Summary of COMPONENT CARRIERS REPLACE FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS IN LINEAR MEASURING SYSTEMS
HARTING developed an injection-moulded component carrier that replaces flexible PCBs for mounting sensors and LEDs in linear measuring systems, providing precise 90-degree mounting, reduced assembly time and costs, improved measurement accuracy, sensor-module widths under 8 mm, and elimination of manual flex PCB assembly.
Parts used in the Component Carrier project:
- Injection-moulded plastic component carrier body
- Measuring sensors (magnetic, optical or inductive)
- Scanning head
- Linear slide with guide rails
- Printed circuit board (PCB)
- LEDs for status indication
- Evaluation electronics
- Second (redundant) sensor
HARTING has developed a component carrier that can be used directly with electronic components eliminating manual assembly and replacing flexible PCBs. Increasing precision and reducing assembly costs
Component carriers are equipped with measuring sensors for detecting position
The component carrier serves as a connecting element between a printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic components (such as LEDs, ICs, photo–diodes or sensors).
The measuring sensors of a scanning head for position detection, for example on a linear slide with guide rails, are often mounted onto flex PCBs. As magnetic, optical or inductive systems, they record the exact position of the slide. To do this the sensors must be positioned exactly at a 90 degree angle. The capability to mount these as precisely as possible improves the accuracy of the measurement results. A second sensor is often installed in the measuring head for redundancy. In addition, the status of the evaluation electronics is displayed using LEDs; these are mounted onto a flex PCB.
With HARTING’s component carrier the flexible PCB can be replaced completely. The injection-moulded plastic body already provides very precise 90-degree angles for mounting sensors. The component carrier eliminates the need for time-consuming manual assembly of the flex PCB. In addition, the sensors are positioned more precisely. Another advantage of the component carrier is that the width of the sensor modules can be further reduced to less than 8 mm.
Read more: COMPONENT CARRIERS REPLACE FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS IN LINEAR MEASURING SYSTEMS
- What is the purpose of HARTING's component carrier?
It serves as a connecting element between a PCB and electronic components, replacing flexible PCBs for mounting sensors and LEDs. - Can the component carrier replace flexible printed circuit boards?
Yes, the component carrier can replace flexible PCBs completely according to the article. - How does the component carrier affect assembly time?
It eliminates time-consuming manual assembly of the flex PCB, reducing assembly time. - Does the component carrier improve measurement accuracy?
Yes, by providing precise 90-degree mounting angles the carrier improves measurement accuracy. - What types of sensors are used with the component carrier?
Magnetic, optical, or inductive measuring sensors are used as described in the article. - Is redundancy supported in the measuring head setup?
Yes, a second sensor is often installed in the measuring head for redundancy. - Does the component carrier affect sensor module width?
Yes, it allows the width of sensor modules to be reduced to less than 8 mm. - Are LEDs included in the system and where are they mounted?
Yes, LEDs display the status of the evaluation electronics and were conventionally mounted onto a flex PCB, which the component carrier now replaces.
