20 Jun 2023
In a vehicle, connectors and electronic components must be watertight and resistant to vibration. As the vehicle's functionality, mainly electronic, continues to increase, the available space is becoming smaller. More embedded electronics means more printed circuit boards and accompanying interconnects. Reliable supports, such as leadframes, are essential to accommodate these electronic components. Solutions exist to connect them in a space that is becoming more and more restricted.
Watertight connectors
In a car engine environment or in exposed areas, connectors are subject to a variety of conditions: temperature, humidity, immersion, and pollution by dust and fluids such as water, glycol, oil, fuel, brake fluid, and diesel exhaust fluid (e.g., AdBlue). To avoid pollution and infiltration, connectors must be watertight to maintain the integrity of the
electronic systems. Communication between the sensors and the ECU (electronic control unit) must be ensured throughout the life of the product.
This is especially true for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving functions, including safety systems and anti-lock brakes.
As much as systems are developed to be watertight when connected, watertightness is not guaranteed when they are disconnected. Fluid infiltration, whether along cables or along electrical contacts, can occur even with overmolding that should protect the assemblies. Connectors made of a combination of plastic and metal parts show leakage rates for relatively low pressure differentials, but also show a strong
deterioration of the sealing performance during aging. This is when problems can occur. Technical solutions to avoid these issues involve materials,
design, and quality controls during the connector manufacturing process. Combined chemical and mechanical solutions help achieve the required performance for a reasonable price. The design of the electrical contacts, made of metal, favors
adhesion with a plastic insulator. The surface preparation improves the bonding of the plastic on the metal or on the plastic during the double operation of overmolding.
Depending on the application, assembled or directly overmolded gaskets can also be integrated to ensure a seal with the counterpart. In the design phase of the connector, it is essential to validate a sealing solution with accelerated aging tests,
mainly based on stringent automotive standards (including EN 60529, an international ingress protection rating standard).
More information on Connector Supplier ebook