Membrane switch connectors connect the keypad to the product, device or machine. Connectors consist of contacts and molded plastic housings. Membrane switches are connected utilizing a flexible tail that is cut from the circuit material. This flexible tail can be inserted or connected to a printed circuit board with a variety of single row connectors designed for flex circuits. Alternatively, the tail can be designed to connect with a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connector. ZIF connectors have become extremely popular and industry norm. Solder tabs are also an option that can be considered
Connector Options:
ZIF Connectors
ZIF connectors are assembled to the PCB end and therefore there is no physical connector on your membrane switch side (the end of the flex tail is bare). ZIF connectors typically have a low profile, are lightweight, secure, and removable connections. ZIF connectors are appropriate for more complex applications and allow for higher levels of integration. The tail of the circuit is inserted into the ZIF connector to create the contact, and a stiffener is laminated under the tail to ensure stability and maintenance of the electrical contact. ZIF connectors may have anywhere from 2 to 30 positions on a single row, and distances of between 1mm and 2.54 mm are available.
Male, Female, or Solder Tab Housings
These types of connectors are considered to be more reliable against heavy shock and vibration. They also are known for more ease of assembly. With a much larger connection, male, female, and solder connectors have pins crimped to the circuit and are available with many different housing features. The tail pitch is available in .100” spacing.
Crimpflex Connecting System by Nicomatic
Nicomatic Crimpflex connectors conform to Berg, Molex, and Amp membrane switch connecting specifications by utilizing common pins in a specific housing to meet connection requirements. The Crimpflex crimping presses are dedicated to the manual and pneumatic crimping of male and female contacts and are known for their reliability, ruggedness, simplicity of use, speed, and precision. The Crimpflex contacts ensure mechanical retention and electrical contact by piercing the conductor in six points. The contacts are available in male, male solder tab, and female versions; the female contacts are selective gold or tin-plated. Crimpflex connectors’ standing housings are available in the OF series, which fits with the most common interfaces, or the OM series, which interfaces with cables and comes with an locking system that can be oriented to meet your specifications.