Connectors for Automotive and Electronic Applications

Fignre 15.10 Breakdown voltage versus UL tracking resistance. GF, glass fiber. 

As it has become necessary to design more automotive features into the same or smaller package areas, automotive designers have responded by reducing the size of the wiring used for signal transmissions in harness connectors, which allows an increase in electrical connections per unit area. This 

Similarly, SPS is well positioned to benefit from the trend toward electric hybrid vehicles. The superior electrical tracking resistance of SPS (Rg. 15.10) is well suited for the connectors, terminal and fuse holders, etc., that are needed for this evolving market. With a CTl of 600V, SPS offers good protection against terminal-to-terminal short circuits and other benefits to the electronic architecture needed to integrate 600-V electrical power systems into vehicles. 

The fact that SPS typically offers weight reduction, in comparison with other materials, is an added benefit for all automotive applications as it helps to improve fuel economy. 

In addition to wire harness connectors, printed circuit board-attached connectors, for automotive or electronic applications, also benefit from many of SPS s performance characteristics, including low viscosity, which helps to fill thin walls and heat resistance to maintain dimensional stability through lead-free reflow soldering operations (see Table 15.2). The trend toward miniaturization in automotive electronic control modules has increased the need for compact surface mount connector technology, as opposed to bulkier through-hole and wave-soldered alternatives. 

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