Schalksmühle, 22.02.2019. If the “direct connector” was previously a synonym for a connector plugged onto the edge of a printed circuit board (PCB), then learning at the ISH in Frankfurt is now required here: Lumberg introduces the direct connector for any position on the PCB. Without having to solder it and, of course, without being plugged onto a corresponding part. In addition, the connector can be plugged-in and plugged-out several times – and of course in insulation displacement technology (IDT), which allows all the advantages of automated cable assembly and thus also efficiently high quantities. This makes it easier to replace complete components during maintenance. Also new design possibilities for several applications – a printed circuit board can be used e.g. for different device variants, if all drillings are put on it – are opened.

SKEDD makes this possible. The individual contact comprises two symmetrical contact tongues which, when inserted into a plated-through hole in the PCB, retract. The contact pressure forces from the two tongues then create a steadfast mechanical-electrical connection inside the hole – no need for soldering.

The connectors can mate and lock without having to use tools, for total convenience when mounting entire sub-assemblies. This empowers completely new designs since the connectors can mate right in the center of a printed circuit board. Or even on the reverse side, if the edge and surface of the printed circuit board should already be exhausted.

This technology enables the reduction of installation space and weight, an electrical interface, a contact resistance and thus a potential source of error as well as an assembly process are omitted. The thermal load of a FR4 printed circuit board caused by a soldering process or the use of additional devices for a press-fit process is also eliminated.

The Lumberg SmartSKEDD direct connector comes in an exceptional robustness: Three solid pins on each housing guarantee secure positioning, coding pins prevent mismating. And there is more: each side of the connector features two snap-fits that lock the connector tightly onto the PCB. The retaining forces are thus above 50 N. The connector can be removed simply by finger pressure.

Known as “Home of the RAST Connector”, Lumberg stands for the widest and deepest range of RAST 2.5 and RAST 5 products in building technology. The advantages of RAST constantly open up new applications that are relevant for manufacturers of sustainable heating and air-conditioning technology, intelligent living and responsible use of water and energy in buildings – Lumberg bundles these topics in its core business unit “Building Technology”.

This is also where the SmartSKEDD direct connector comes in. With a 2.5 mm pitch with numbers of poles from 3 – 11, it is designed for the temperature range from -40 to +130 °C. The housing is halogen-free in PBT V-0 according to UL94. The contact resistance is ≤ 5 mΩ, the rated voltage at 50 V AC and the rated current at 4 A (T_amb 85 °C).

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