Board-to-board connectors for industrial sensors and camera systems
Miniaturization, high-speed data transmission, and ruggedness: Current trends in industrial automation are placing increasing demands on sensors and camera systems, as well as on their internal components. When selecting the right connector, it is therefore important to consider various criteria depending on the specific application.
Current Trends in Sensor and Camera Technology
The growing trend toward modularization and the concept of Industry 4.0 are having a significant impact on modern sensor and camera technology. Today, sensors are typically designed with a modular structure to reduce costs in development and product implementation. The housings are standardized, and the sensor’s functionality is defined by the electronics. Variable PCBs can be individually combined using right-angle or mezzanine connectors (Fig. 1). The standardized design offers users advantages through consistent handling during assembly, commissioning, and use of the sensor.
Furthermore, sensors and camera systems for industrial automation are becoming increasingly intelligent. In addition to the actual measurement data acquisition, additional functions are therefore being integrated into the devices:
Furthermore, sensors and camera systems for industrial automation are becoming increasingly intelligent. In addition to the actual measurement data acquisition, additional functions are therefore being integrated into the devices:
- Advanced diagnostic functions for monitoring sensor lifespan and detecting faults
- Sensor configuration
- Remote maintenance
- Communication from the sensor to the cloud and integration of bus or IO-Link functionality
Requirements for modern sensors and camera systems
In line with these trends, today’s sensors and camera systems must meet certain requirements, which naturally also have an impact on the connectors used in these systems:
- High degree of miniaturization
- Secure high-speed transmission
- Good electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Protection against adverse atmospheric conditions
- Exceptional robustness
Free white paper on sensor technology
For more details on the requirements for modern sensors and camera systems and how to choose the right connector, we would be happy to send you our free white paper: Request
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Choosing the Right Connector
Sensors and camera systems used in close proximity to machinery, for example, are exposed to particularly harsh environmental conditions. While potting can protect the electronics from these external influences, this also requires a connection solution that is compatible with the potting compound. This often poses a problem for conventional connectors, as the vulnerable mating area in particular must be protected from the potting compound, and the commonly used spring-to-blade contact technology does not provide the necessary IP protection rating for these materials.
To ensure the required reliability nonetheless, it makes sense to choose a one-piece connection solution—that is, a connector that does not require a conventional mating area. This enables a durable and robust connection solution that prevents the encapsulant from penetrating the contact area (Fig. 2).
For applications that place special demands on the robustness of the connector, we also recommend the PCB connection method—proven billions of times over—using press-fit zones on both sides. A single component establishes both a mechanical and an electrical connection. This also eliminates the need for complex soldering work or expensive cable solutions, resulting in cost savings of up to 50 percent. By eliminating the mating area in combination with the press-fit technology, a connector can withstand shock loads of 50 to 200 g without contact interruption.
To ensure the required reliability nonetheless, it makes sense to choose a one-piece connection solution—that is, a connector that does not require a conventional mating area. This enables a durable and robust connection solution that prevents the encapsulant from penetrating the contact area (Fig. 2).
For applications that place special demands on the robustness of the connector, we also recommend the PCB connection method—proven billions of times over—using press-fit zones on both sides. A single component establishes both a mechanical and an electrical connection. This also eliminates the need for complex soldering work or expensive cable solutions, resulting in cost savings of up to 50 percent. By eliminating the mating area in combination with the press-fit technology, a connector can withstand shock loads of 50 to 200 g without contact interruption.
Custom Webinars
Do you require detailed guidance on selecting the appropriate connection technology according to your specifications?
If so, please schedule a complimentary webinar with us.
We will provide a comprehensive overview of various connector technologies, delivering detailed information as well as practical expert recommendations.
If so, please schedule a complimentary webinar with us.
We will provide a comprehensive overview of various connector technologies, delivering detailed information as well as practical expert recommendations.
Compatible connectors for sensor and camera systems
flexilinkb-t-b
Our flexilinkb-t-b connector meets these exact requirements for robustness and reliability and is also available in the proven press-fit technology. For
more information about the product, click here:
Flexilink »
Our flexilinkb-t-b connector meets these exact requirements for robustness and reliability and is also available in the proven press-fit technology. For
more information about the product, click here:
Flexilink »
Sensors, as well as camera systems, are becoming increasingly compact as their performance improves. High speed and miniaturization are key requirements here. For high-performance, miniaturized applications, solutions using space-saving SMT technology with a pitch of 0.5 to 0.8 mm are particularly well-suited.
Colibri With its
high-speed-optimized contact design, the Colibri PCB connector enables fast and interference-free signal transmission at speeds of 10 Gbit/s and above. Optional shielding also protects against electromagnetic interference.
For more information about the product, click here:
Colibri »
high-speed-optimized contact design, the Colibri PCB connector enables fast and interference-free signal transmission at speeds of 10 Gbit/s and above. Optional shielding also protects against electromagnetic interference.
For more information about the product, click here:
Colibri »
When it comes to smart sensors and camera systems, ruggedness, high speed, and good EMC performance are well-known requirements for a connector. In addition, it is advisable to choose a product that offers a wide range of application possibilities due to its modularity. If all connectors within a product family are compatible with one another and can be freely combined, time-consuming approval cycles can be avoided, thereby saving time and costs. High scalability allows developers to customize different designs, stack heights, and pin counts to meet their specific requirements. They can also choose between shielded and unshielded connectors, as well as angled and straight connectors.
Zero8
The Zero8 series of SMT PCB connectors reliably connect printed circuit boards at data transfer rates of up to 16 Gbit/s and meet all of the above requirements.
For more information about the product, click here:
Zero8 »
The Zero8 series of SMT PCB connectors reliably connect printed circuit boards at data transfer rates of up to 16 Gbit/s and meet all of the above requirements.
For more information about the product, click here:
Zero8 »
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