Würth Elektronik to focus on contacts at electronica

15th October 2024

Caitlin Gittins

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Würth Elektronik ICS will be showcasing its latest innovations including high-current contacts, at electronica, held from 12-15 November 2024.

At the company stand, the focus will be on lead-free high-current contacts for PCB connections, including the LF PowerPlus 2.0 and LF PowerBasket. In addition, the company will unveil its new PowerBusbars – bespoke, easy-to-install copper busbars. As the original developer of Powerelements for PCB connections, Würth Elektronik ICS will also be demonstrating high-voltage component connections on PCBs for a range of applications.

The LF PowerBaskets feature contact springs that form a basket optimally designed to hold round contact pins. These high-current contacts support multiple mating cycles with low insertion forces and offer a positioning tolerance of 0.6 mm, making them ideal for PCBs with multiple connections. PowerBaskets provide a pluggable, reversible connection, making them perfect for assemblies that need to be disconnected for maintenance. A typical application is the connection of a three-phase motor, such as those used in e-bikes. LF PowerBaskets are available for press-fit, SMT, and THT technologies.

The lead-free LF PowerPlus 2.0 Powerelements consist of a brass base and a stainless-steel screw element, delivering maximum torque at a relatively low weight. The updated screw tip allows for easy insertion and positioning of the nut, ideal for automated screw connections. The unique base design enables fitting on both sides of the same position. Depending on the version, the Powerelements can carry currents up to 360 amps.

To boost the current carrying capacity of standard PCBs, Würth Elektronik ICS introduces the PowerBusbar PCB – custom copper busbars pressed onto the circuit boards. Copper's excellent thermal conductivity helps dissipate heat effectively, enhancing system reliability, increasing current capacity, and preventing hotspots. The installation of the PowerBusbar PCB is quick and straightforward, as the busbars are moulded together with Powerelements and the PCB in a single process, eliminating the need for additional fastening of the conductor rails.