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Features and Benefits
As Battery Management System (BMS) technology becomes more sophisticated, there is a trend towards miniaturization to save space and weight without sacrificing performance. If automotive connectors do not evolve to meet these size requirements, customers may be unable to integrate the latest BMS technologies into their EV designs. These connectors must also withstand harsh conditions, including high temperatures, vibration, and exposure to chemicals or moisture to avoid product failure. To keep labor costs and vehicle downtime at a minimum, customers require secure mating and easy-to-install connectors that do not require special tools for maintenance.
Designed for the demands of automotive electrification, Molex Flexi-Latch+ connectors provide excellent connection solutions, well-suited for electric vehicle (EV) battery boxes. These compact and lightweight connectors are constructed to withstand the adverse mechanical and thermal conditions of the automotive sector, featuring innovative designs that ensure electrical continuity, enhanced with multiple levels of locking and keying for secure mating. Flexi-Latch Plus Connectors are also USCAR-2/LV214-validated, making them ideal for shock and vibration. Not limited to EV applications, they also seamlessly integrate into power management systems, controllers, and power conversion units across various PCB layouts.
Applications by Industry
Commercial & Industrial Vehicles
This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the surface-mount termination (SMT) process different from what is typical in similar board-to-board/flat cable connectors?
The header portion of the connector has SMT terminals and fitting nails as solder elements, and this is the connector portion soldered to the PCB. The soldering process follows similar pick-and-place SMT connector guidelines, which are clearly spelled out in the product specifications.
How are cables joined to the connector?
The cable manufacturing process is two steps, followed by a physical insertion process. On the cable side, the appropriate/matched flat cable (FPC or FFC) is inserted (either by hand or via automation) into the Flexi-Latch+ Plug (plastic connector sub-component). The cable insertion process is completed when there is an audible ‘click’ and the cable is properly locked/retained.
An optional step of inserting an ISL to further lock the cable into the plug: The header is soldered to the PCB via SMT process. The final stage of full connection is the final cable assembly insertion. The previously assembled cable-plug assembly is inserted into the previously surface-mounted receptacle and auto locked in place. To complete the assembly, the connector position assurance lock needs to be slid into place. This connector has design features to help ensure a perfect mate and prevent incorrect connector assembly (e.g., upside down insertion, partial assembly, or locked if not properly inserted).