Omron has introduced a battery connector that is manufactured using electroforming technology. The XD2B line of battery connectors combines electroformed contacts with microfabrication to achieve a 2 mm pitch and 2.6 mm depth. This compares to a typical pitch of 2.5mm and 4 to 5.4 mm depth for pogo pin or pressure style contacts. While smaller in size, the electroformed contacts are actually less prone to mechanical fatigue and more shock resistant.
Omron’s electroforming process enables high-precision production of extremely small, thin and fine contacts. Microfabrication technology allows for considerable component design flexibility and is also used to meet more exacting needs for shapes and sizes, since it enables the transfer of a pattern with submicron-scale (0.0001 mm) accuracy. Unlike electroplating, electroforming builds thicker, stronger metal layers which become the actual contact structure.
The electroformed gold-plated contacts and hold-down terminals are highly effective at maintaining contact pressure, preventing power interruption or degradation. Depending upon the model selected, two to three contact groups are provided for each power pad, providing greater dispersion of current and conductivity over multiple contact points.
Designed to meet the need for a secure connection to Li-ion batteries, XD2B connectors are a good match for mobile devices that utilize flat-pack Lithium Ion battery configurations. These include smart phones, cell phones, data loggers, tablet PCs, hand-held POS Terminals. The small connector size also helps designers reduce the package size of their end product. There are currently three different XD2B connectors available, mating with 4 or 5 battery connection pads and 6, 7 or 8 PCB connection terminals.
