How miniature connectors encourage eco-friendly electronics production
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS SMALLER, SMARTER, GREENER
PEI-GENESIS
How miniature connectors encourage eco-friendly electronics production
Veering away from dog breeds and shampoo, the miniature trend has entered the world of electrical components. Growing demands for lightweight miniature components across automotive, medical and consumer electronics have driven the trend across the industry, with businesses harnessing the opportunity to develop their component designs to improve performance and sustainability. Here, Mark Baptista, global strategic accounts sales engineer at electrical connector specialist PEI-Genesis, explores the increased demand for miniaturised lightweight electronic components and how they are reshaping designs.
There is no doubt that our electronic devices are getting smaller. Take our smart phones, once the size of a brick, they’ re now compact pocket devices no bigger than 170mm. Components must now fit into minimised spaces while maintaining high performance, durability and reliability.
To reach a balance, manufactures must embrace advanced engineering, innovative materials and design techniques. They must also consider industry-specific requirements when it comes to miniaturisation, for example high-resistance polymers allow sterilisation resistance in medical applications. This is crucial as they must withstand repeated exposure to temperatures reaching 250 ° C and chemical cleaning processes.
In the automotive industry, the surge in vehicle electrification and autonomous driver systems call for more lightweight, high-power connectors. Integrating multiple power sources into one connector allows for a high-current system which reduces weight without compromising high power, often supporting 1000 volts( V).
Materials matter The innovation starts with the materials. In miniature connectors, configuration materials must meet specifications that focus on performance, weight, durability and reliability. Due to this, traditional materials used in connectors have been swapped or modified.
Composite materials and polymers have become a popular choice in connector housings and insulation. Composites for instance have the best properties of metals and polymers, being extremely lightweight and having high mechanical strength. They also improve the component’ s resistance to electromagnetic interference( EMI), which results in consistent optimised performance.
Other innovations include nano-coatings. No thicker than 2 micrometres(µ M), they add a microscopic protective layer to a miniature connector and enhance corrosion resistance, conductivity and mechanical durability. These qualities enable smaller, yet still efficient, connectors with longer lifespans, which consequently become more cost-effective solutions.
A key to sustainability Trending miniature connectors have prompted a complete refurbishment in component design, and with this innovation comes opportunities to make the industry more sustainable. It is a shift backed by stringent environmental regulations, corporate sustainability initiatives and consumer demand for greener electronics.
Manufacturers have been making moves towards Restriction of Hazardous Substances( RoHS) compliant materials, banning metals like lead( Pb), mercury( Hg)
54 PECM Issue 79