C h a p t e r 2 | T h e Tr a d e - O f f s i n Pe r f o r m a n c e , D e s i g n , a n d I n t e g r a t i o n
Mechanical robustness becomes harder to achieve
as connectors, housings, and interface points
shrink. Smaller connectors contain less material,
which reduces their ability to withstand mechanical
stress or thermal cycling. Engineering solutions here
focus on contact geometry, force distribution,
and the use of high-strength alloys to restore
mechanical resilience without increasing volume.
In many cases, engineers must also introduce
redundancy, via multipoint contact designs
or additional mounting features, to preserve
connection reliability.
Cost is also an unavoidable element in the
discussion of trade-offs. Highly integrated
micromodules are more expensive on a per-unit
basis than equivalent discrete implementations.
However, the value equation often shifts when
factoring in the design effort, qualification
burden, and procurement complexity that discrete
designs entail. For many use cases, the ability
to buy a fully qualified signal chain block,
Smaller connectors use less metal
and material, which can result
in a mechanically weaker
solution. Reduced contact
size also leads to less stable
resistance and less reliable
connections—challenges we
must carefully address."
Nobumasa Motohashi
Team Manager of Research
and Development, Molex
14
11 Experts on Miniaturized Electronics Design and Applications
