Wire-to-Edgecard Power Connectors

Molex Incorporated announces that its economically priced 3.96mm pitch EdgeMate TM Wire-to-Edgecard Power Connectors eliminate the need for mating headers, resulting in cost and time savings. This system supports power applications of up to 7.0A with UL 94V-2 flammability rating requirements. It is available in 2 to 12 circuits with positive lock housings and 3 to 12 circuits for housings without lock. This connector family also includes bifurcated terminals which allow secondary current paths for high electrical reliability. Terminals are used with 18 to 20 AWG wires. For manufacturers in the appliance, industrial and lighting industry, the greatest benefits are reduced inventory, bill-of-material, and manufacturing costs.

“What makes this system so unique is that EdgeMate Wire-to-Edgecard Connectors eliminate the need for a mating header to complete wire-to-board interconnection,” said Dayanand Tilak, global product manager, Molex. Tilak adds, “Industrial, appliance and lighting manufacturers are challenged with rising costs, weight and freight charges, as well as with environmental compliance issues involved in developing high-reliability products. EdgeMate products are designed to reduce cost, provide electrical reliability for high-vibration or shock operating environments and ensure environmental compliance.” The EdgeMate Wire-to-Edgecard power connectors offer a revolutionary direct mount onto a PCB without additional processes.The hallmark feature is a positive locking mechanism that can hook onto the PCB and ensure the terminals mate to card contacts, allowing the assembly to function in high shock and vibration environments. The polarized housing in combination with the polarized crimp terminal helps ensure insertion of terminals in the correct orientation, something not offered by competing products.  The terminals also cantilever beams and dual contact points for a reliable electrical connection. The result is a smaller, lighter and more economical electrical system that can provide a reduction of material, inventory and manufacturing costs. Connectors are also available without locking features for added design flexibility.