In recent years, with the changing regulations of automotive LED lamps in Europe and Japan, the use of daylight is gradually increasing, and the design of car dashboard is also increasingly updated. It is anticipated that the demand for flexible circuit boards (FPC) for automobiles will increase, and that they will be more widely used in cable connection applications, such as battery management systems (BMS).
According to foreign media reports, Panasonic announced that it would produce "board-to-FPC connectors" on a large scale. The new connector has unique structure, fewer components, simpler assembly and free space, which is conducive to the design improvement of automotive LED lights and other similar applications. At the same time, it can reduce vehicle weight and fuel consumption.
Panasonic's new board has the following features for FPC connectors:
The unique metal terminal connection structure enables FPC and the board to connect directly without relay harness, thus reducing the components used and simplifying the assembly process.
Automotive connectors are required to meet stringent vibration standards. Panasonic connector's double-clip contact structure has good anti-vibration performance, making it compatible with automotive applications, such as LED lights and BMS. The connector can also be used for flexible circuit boards (FPC), battery packs and panels connected to battery management systems (BMS), and shock-proof LED lights.
The connector is of two-piece type, consisting of a plug (FPC side) and a socket (plate side) for easy connection. In addition, the connector adopts an inertial locking structure to prevent incomplete meshing of sockets and plugs in the assembly process and improve product reliability.
According to Panasonic, the new connector is suitable for cable connection of daylight headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, dashboards, transmission rods, steering switches, BMS, cameras and other similar equipment.