Skip to main content

Earbuds: Quality Sound in a Small Package

Modern earbud design illustrates a key challenge in electronics: surpassing boundaries in miniaturization to upend industry expectations. Engineers are tasked with making simultaneous — and often competing — breakthroughs in compact design, durability and high-fidelity sound. Molex offers solutions to these challenges with miniaturized cables and PCB connectors built to deliver premium durability and performance.   

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.


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