Driven by the explosive growth of automotive electrical systems and many other industries using inverter and converter based power modules, press-fit technologies have become the preferred alternative for delivering highly reliable, solderless interconnect solutions.
To support the growth and performance demands of new applications in the automotive, transportation, green energy and power module industries, solderless press-fit interconnects are being designed and tested to carry much higher current levels than was typically considered feasible in the past.
Press-fit components have already been qualified for use in a wide range of automotive applications across the full spectrum of operating conditions, from under-hood, engine-mounted deployments to inside the passenger cab. Driven by the industry’s accelerating movement toward “electrification” of virtually all automotive applications, the use of press-fit interconnects is increasing rapidly.
The on-going electrification of automobile systems requires higher current levels and the successful vehicle-wide integration of these advanced applications requires efficient voltage and current conversion mechanisms to support various subsystems.
In addition, the need for sustained reliability across a broad range of operating temperatures and environmental conditions means that interconnects in automotive applications must meet very rigorous specifications.
Whereas the previous current carrying assumptions for press-fit devices was usually considered to be in the 3 to 4 amp range for 0.64mm pins and 8 to 12 amp range for 0.80mm pins, further design refinement and testing has demonstrated reliable high-current capacities of 20 to 30 amps and more.
These results demonstrate the capability of press-fit interconnects to provide high conductivity and current carrying capacities of 30 amps or more through a single press-fit eye, as well as the ability to maintain reliable and predicable current carrying performance curves across a range of operating temperatures including 125ºC to 150ºC and above.
To read more about the importance of current-carrying capacity and how to assure the best results, download the Three-Part Tech Bulletin Series on Current Capabilities in Press-Fit Applications.
