AVX has introduced a unique new open-ended card edge connector specifically designed to provide lighting engineers with a miniature, cost-effective, and high density pin-count solution for use in linear LED strip lighting. Designed without plastic end-walls to minimise length, AVX's new 00-9159 Series connectors feature a double-sided configuration for increased pin-count density, a central keying rib for strength and alignment, and a tin-to-tin contact interface for financial economy. Measuring a mere 1mm in length per number of contacts, the 00-9159 Series is available with 4, 6, 8, or 10 contact positions and has a voltage rating of 300VAC.

The new 00-9159 open-ended card edge connectors were developed in response to a customer's challenge to both increase the pin-count density and minimise the size of our existing 9159 Series card edge connectors, which are 2mm longer and have single contacts that straddle the PCB to electrically connect with both the top and bottom side of the board, said Tom Anderson, product manager at AVX. By employing a double-sided contact configuration, removing the end walls, and adding a center support rib, we were able to satisfy all of the design requirements and realise the most cost-effective assembled solution for reliably connecting two in-line PCBs in linear LED strip lighting applications.

With contacts on both the top and bottom of the PCB, AVX¹s 00-9159 Series connectors provide a high pin-count density in a small footprint, as well as enable enhanced flexibility when mixing and matching power and signal lines. The series also features a center keying rib, which ensures both proper mating alignment and functional PCB location, and high current capabilities. The 4- and 6-position connectors are rated for 3A and the 8- and 10-position connectors are rated for 2.5A.

Supporting standard 1.6mm PCB thicknesses, AVX¹s new 00-9159 Series connectors are rated for use in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C and featuring a durability rating of five cycles. In addition to linear LED strip lighting, 00-9159 Series open-ended card edge connectors are also ideal for use in both commercial and industrial coplanar and extended card applications.