Hot-Swappable SMC Connector Family Adds Late Mate Contacts

ERNI Electronics has extended its SMC connector family in a 1.27mm pitch with hot-swappable variants. These connector versions feature late mate contacts to permit reliable system swapping during operation and/or with applied electric voltage in industrial applications or in cars. With “hot swapping/hot plugging,” the electronics are reliably protected by following a defined sequence of signal, ground, or power contacts when mating and unmating of the connector. Thus, when mating for example, it is ensured that a reliable ground connection is established first, before connecting the data lines (first mate – last break). The SMC connector family now satisfies the hot-swap mating requirements with the addition of late mate contacts. Angled male connectors of the two-row connector can be mounted at any position with late mate contacts. This means that developers can enjoy maximum flexibility for individual contact layouts based on the first mate/last break principle.