Molex has announced its Flexi-Mate connector system; designed to address the backlighting needs of LED TVs, as well as room lighting applications, Molex says that Flexi-Mate is the first connector system to provide both board-to-board and wire-to-board connectivity options.
The 3.70mm (.146”) pitch Flexi-Mate connector system enables the secure placement of LEDs on interconnecting panels across the full width of a TV display or lighting fixture. The 3.00mm (.118”) mated height provides optimal design flexibility in thinner, space-saving applications, says Molex. The Flexi-Mate system includes coplanar board-to-board connectors used to snap together small panels containing LED lights. The system includes a wire-to-board option to connect the LED boards to the main power board. A terminating connector used as a shorting device completes an open-loop signal.
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“The industry trend toward the use of LEDs in TVs and standard room lighting are driving demand for next-generation connector innovations. The Flexi-Mate connector system offers OEMs and designers a total complement of configurations for optimal design flexibility,” comments Goji Tanabe, regional product manager, Molex.
Currently available in a standard two-circuit design, Molex says that Flexi-Mate's key features include a dual-contact terminal design for secure electrical contact and robust, space-saving positive side locks for wire-to-board connectors. A mating guide on PCB versions facilitates smooth mating and protects terminals during mating and unmating. Additionally, the Flexi-Mate system is available in both low halogen and non-low-halogen material to meet various environmental and market requirements.
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Molex's Tanabe claims, “The Flexi-Mate System delivers a 25 percent lower profile than other LED connector products on the market, which makes it an ideal solution for flat panel displays—or any electronic application requiring a slim width or depth dimension.”
For technical information about Molex Flexi-Mate products, visit: www.molex.com/link/fleximate.html.
