At the Heart of the Vehicle: Customized Interface Connectors from ept
It is not uncommon for the engine controller to be referred to as the heart of any motorized vehicle. Once an analog computer, now it handles not only fuel injection and ignition, but also the control of turbochargers, the monitoring of exhaust gas values, the operation of start/stop systems and countless other functions. This increasing complexity poses new challenges for connection technologies.
Requirements of the new Connectors
Like the human heart, the engine controller must also ensure reliable operation. To do so, both it and its components must withstand extreme conditions such as vibrations, high voltages and a tremendously wide range of temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary that the built-in PCB connectors are always sturdy and reliable accordingly, while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Since the risk of metal whiskering is increased under such extreme conditions, it became necessary to seek an alternative to the usual tin for the pin material.
Individual Interface Connectors upon Request
As a one-stop supplier, ept developed a customized interface connector for the sensors and actuators in the engine controller for a major German automotive supplier. To meet customer requirements, a combination of stitch technology and press-fit process was chosen for production. On the one hand, the proven Tcom press® press-fit zone made it possible to produce a gas-tight, durable, electrically conductive, and mechanical connection with low contact resistance. On the other hand, the stitch technology enabled a cost-effective solution in which the gold coating of individual pins ensures the fastest possible signal transmission to the respective sensors and actuators. In this way, it was possible to ensure that the re-design of a 154-pole connector had the required robustness while at the same time being economical. ept countered the problem of whiskering by using a special silver-tin alloy for the pins.
ept was able to convince the customer through...
- its many years of expertise in the press-fit process with the proven press-fit zone Tcom press®
- the use of the cost-effective stitch technology, which enables the selective gold plating of individual pins
- the use of a silver-tin alloy as pin material for minimized whiskering
ept – the Contact for individual Connection Solutions
ept is the right point of departure for specific customer requirements in connection technology thanks to the company’s many years of experience in implementing individual connection solutions. ept is also a reliable partner in the long term – from the first inquiry to prototype production, right through to the series delivery of individual connection solutions. With cross-industry expertise, bundled know-how and high quality standards, ept is shaping the mobility of the future. All production steps take place under one roof and are competitive at all times – whether stamping, galvanizing, injection molding or assembly. In this set of skills, ept expresses its self-image as a designer of the connection technology of tomorrow and thus always keeps its finger on the pulse, not least in the heart of the automobile.
This is what you can rely on with ept
High-Quality Project Management
Our experienced employees are your partners from the idea stage to the finished product and will provide you with active support and extensive expertise in accordance with the specifications of IATF 16949 (ADQP) from project definition to project implementation, right through until the project is complete. We channel our knowledge and experience into the advice and support we provide regarding product development.
Reasonable and Fair Pricing Policy
Everything comes from a single source – from development to production using in-house developed machines, right through to storage and delivery of the connectors.
This high level of vertical integration enables us to be extremely flexible and cost-effective and allows us to maintain fair conditions on the market.
This high level of vertical integration enables us to be extremely flexible and cost-effective and allows us to maintain fair conditions on the market.
Secure Processes
Our continuous project management (APQP) for product and quality planning is anchored throughout the entire product creation process. We pay the utmost attention to risk minimization and quality right from the beginning of the cooperation, while taking into account your specifications and our experience.
We are ept and that is what we stand for
"The automotive market is experiencing a serious upheaval. We are helping to shape this and develop solutions for unprecedented problems!"
Luitpold Braun, Key Account Manager at ept
Luitpold Braun, Key Account Manager at ept
"As a family business, ept has managed to become a global player."
Ulrich Stanke, Key Account Manager at ept
Ulrich Stanke, Key Account Manager at ept
"Our connectors are installed in safety-relevant control units such as the airbag, and can save lives in the event of a car accident!"
Alina Rößle, Internal Sales at ept
Alina Rößle, Internal Sales at ept