GTK launches flexible jumper strips
September 29, 2016 / Press Release , Connectors
GTK announced the launch of a range of flexible jumper strips that offer OEMs a variety of design options for board-to-board connections.
These jumper strips are available in through hole or surface mount versions. The through hole jumper strips are offered in a variety of pitches, including 1.27mm, 2.0mm, 2.54mm and 3.5mm, with mixed pitch versions available in a single strip. Jumpers are available with up to 80 conductors, dependent on the connector pitch. The jumpers are designed in a round-to-flat construction, which results in an even distribution of stress over the entire flexing area, and can tolerate repeated flexing. Jumpers are provided in a range of standard lengths, though custom lengths can be provided, and the conductors don’t require any wire stripping, with easy through hole insertion and soldering.
The range is available using a variety of different insulators, such as Polyester, Nomex, Teflon or Kapton to suit different environments. The jumper strips are intended for a permanent board-to board connection, but PCB connectors are available if a disconnect option is required.
The surface mount jumper strips provide a highly flexible, vibration resistant board-to-board connection and can be bent up to 1800 after soldering. They are ideal for applications where PCBs are “sandwiched” together or positioned at unusual angles. These jumpers are constructed with tin-plated copper contacts and are insulated with Kapton material for reflow soldering. They are supplied on tape-and-reel packaging and are auto pick-and-place compatible. The surface mount variants are supplied in 0.5 mm or 0.93 mm as standard and are available with up to 50 conductors, in lengths up to 25.4 mm. Custom pitches and lengths can be provided if required.
Caroline Ebbage, business manager for connectors, said, “Our range of flexible jumper strips provides an ideal solution for engineers looking for a high-performing, permanent board to board connection with a competitive applied cost. The configuration options are almost limitless and a number of our customers are designing in these connectors to their new product designs, because they can specify the exact product they need in terms of size, pitch, mechanical performance and insulation material. As the market demands increasingly smaller products, these jumpers help to minimise the space between PCBs.”