For an injection-molded housing used in its BullsEye test point system, Samtec reports that it has specified Ticona's glass-fiber reinforced Vectra liquid crystal polymer (LCP).
“The decision to use Vectra E130i was simple," offers Jon Hoffman, advanced HDR development engineer, Samtec. "It provides the needed precision, dimensional stability and mold flow that [we] require in thin-wall electronic connectors.”
A DesignVision award winner at DesignCon 2010, Samtec’s BullsEye system eliminates the need for expensive radio frequency (RF) connectors on production boards. An less expensive microwave cable adaptor (RF25M) attaches to the existing subminiature version A (SMA) type RF connector on the test equipment, then to a plastic housing (CCH) on the board via a compression tip with locking features.
A conductive elastomeric material inside the plastic housing allows for ground to transfer to the board in the same manner as would occur in an SMA. The plastic housings use the exact footprint as an SMA, but cost less. Ganged versions can be used to increase density.
The BullsEye unit contains a housing reinforced with Ticona's Vectra LCP that forms the essence of the RF connector. The Vectra LCP flagship polymer, the 30 percent glass-filled "E130i," was Samtec’s material of choice because it offers high heat resistance, good dimensional stability, and good flow.
“We’ve had a lot of success with it, so we didn’t need to spend much time considering alternatives,” adds Samtec's Hoffmann.
Vectra LCP is suited for use with many electrical and electronic components. “Its high flowability allows it to fill long, complex flow paths in molding and create thin-walled parts having outstanding dimensional accuracy, both of which are essential in creating high-precision parts like the housing that Samtec used in the BullsEye,” explains Ed Hallahan, marketing manager for Vectra LCP.
Hallahan continues, “Vectra LCP also gives electronic component manufacturers excellent dimensional stability and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so they can consistently obtain dimensional accuracy with virtually flash-free parts at an economical cost.”
According to Ticona, the 30 percent glass-filled Vectra E130i offers the following material characteristics:
-- High-temperature capability for easier flow and quicker cycle times, making it suitable for applications where very thin walls are required;
-- UL 94 V-0 listed at 0.20mm thickness in natural and black;
Relative-Temperature-Index (RTI), according to UL 746B: Electrical 464°F (240 °C); Mechanical 464°F (240°C); Mechanical with Impact 428°F (220°C) at 0.75mm;
-- Inherently flame resistant without additives and Halogen-free.
“In choosing the material for the BullsEye housing, we quickly went with what had worked in the past,” concludes Samtec’s Hoffman. “We knew Vectra would work and that Ticona wouldn’t let us down with quality or deliveries. This confidence saved us time in getting the product to market.”
For more information, visit www.samtec.com, www.ticona.com, or www.ticona.cn.
