Slim body connectors introduced with 0.635mm pitch

Samtec has extended its Edge Rate board-to-board connectors line to include a higher density mated set that is half the width of previous designs and delivers a lower-profile 5mm mated height. These ERF6 and ERM6 Series Edge Rate connectors support 56Gbps PAM4 high-speed, rugged mezzanine applications for industrial, embedded vision, instrumentation and monitoring, drones, and robotics.

The connectors have two rows of pins while keeping an extremely narrow body width of 2.5mm. Body length is 11mm to 42.8mm with a 0.635mm centreline. Available positions for each row are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60. This makes the customisation of products straightforward while still allowing for quick delivery.

If pull and shear force are a concern, weld tabs are obtainable within the standard part number configuration.

Despite its very low profile of 5mm, the connectors still allow 0.9mm of nominal contact wipe for a reliable connection.

Polarising features are moulded into the connector body to ensure that connectors are consistently aligned properly. The products allow for angular and linear misalignment.

Board stacking standoffs are available through the company with its SureWare brand to secure the two mating mezzanine cards further.

This product family uses a unique contact system that extends cycle life, increases durability, and lowers insertion and withdrawal forces. It also offers superior electrical performance compared to traditional stamped contacts. These benefits are attained by using the flat smooth-milled side of the contact for the mating surface, instead of the cut-edge which can have rough microscopic edges and burrs. The narrow edge of the contacts is aligned within the connector body to reduce broadside coupling and crosstalk. The contact tail uses standard surface mount J leads for ease of processing onto the PCB.

The company makes designing-in the right product solution as streamlined and simple as possible by offering free 3D model downloads and product samples. 3D models are available for download in over 150 formats, including AutoCAD, Solid Edge, and Inventor.