurance (CPA), providing protection against damage from improper or skewed insertion. The tongues on the female connector and grooves on the male connector allow the pre-alignment of the connector housings for a precise mating process.

This connector can withstand the harsh environmental conditions for vibrations or shock loads (as specified in VW75174, for example) and high temperatures in the vehicle. This is thanks to features such as the latching mechanism on both sides, solder clips on the male connectors that absorb mechanical stress and resist high shock and vibration loads, and a high-temperature resistance of up to 150°C. The high-temperature resistance allows the connectors to be used in areas exposed to high temperatures, such as close to LEDs in the headlights.