Certain applications are helped more by interconnect solutions than others. If you can assemble a component to a flat flexible cable (FFC) or rigid board, then you can also assemble it to etched foil heater technology, flexible printed circuit (FPC) or high temperature foil heater.
At JenTer Technologies, we offer an array of flexible heating element solutions for several different industries. Our products include high temperature foil heaters. The types of interconnects commonly used include:
Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) Connectors
The Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) is one of the most used style of connectors. It features the design of the FPC with a tail having pitched rows of pads and a general thickness that correlates with the ZIF connector in use.
Through-Hole Connectors
The most reliable and robust method for connection to a heater or FPC is by through-hole connector technology. This technology can be somewhat advanced for novice designers during the process of assembling to an FPC. The application of a rigidizer is a common way to carry out this assembly process. The rigidizer is to be applied between the connector and the circuit, followed by the pins being soldered from the back side to the FPC.
The rigidizer keeps the flex planar as it delivers mechanical support. For electrical isolation, the potting material or adhesive is often applied over the pins while also adding mechanical support.
Board-Mount or SMT Connectors
There are several benefits to using SMT style connectors – package size being one of the most important. Using SMT connectors, designers can implement high pin count connectors in small locations, increasing connectivity with the circuit.
FFC/FPC Crimp-Style Connectors
The environment that surrounds the circuit or the material being used may prevent soldering a connector to a circuit in some applications. Crimp-style connectors require no soldering. Using equipment that installs pins into a circuit, these connectors terminate to flexible circuits. Once this is done, the connector housing is installed over the pins. The automotive industry commonly makes use of these types of connectors, and other OEMs are using them as well.
To learn about the aluminum foil heater and various flexible heater options we offer at JenTer, call us today at 920.928.2022 or send us a message through our contact form.