Optimal Board-to-Board Connector for Integration of Automotive ECUs

The design department of an automotive equipment manufacturer had been developing new integrated ECU’s. With safety being a high priority, it is essential for a board-to-board connectors to withstand harsh environments specific to automotive applications. There is a requirement for multiple boards, which support high-speed signals, to be efficiently integrated into the unit for maximum functionality. Unique to the application was the requirement for increased power supply from one board to the other. The power supply capacity had to be taken into account, and finding the best connector fit became a challenge.

Summary of Challenges

Compatibility with high-speed signal transmission and reliability in harsh environments specific to automotive applications
Connector solution required for communication between multiple boards integrated in a single unit
Due to the fact that this is a completely new development, exact connector requirements were not clearly defined initially for specifications such as pin count, size and power.

Solutions