Harwin, Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek

SMT Connectors guarantee co-planarity

News Release from: Harwin
25/08/2006

Harwin has introduced the Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek SMT connectors, which offer an improved accuracy of co-planarity in situations requiring horizontal board mounting. The Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek horizontal, surface-mount connectors use a new contact system that guarantees co-planarity of mould and contact. These male connectors come in a range of mounting options, with the ability to withstand very high bending and shear forces. They are available with latches, jackscrews or jackscrew board mounts and can be used reliably with pick-and-place equipment.

Conventionally, horizontal board-mount connectors employ a straight pin which is bent twice to produce a horizontal contact. This method can make it difficult to maintain the accuracy of co-planarity (the degree to which the component sits square on the board). If bent incorrectly, the connector will not sit on the board properly, creating handling problems with pick-and-place equipment. Datamate L-Tek and J-Tek connectors eliminate this hazard by using a contact system which is pre-stamped, avoiding the need for bending.

These connectors are suited to applications requiring high-reliability connectors in production volumes, such as high-end industrial equipment. They are available in RoHS-compliant and non-RoHS-compliant versions.

Harwin’s Datamate is a high-reliability connector system employing a four-finger beryllium-copper contact clip. It conforms with British Standard 9525-F0033 and can withstand high levels of shock and vibration in addition to a large number of mating cycles, all without loss of performance.