Omron Components Europe released four low profile FPC connector models. All feature Omron’s rotary backlock mechanism that gives reliable termination in fewer production steps. The Omron XF3A is designed for 0.12mm thick FPC with a mounted height of 0.6mm. It is initially being offered in 12 and 24 way formats on a 0.3mm pitch, with 8, 11 and 18-way versions under development. Also new, is the 0.3mm pitch XF3B family, for 0.2mm thick FPC, with a profile of 0.9mm, available in 35 and 67 way formats. For wider pitch designs, Omron has introduced the XF2W on a 0.5mm pitch, and the XF2K on the 0.4mm pitch favoured in some handheld or consumer applications.

The XF2W can accept 0.3mm pitch FPC flex, but is just 1.1mm high fully mated, as opposed to 2mm for the existing and comparable XF2M. Overall footprint has also been reduced, as the new XF2W is just 3.5mm deep, compared with 5.9mm for the XF2M. It has initially been released in 16, 20, 24 and 64-way configurations. For applications calling for a 0.4mm pitch FPC with a 0.2mm thickness, Omron has introduced the XF2K, with a profile when assembled of just 0.9mm. Initially released in 57 ways, the XF2K is just 4.0mm deep. Fully RoHS compliant, the new connectors are Halogen free. All the new styles have a rated current of 0.2A at 50V DC. The XF3B, XF2W and XF2K all offer the convenience of double sided contacts allowing the FPC to be inserted either way up.