Hirose Releases 0.5 mm Floating Board-to-Board Connector for EV Powertrain Designs
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Hirose Releases 0.5 mm Floating Board-to-Board Connector for EV Powertrain Designs
Hirose Electric has launched the FX36 series, a 0.5 mm pitch board-to-board connector engineered specifically for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain applications. The component is designed with a floating and vibration absorption structure to withstand harsh automotive environments. It directly targets the demanding operational requirements of BEV/HEV inverters, DC/DC converters, onboard chargers, and X-in-1 consolidated units. For these systems, high-temperature operation, vibration robustness, and dense packaging are critical for reliable performance.
The mechanical design of the FX36 series addresses the physical stresses inherent in automotive operation through its advanced floating mechanism for misalignment tolerance. The connector permits a relative board movement of ±0.7 mm in both the X and Y directions, alongside an effective mating length of ±0.5 mm in the Z direction. This flexibility improves assembly yields by making the connection more forgiving to printed circuit board (PCB) tolerance stack-ups and automated assembly variations. Additionally, a dedicated vibration absorption design attenuates PCB amplitude in the mating direction by 0.05 mm during operation, ensuring stable electrical contact in high-vibration scenarios.
FX36 series 0.5mm pitch board-to-board connector
Thermal resilience and electrical reliability are central to the connector's suitability for automotive powertrains. The FX36 series is specified for a maximum heat resistance of 125 °C, which aligns with standard under-hood temperature profiles. This thermal capability allows engineers to position the connector near intense heat sources like power modules without derating its performance below system needs. Furthermore, the component features a two-point contact structure that provides redundant paths per signal, enhancing long-term robustness against micro-fretting, minor contamination, and minute PCB movements over the vehicle's lifespan.
For hardware engineers and procurement teams, the introduction of this connector offers a strategic advantage in system miniaturization. The 0.5 mm fine pitch and compact form factor enable tighter board spacing and higher functional integration within confined powertrain enclosures. By utilizing the FX36 series, automotive manufacturers can successfully shrink the footprint of X-in-1 units and domain controllers without having to revert to bulky, space-consuming cable harnesses. Consequently, the component acts as both a mechanical and thermal design element that supports the industry's shift toward denser, more efficient EV architectures.
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Sources:
Passive Components EU Hirose Electric's new FX36 series is a 0.5 mm pitch board-to-board connector designed for EV powertrain environments.
EPCI Hirose Releases 0.5 mm Floating Board-to-Board Connector for EV Powertrain Designs.
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