Molex Micro-Fit TPA Receptacles and Cable Assemblies Avoid assembly errors and prevent them from escaping

Terminal retention redundancy helps prevent final product failure

(Singapore - June 20, 2017) Molex introduced the Micro-Fit TPA Single Row and Dual Row Socket and Cable Assemblies designed to prevent terminal breakdowns and cause malfunctions and to provide secondary terminal retention. The TPA technology ensures that the terminals are fully seated into the housing while the Micro-Fit TPA single and double row sockets also function as integrated secondary lock (ISL) devices. The combination of these two functions virtually completely eliminates the problem of terminal withdrawal caused by common assembly errors.

The effects of terminal withdrawal range from causing customer dissatisfaction (malfunctioning) until it has catastrophic consequences (exposed live terminals) and can result in the manufacturer being liable for the cost of the liability and for causing personal injury. This product saves money by eliminating the need for further quality assurance checks to ensure that the terminals can be inserted correctly and that the terminals can be prevented from coming out with expensive support services.

The Micro-Fit TPA single row and double row sockets are compatible with all existing Micro-Fit 3.0 headers and plug housings, enabling customers to integrate TPA designs without making major changes or investments.

Trent Perkins, Product Manager at Molex, said: "Because of Micro-Fit 3.0 compatibility, customers can integrate TPA products into their applications and only need to make running part changes to the enclosure part numbers during operation. No significant revisions or investments need to be made in the implementation of outstanding components, which will have a positive impact on the company's profits. "

This single row receptacle incorporates a one-piece housing that eliminates the need for additional components, thereby reducing SKUs. Two-row TPA sockets use two-piece retention collars, which currently support up to 12 circuits, while 14- to 24-circuit products are in development. The socket has the same current rating as the existing Micro-Fit 3.0 connector and 3.00 mm (0.12 in.) Pitch for high-power, low-pitch connections. Fully isolated contacts on each side of the interface prevent potential arc flash problems.

Finished Micro-Fit TPA Cable Assemblies provide a complete set of components that meet the requirements of the Electronics Industry Association (IPC) specification to save on tooling costs. Multi-color cable configurations ensure correct connection and provide UL 1061 discrete wiring for electronics applications. The cable assemblies are also RoHS / 2011/65 / EU compliant and are assembled within the ISO / TS16949 certified factory to meet current automotive standards.

Single and double row socket housings currently offer a wide range of circuit sizes, providing design flexibility and speeding up the implementation process. Applications include wire processors, consumer electronics manufacturers, car manufacturers and others.