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Reliable Mechanical Connection Both PCB and device manufacturers see immediate benefits from this technology. In addition to saving costs, they can now use a single PCB layout for different device designs—and still implement flexible application-specific connections for signal, data, or power transmission (Figure 2). SKEDD contacts are an improvement on press-in technology, and they place no special requirements on the PCB. The contact zone consists of two flexible contact members that are easy to bend outward and that are adapted optimally to the PCB plated through-holes. When inserting the contact into the plated through- hole, the contact members are pressed together—thereby ensuring a secure mechanical and electrical connection. Lateral body-bound rivets on the connector increase the mechanical stability as well. The interlock is designed for standard PCBs with a thickness of 0.063in. and allows for up to 25 mating/unmating cycles (Figure 3). Tests In Accordance With the Railway Equipment and Household Appliances Standards In addition to the required approval and qualification tests, SKEDD direct connectors meet the highest requirements of mechanical and electrical safety. For example, both single- and double-row connectors are qualified for special fire protection requirements in accordance with DIN EN 60335-1 ("Household and similar electrical appliances—Safety"). This standard includes household appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and portable cooking appliances, drives for awnings and blinds, heating units, climate systems, and heating and cooling circulation pumps in private and commercial areas. Two tests prove the capability of the electrical components and the polyamide insulating material used. First, a glow-wire with a temperature of 850°C is applied to the material for 30 seconds. The Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) test is successfully passed if the test plate continues to glow less than 30 seconds after removing the glow-wire. The second test establishes the Glow-Wire Ignition Temperature (GWIT). For this test, a glow- wire with a temperature of 775°C is held to the plastic test plate. The material may glow briefly, but for less than 5 seconds, and it may not ignite. Single-row connectors are also qualified and approved for PCBs with HAL surfaces (Hot Air Levelling, surface protection) in accordance with DIN EN 61373 ("Railway applications—Rolling stock equipment— Shock and vibration tests"). These standards place high demands on the vibration-proof and shock-proof capabilities of devices and components used in trains. For this test, the connectors were exposed to 15 hours—five hours per spatial axis—of random vibrations with a frequency of 1 to 150Hz and an effective acceleration of up to 5.72m/s². Interruption of the contact may not exceed 1µs during this process. SKEDD Terminal Blocks Learn More 4 • Tool-free connection to the PCB • One-piece design reduces component count • Locking with body-bound rivets provides vibration-proof connection | 21 | Figure 2: Single- and double-row direct connectors offer solutions for countless applications such as climate control systems, smoke and fire alarms, or large household appliances. (Source: Phoenix Contact) Figure 3: SKEDD contacts consist of two flexible contact members that are easy to bend outward and that are adapted optimally to the plated through-bore-holes. (Source: Phoenix Contact)

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