Molex introduces micro-SIM card sockets for ultra-small consumer electronics

     Molex Corporation announced the launch of two series of push-pull 6-way and 8-way micro-SIM card sockets developed specifically for portable communication devices such as ultra-thin smartphones, tablets, GSM/UMTS modems and PC cards. The height of the Molex78727 series socket is 1.40mm with a detection switch; The 78646 series has a height of 1.45 mm without a detection switch.

     An outstanding feature of Molex's micro-SIM card sockets is the built-in short-circuit protection. The 78646 Series socket features a housing design that limits the lateral movement of the SIM card after insertion to prevent short circuits. The 78727 series socket raises the plastic wall to create a contact barrier that separates the inserted SIM card from the metal housing of the socket.

     The 78727 series socket has a card deflection feature that prevents the insertion of a micro-SIM card from the wrong direction. This series of sockets also comes with a detection switch to detect the card after it is fully inserted. The 78646 Series socket comes with a chamfered edge marker to assist in correcting the orientation of the micro-SIM card insertion.

     Jason Foo, senior product marketing Engineer at Molex's Commercial Products division, said: "The consumer sector continues to demand smaller communications devices, including smartphones and tablets, and the micro-SIM specification is part of this design evolution. The new micro-SIM series offers an optimized value-added socket solution with a wealth of advanced designs, including short-circuit protection features, detection switches and card bias to ensure SIM card insertion is correct. And these socket products are built in to prevent users from misinserting."

     The round terminals of the two-socket series provide excellent electrical contact performance, while the step-in reverse terminal design enables smooth insertion and withdrawal. In both socket series, each socket has a total of 14 welding points to achieve a strong PCB crimping.

     Both 78646 and 78727 series sockets have LCP housing that can withstand high temperatures and have a wide "finger" area for push-pull operation of the SIM card. The new sockets meet the requirements of the RoHS and ELV directives.