Coax System Expands Mobile Apps

Initially designed to run through the hinge area of swivel-type cell phones, the Micro Coax connector system is now finding use in other mobile applications such as notebook PCs. The connector system employs insulation-displacement technology to terminate the center conductor of a 42 AWG coaxial cable. It also uses a patented double-clamp wire grounding method for the outer conductor and cable jacket, a method that places a grounding/retention feature between each coaxial wire. A second retention feature clamps into the cable insulation for additional strength. This offers several benefits over solder-bar types including avoidance of hardened wires and wire pull out, up to 30% diameter space savings, consistent grounding between circuits and the shell, increased signal skew prevention, and up to 60% less transmission loss at frequencies between 1 MHz and 3 MHz. Other features include shielded top-entry and right angle SMT pc board receptacles and a 0.2A/30V rating. Connectors are available in embossed tape packaging, while cable harnesses are customized for each application. Sample price for a PCB connector ranges from $2.50 to $3 per piece. MOLEX INC., Lisle, IL. (630) 969-4550.