New Delhi: Molex (www.molex.com) today announced the launch of its 67840 series of SMT secure digital/secure digital IO (SD/SDIO) memory card connectors to maximise space saving.

This new series of connectors feature 1.8mm (0.071") stand-offs for good solderability and even allows a 1.5mm (0.059") high ASIC chip to be mounted beneath the connector. Offered in top mount styles with a maximum terminal-and-nail co-planarity of 0.1mm (0.003"), the memory card connector assemblies are available in two footprint versions to fit custom PCB requirements.

One of the two versions features separate metal solder-tabs built under each arm extension of the connector housing. The single-piece metal shell of the connector has four metal tabs to provide robust connector securement to PCB as well as for I/O grounding. The other version features I/O grounding metal tabs located mid-way of connector edge. Both versions have locating pegs, which are part of the housing design.

These nine-circuit connectors measure have a low profile height of 2.80mm (.11") and accept industry standard SD memory cards. The connectors have metal grounding covers for excellent EMI/RFI protection and feature a unique ''push-push'' eject system for easy card insertion and extraction and secure card retention.

Other features include bevelled spring contacts for secure mating retention and an offset terminal for first-make/last-break capabilities. The connectors are rated at 0.5A per contact and can withstand up to 10,000 cycles. The connectors'' detect-and-write-protect switch functions enable secure downloading of digital data such as image and MPEG-video files. The connectors are available in embossed tape packaging for automatic board mounting.

SD memory card technology is widely used in miniature digital data storage. The postage-stamp size cards meet the needs of today''s compact and portable electronic equipment that require secure and removable storage solutions. Miniature flash memory cards are popularly used in video and digital cameras; mobile terminals; digital IC recorders, printers and music players; automotive multimedia systems; computers and handheld PCs; and cellular phones.

Molex Inc is a 64-year-old global manufacturer of electronic components, including electrical and fibre-optic interconnection products and systems, switches, value-added assemblies and application tooling. Based in Lisle, Ill., USA, the Company operates 55 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries.

Molex India, an ISO 9002 and QS 9000 certified company, is one of the country''s largest connectors manufacturer. By virtue of its technology leadership, local manufacturing and value-added service, Molex aims to become a complete interconnect solutions partner to its clients. An unrelenting commitment to quality and volume production is made possible with Molex India''s comprehensive infrastructure.

This comprises 90,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore with world-class capability to manufacture connectors cable assemblies and structured cabling systems. Molex India commenced operations in India in 1988.

A second plant at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for telecom connectors and a tooling facility at Bangalore, which meets captive global tooling requirements, give Molex a very strong manufacturing base in India.