Samtec’s BullsEye, named the DesignVision winner at DesignCon 2010, is a high-density, high-performance, low-cost solution that eliminates the need for expensive radio frequency (RF) connectors on production boards.
Vectra LCP from Ticona gives dimensional stability to housing in award winning Samtec BullsEye System.
Florence, KY, Kelsterbach, Germany– Samtec Inc. has specified a glass-fiber reinforced Vectra liquid crystal polymer (LCP) from Ticona Engineering Polymers for an injection molded housing used in its award-winning BullsEye test point system.
"The decision to use Vectra E130i was simple — it provides the needed precision, dimensional stability and mold flow that Samtec requires in thin-wall electronic connectors," says Jon Hoffman, Advanced HDR Development Engineer, Samtec.
"We've had a lot of success with it so we didn't need to spend much time considering alternatives."
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Samtec’s BullsEye, named the DesignVision winner at DesignCon 2010, is a high-density, high-performance, low-cost solution that eliminates the need for expensive radio frequency (RF) connectors on production boards.
An inexpensive microwave cable adaptor (RF25M) attaches to the existing SubMiniature version A (SMA) type RF connector on the test equipment, then to a plastic housing (CCH) on the board via a compression tip with locking features.
A conductive elastomeric inside the plastic housing allows for the ground to transfer to the board in the same manner as it would in an SMA. The plastic housings use the exact footprint as an SMA, but cost much less. Ganged versions can be used to increase the density.
The BullsEye unit contains a Vectra LCP housing that forms the heart of the RF connector. The Vectra LCP workhorse, 30 percent glass filled E130i, was Samtec's material of choice because it offers high-heat resistance, good dimensional stability and good flow.
Vectra LCP is well suited for electrical and electronic components.
"Its high flowability allows it to fill long, complex flow paths in molding and create thin-walled parts having outstanding dimensional accuracy, both of which are essential in creating high-precision parts like the housing that Samtec used in the BullsEye," says Ed Hallahan, marketing manager — Vectra LCP.
"Vectra LCP also gives electronic component manufacturers excellent dimensional stability and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so they can consistently obtain dimensional accuracy with virtually flash-free parts at an economical cost."
Vectra E130i is 30 percent glass filled and offers the following material characteristics:
High temperature capability for easier flow and quicker cycle times, making it suitable for applications where very thin walls are required.
UL 94 V-0 listed at 0.20 millimeters thickness in natural and black.
Relative-Temperature-Index (RTI), according to UL 746B: Electrical 464°F (240°C), Mechanical 464° F (240°C), Mechanical with Impact 428° F (220° C) at 0.75 millimeters.
Inherently flame resistant without additives.
Halogen-free.
"In choosing the material for the BullsEye housing, we quickly went with what had worked in the past," said Samtec's Hoffman. "We knew Vectra would work and that Ticona wouldn’t let us down with quality or deliveries. This confidence saved us time in getting the product to market.”
For more information visit www.samtec.com and www.celanese.com