Press Release
For Immediate Release

Molex Launches One-Stop System Solution
for the Mobile and Hand Held Devices Industry

LISLE, Ill., – March 10, 2004 – Lower design and resource costs for a variety of hand held or mobile device applications with the HandyLink™ connector system from Molex Incorporated. The new connector system is a complete, compact solution designed for cellular phones, PDAs, retail scanners, bar code readers, GPS devices, pen notepad computers, human and vehicular tracking devices, portable medical and industrial devices, and more. With a 0.80mm (.031”) pitch, the HandyLink connector system offers higher current capabilities. It can carry a continuous current of 1.5 Amperes, with the ability to carry up to 3 Amperes, depending on the circuit configuration.

This one-stop system solution is available from Molex in a right angle SMT receptacle version and both wire and PCB plug versions that are well-suited for wire-to-board applications or board-to-board applications. For docking applications, the HandyLink connector system offers both perpendicular and parallel mounted versions of the cradle connector.

The connector system includes a wide array of cable assemblies and accessories with full turn-key capability on finished cradle assemblies. Capabilities range from design to manufacturing and assembly through commercial ready pack-out.

“Today’s hand held and mobile device market offers new services and features that require users to constantly connect to multiple gadgets, making design flexibility a key issue for the manufacturers of these devices,” said Debbie Kiley, group product manager, Connector Products Division, Molex Incorporated. “The HandyLink connector system gives hand held and mobile device manufacturers a one-stop solution that provides the design flexibility, long-term performance and reliability needed to help them create a complete value-added product.”

SMT Receptacle Connector

The HandyLink SMT Receptacle connector incorporates a molded sealed design that supports various Ingress Protection requirements, as well as a high-temperature, thermoplastic housing that withstands lead-free processing. This version allows for 20,000 mating cycles, making it perfect for small, pluggable hand held devices. The HandyLink SMT Receptacle connector also includes :

• SMT receptacle leads to allow population to both sides of the PCB
• Low profile height of 3.5mm and compact width
• Integrated, solderable tabs that provide PCB grounding and retention to PCB during processing
• Tape and reel packaging for robotic pick and place processing.

PCB and Wire Plug Connectors

For increased design flexibility the HandyLink also is available in both PCB and wire termination plugs. The PCB plug version is ideal as a mask for the over molding of boot and strain relief, while the wire plug version incorporates a shelf feature on the solder tails that makes it easier for wire placement and hand soldering. These versions also allow for 20,000 mating cycles, which is optimal for applications where multiple mating cycles are required. The PCB and wire versions also include:

• An integrated latch design inside the alignment posts to prevent wire entanglement during shipment or processing
• A first-mate, last-break design that prevents damage to electrical circuitry in the system by having the ground pin mate first, followed by the power pin and finally by the signal pins
• The capability to use with 22 AWG maximum, offering a broad wire gauge range that provides mechanical and electrical cabling flexibility

Cradle Connector

With parts available in both perpendicular and parallel mounting to the PCB, the HandyLink cradle connector version offers design flexibility for all docking applications. Its robust design also incorporates a screw mount hold down that provides additional mechanical stability when attaching to the PCB. This version also includes:

• SMT leads and high-temperature, thermoplastic housing that withstands lead-free processing
• Tape and reel packaging for robotic pick and place processing
• An integrated patented latch design that provides ESD protection and mechanical integrity during shipping and handling

Cable Assemblies and Accessories

The HandyLink connector system features diverse, off-the-shelf cable assemblies and accessories for a variety of applications:

• HandyLink Double Ended Cable – 16 circuits loaded; provides a customized pinout to attach different cables to the same connector for different applications in the same packaging
• HandyLink-to-USB A Cable – allows for fast connection to PCs to download and/or upload data; is one meter long, but allows for customization
• HandyLink-to-Mini B Cable – fast and reliable direct interconnection to other devices
• HandyLink-to-Car Adapter Cable – a one meter coil and retractable cable; adapts to car lighter receptacle to power the device
• HandyLink-to-Headset – 1.5 meters long for superior comfort during use
• HandyLink-to-Wall Plug Adapter – AC/DC capability for quick and easy battery charging (1.5 meters long)
• Standard HandyLink cable assemblies can also be overmolded in straight and right angle configurations, reducing initial lead-time and increasing the sample response time. Additionally, Molex has strategic alliances with various suppliers who have the capability of personalizing any cable assembly with individual customer logos.
• “Customized cradle assembly offers our customers a full, turn-key solution that also allows for pack-out capabilities, making their products consumer shelf-ready,” said Jairo Guerrero product manager, Integrated Products Division, Molex Incorporated. “Plus, with Molex’s global capabilities for manufacturing cable assemblies and accessories, our customers can also get the localized support to meet their deliver, design and cost expectations.”

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HandyLink™ is a trademark of Molex Incorporated