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Designing Earbuds: Balancing Miniaturization with High Performance
Industry competition has propelled a race to develop smaller, higher-quality earbuds that offer superior sound fidelity and reliability. Battery life and smart features are being enhanced in these compact devices to meet consumer demands for longevity and convenience. Balancing these advancements with the requirements for cost-effective production and durability for everyday use remains a challenge.
Integrating advanced technology into these space-constrained devices is a critical hurdle. Precision engineering and cutting-edge micro-miniature PCB connectors from Molex make it possible to house high-quality sound components and intelligent features in designs.
Robust interconnect systems and electronic solutions from Molex increase the ability of earbuds to withstand daily wear and tear, perform under varied conditions and provide longer lifespans for users. Through design and material science, we’re helping facilitate the development of devices that not only meet but exceed user expectations.
Featured Products
Audio Driver Components
Design engineers are continuously innovating to deliver high-fidelity audio with enhanced bass response and sound clarity, even within the confines of compact devices. Molex is leading the industry with the development of the world’s smallest connector, optimized for design engineers who need to maximize PCB space while ensuring high-density circuit connectivity. These advanced connectors feature robust construction that ensures reliable performance and durability capable of handling the vibrations from powerful bass.
Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Max Current Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quad-Row Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.175mm | 20, 32, 36, 64 | 3.0A |
Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Actuator Style | |
---|---|---|---|---|
FFC/FPC Connectors | Wire-to-board | 0.20 to 2.00mm | 2 to 120 | Front flip, back flip, non-ZIF, slider, flexi-latch, one-touch |
Premo-Flex Flat-Flexible Cable | Cable | 0.25 to 2.54mm | 3 to 120 |
Power and Charging Components
To improve battery life and ensure product reliability, earbud designs must incorporate connectors that offer robust PCB retention in these small form factors. Molex offers a micro-miniature hybrid power connector that provides power and electrical reliability in an ultra-compact design, delivering space savings and faster charging.
Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Actuator Style | |
---|---|---|---|---|
FFC/FPC Connectors | Wire-to-board | 0.20 to 2.00mm | 2 to 120 | Front flip, back flip, non-ZIF, slider, flexi-latch, one-touch |
Premo-Flex Flat-Flexible Cable | Cable | 0.25 to 2.54mm | 3 to 120 |
Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Max Current Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|
SlimStack GCB7X Battery Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.40mm | 6 signal pin + 4 power pin + 2 fitting nail | 15.0A |
Quad-Row Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.175mm | 20, 32, 36, 64 | 3.0A |
USB Type-C Connectors | Wire-to-board | 0.50mm | 4 to 24 | 6.0A |