Low-Profile Connector Series for SD Memory Cards and MultiMediaCards

Ideal solutions for mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, digital camcorders, PCs, home AV equipment, etc.

Duesseldorf, Germany, October 10, 2005 – As minaturisation of end user devices continues, manufacturers of memory connectors are also having to offer smaller versions of their products. Additionally, suppliers must met stringent demands with regard to contacting, mechanical and electrical load and holding force. At the same time, however, component assembly should remain easy and cost-effective. In keeping with these requirements, ALPS Electric Europa GmbH now provides a new series of low-profile connectors for SD memory cards and MultiMediaCards. The new product family is designed as reverse-mount version with a stand-off of 1.8 mm, and it features a compact, low-profile design with external dimensions of only 27.0mm x 29.0mm x 4.65mm (W x D x H). The connectors offer an 8.5mm ejection stroke for the storage media and a push-push mechanism that ensures easy handling through manual insertion and removal of the memory card. These robust card connectors are manufactured with great precision and guarantee an operating life of 10,000 mating cycles. Their operating temperatures range between –25°C and +60°C. Further technical specifications for the SCDA5 series include a maximum initial contact resistance of 100mΩ at the connector contacts, an insulation resistance of up to 1,000MΩ and a voltage proof of 100VAC per minute. As countermeasures for momentary power failures, the ground terminal is divided into two terminals (double contact). The surface-mountable connectors are suitable for lead-free reflow soldering. Moreover, the temperature consistent plastic material allows unproblematic and secure SMT assembly. ALPS’s accumulated know-how in high-precision micropress technology and its long-standing mechanical design expertise for memory card connectors made it possible to reach the high degree of miniaturization that the SCDA5 series offers. Thanks to their compact external dimensions, these new connectors will increase the degrees of design freedom for set makers, and thus help them produce thinner, more compact devices. The SCDA5 series connectors are the ideal solution for applications in portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, digital camcorders and PCs – as well as for home AV equipment such as TVs, set-top boxes, etc. For more information on the SCDA5 series of connectors, please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/npv_product/SCDA5/SCDA5-E.HTML

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 61 sales bases in 14 countries. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office is located in Düsseldorf. A team of specialists is working here in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. From Düsseldorf the activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes and the European distribution are co-ordinated. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, located in Sweden, is servicing the Scandinavian market.