Depending on the application, the sensors need to be integrated into a housing or support which facilitates their positioning on the PCB or in the ECU.
movement between PCBs either. To save space and allow relative movement between PCBs, flat flexible cables (FFCs) are the right solution and present many advantages. Most of the time, both ends of the cable have stiff reinforcement tapes to offer easy, highly reliable, and robust interconnection with zero insertion force (ZIF) or low insertion force (LIF) connectors. When a PCB cannot be made in one piece for technical or logistic reasons, short FFCs allow for very short distance between the PCBs. Their configuration allows connection up to 60 ways per link for 0.50 mm pitch conductors. Made with copper conductors and insulated with laminated polyester or polyimide tapes, they provide excellent flex life. Their flexibility makes angles or movements, such as vibrations, between the PCBs possible, especially in the assembly or use phases.
WHEN SHORT IS BETTER Space saving is a key issue for automotive applications. This is the case when connecting electronic components in dashboards or in car doors, for example. Some applications may also require the connection of very long PCBs for lighting in a space-restricted area. In order to electrically connect two PCBs, several solutions exist. They include: • Mounting male and female connectors directly to the PCB with through-hole or surface mounting (SMT) soldering • Soldered wires • Connectors with flat cables terminated with IDC connectors (HE10 type for example) • Connectors with round wires These solutions have advantages but do not allow for space saving or provide a large number of connection points. They do not allow for a relative Sensor packaged by Axon’ Mechatronics. Integrated in an EGR valve housing, the sensor measures the rotation angle.
CONNECTORS ARE NOT THE ONLY SOLUTION TO CONNECT PCBS OR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS IN CARS.
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