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TE Connectivity has expanded its 1.27 mm pitch connector portfolio with the introduction of the AMP SMC essential connector series, aimed at industrial applications. The new board-to-board and board-to-wire connectors complement the company’s existing ERNI SMC range by offering a lower-cost alternative for less demanding operating environments.

For eeNews Europe readers, the announcement reflects the continued demand for compact, reliable interconnect solutions in industrial electronics. 

Connector portfolio targets cost-sensitive industrial designs

The AMP SMC essential connector supports currents of up to 1.7 A, operates at temperatures up to 125°C, and meets IEC 60603 Class 2 requirements for vibration and shock resistance. TE says the connector has been designed for applications that do not require the higher mechanical performance of its existing ERNI SMC connector.

The ERNI SMC series, which shares the same 1.27 mm pitch, remains positioned for harsher industrial environments. It complies with the more stringent IEC 60603 Class 1 vibration and shock requirements and supports a higher number of mating cycles.

By offering both product families within the same pitch, TE aims to give equipment manufacturers greater flexibility when selecting interconnects based on application requirements rather than adopting a single performance level across an entire design.

Shared features simplify board-level integration

Despite their different performance targets, both SMC connector families share several design characteristics intended to improve assembly and long-term reliability.

Both use double-sided spring contacts to maintain reliable electrical connections, while locating pegs provide additional mechanical strength. Polarisation features help prevent incorrect mating, and lead-in chamfers improve blind-mating performance by accommodating misalignment of up to ±0.7 mm during assembly.

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