Rugged applications have demanded an even more secure mechanical connection between the two mated components. The SMC wire-to-board solution has been improved with modifications that meet the requirements of industrial automation and automotive segments.
The SMC Secure Lock variants are specifically designed to address the needs of inverter designs in electric/hybrid vehicles. The enhanced and securely latched mated connector is claimed to enable relaxed systems tolerances while avoiding precise mating procedures that can add cost and compromise yield.
The geometry of the IDC female and the PCB male connectors requires increased mating forces to achieve the enhanced locking mechanism. A secondary design benefit is that the user receives a tactile and audible feedback to confirm the connection is secure. The risk of contact damage during plugging is also said to be eliminated due to additional guides and wider locking latches. To release the connector, a low-cost tool is available.
