Hirose Electric has expanded its FunctionMAX range of floating board-to-board connectors with the FX36 Series, designed to support compact electronic assemblies operating in high-temperature and high-vibration environments.
Featuring a 0.5mm pitch, the FX36 Series is aimed at space-constrained applications where increasing functionality and system integration place greater demands on printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. Its compact design supports product miniaturisation, weight reduction, and automated assembly, particularly in automotive powertrain systems for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The connector is rated for operation at temperatures up to 125°C and incorporates floating functionality to accommodate mounting misalignment. It supports movement of ±0.7mm in both the X and Y directions, alongside a ±0.5mm effective mating length in the Z direction. The design also absorbs PCB vibration amplitudes of up to 0.05mm in the Z direction.
A two-point contact structure is intended to maintain reliable electrical connections in vibration-prone applications, addressing the demands of increasingly integrated automotive systems, including multifunctional X-in-1 powertrain units.
“With the rapid growth in the BEV and HEV markets, powertrain equipment is required to support greater functionality and higher levels of system integration. At the same time, available PCB space is limited, and component layout is becoming more challenging,” said Pete Lais, Assistant Vice President of Product Management at Hirose Electric Americas.
Lais added that suitable board-to-board connectors capable of meeting stringent vibration requirements at elevated temperatures have been limited. Building on the heat resistance and vibration absorption technologies of the FX26 Series, the FX36 is designed to enable further space savings and product miniaturisation without compromising connection performance.
The FX36 Series forms part of Hirose’s broader effort to address the interconnection challenges associated with higher levels of automotive powertrain integration.
Further technical details are available on the Hirose FX36 Series product page. Information about Hirose Electric is available at www.hirose.com/us.
