Compact spring contact suits smartphones & wearables

Spring contacts are employed in a wide range of markets, including consumer devices, industrial equipment and automotive electronics. Many are used in smartphones, in particular, for antenna, ground and battery connection. In recent years, they have also been used increasingly for connection of devices like speakers.

Meanwhile, requirements for further downsizing of components integrated into end products are growing as PCBs become smaller and components are arranged in higher-density layouts. Responding to these needs, ALPS has developed a spring contact (micro clip) with a compact footprint and low height.

The industry’s smallest dimensions of 1.4mm² were realised using a double-spiral spring construction and precision processing technology. High resilience against vibration and impacts, and therefore high contact reliability, were achieved by employing a spring construction that enables vertical movement despite the square shape, an industry first.

Automatic adsorption is also supported. Additionally, a low height of 0.7mm makes the product suitable for wearables and other flat electronic devices. As a connection component, a single contact or multiple contacts can be used. Flexibility of the layout on the PCB is improved, for example by allowing an array arrangement taking advantage of the square shape.

Furthermore, the construction prevents catching on fingers during assembly, helping to improve work efficiency during the device assembly process. ALPS will promote the spring contact (micro clip) not only to the smartphone and wearable electronics markets, where compact size and a low profile are major requirements, but also to markets for other consumer devices and industrial equipment, contributing to reliable connection within electronic products.

The contact is rated for 3A, and operated over the temperature range of -30 to +85°C. Mass production of the device begins in February.