Micro-USB and microSD Connectors

Molex Enables the Design of Smaller Portable Devices

Mobile devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras become smaller and smaller. The trend towards miniaturization requires ultra-small electromechanical components enabling designers and manufacturers to further reduce real estate. Offering a range of Micro-USB and microSD connectors, Molex provides new opportunities for the design of new and future mobile devices.

The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF) has finalized the specification of the Micro-USB technology in early January 2007, thus addressing the continuous miniaturization of mobile devices. Micro-USB will replace most of the Mini-USB plugs and receptacles that are currently being used.

Micro-USB Receptacles
The latest Micro-USB receptacles from Molex offer a more compact footprint and a volumetric space reduction of more than 50 % compared to Mini-USB receptacles – a critical advantage to the development of smaller and sleeker mobile devices. The new receptacles are compliant with the Micro-USB 1.0 specification and support the current USB On-The-Go (OTG) supplement. USB OTG allows direct communication between two portable devices without the need of a host.
Available as standard and mid-mount version, the B-type Micro-USB receptacles have a lead-in feature for blind-mating capability. To prevent mis-matching with A-type plugs, the receptacles feature a bevelled B-style mating profile.
The mid-mount version features a unique laser-welded shield design, ensuring mechanical strength and rigidity of the 0.3 mm stainless steel connector shell. This helps to prevent damage to the plug or receptacle caused by any perpendicular or horizontal forces. Both receptacle versions, standard and mid-mount, are specified for up to 10,000 insertion cycles. Wide side solder tabs ensure maximum receptacle to PCB retention.

Ultra-small microSD Connectors
Mobile phones, portable audio players and other mobile devices use Flash memory cards as removable storage devices or means to exchange photos, texts, sounds and other data with PCs. The microSD memory card with its postage stamp like size of 11 x 15 x 1.0 mm is the smallest Flash memory card in the world. It saves about 70 % of space versus miniSD cards. Molex answers the call for ultra compact connectors for microSD memory cards with a series of extremely compact connectors, which combine smooth card insertion and extraction with a secure fit and reliable contacting. Three different types of connectors are offered:

All Molex microSD card connectors are rated at 0.5 A and include metal shielding for electrostatic discharge protection. When used with adapters, they are fully compatible with systems that support SD and miniSD cards. Since the microSD standard evolved from the previous TransFlash standard, all of Molex’s previous Trans-Flash connectors have been tested to accept the new microSD cards as well.

Please refer to the Molex Website and the “Miniature Memory Card Catalog” available in Tech Library/Literature Central for the full range of microSD connectors.

Additional Information
For detailed specifications please contact your local SPOERLE Branch Office or visit

www.molex.com

© SPOERLE 2008