Plug connector convinces in long term endurance tests

"The plug connector connects the PCB with the SKEDD direct plug-in technology developed by us," explained Dr. Klaus Wittig, Managing Director of Würth Elektronik ICS. "Qualification of the SKEDD technology with the plug-in system has been successfully completed at IZM Fraunhofer."

Safety and flexibility
"The SKW plug connector in SKEDD technology uses the PCB like a power socket," explained Achim Engel, Product Manager at ICS. "Thus the sockets are eliminated and interfaces are reduced." The standard contact force of the SKEDD fork acting in the metalised bore of the PCB guarantees for an electrically safe connection. Higher-pin plug connectors can also be easily plugged in by hand and released again. 

The plastic housing of the simplified system ensures high efficiency by permitting contact pre-positioning of the connector to the PCB and a safe mechanical locking of the connector with the PCB.

"In the non-plugged condition, the contacts are also protected from mechanical damage and electrically insulated," explained Engel. The connector is available for applications with currents of up to 20A, initially in a 2- and 4-pin design, in which SKEDD crimp contacts are used.

The direct plug connection and locking is possible thanks to a hood that has three function conditions: Protective position, pre-positioning position (second figure from the left) and locking position of the plug connector (figure on the right):

The advancing plastic pins in the plug connector housing, in interaction with the corresponding NDK bores in the PCB, ensure safe positioning and plugging of the contacts. The latter also offer the coding possibly required for correct plug positioning, so that the connector can only be plugged in the right direction. After pre-positioning of the connector on the PCB and insertion of the contacts into the through-contacting, safe and reliable locking of the plug connector is provided by pushing down of the plug hood by means of an expanding rivet connection.

Documented qualification
The SKW was successfully qualified together with a manufacturer from the white goods area for the demanding use in household appliances – 4,000 hours' service-life testing included.

"The Fraunhofer institute for reliability and micro-integration (Fraunhofer Institut für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration; IZM) also subjected the SKW connector system to an endurance test based on the automotive requirements from the LV-214," said Dr. Klaus Wittig. "We have met all requirements at the first attempt without limitations. Even extreme tests were unable to bring the system to its limits after it was pre-aged for the tests."

The performance and the existing reserves could be documented successfully, among others in the scope of reinforced thermal shock and vibration tests exceeding the scope of the relevant standards.

All in all, the plug connector convinces with all essential added values of SKEDD technology: It can generally be plugged in from either side of the PCB and multiple times directly and reversibly into the PCB. One part (plug-in socket) and one electrical interface less are needed, which reduces the material costs and reduces the transfer resistance. Elaborate soldering processes are also unnecessary, since the plug no longer requires any mating half soldered on the PCB.

At electronica 2016, Würth Elektronik ICS presents the SKW plug connector in SKEDD technology to the trade audience. Visit Würth Elektronik in hall B4, booth 105, or learn about the news on SKEDD technology in the Exhibitor forum on 9^th November, 3:30 PM, in hall B5.343.