ALPS Presents New Connector Series for the RS-MMC (Reduced Size Multimedia Card)

Duesseldorf, Germany, February 01, 2005 – ALPS Electric Europa GmbH announced the availability of the SCDC series of connectors for the RS-MMC™ (Reduced Size Multimedia Card). The surface mountable connectors are remarkable for their compact, low-profile design with external dimensions of 28.9mm x 18.1mm x 2.15mm (SCDC1A) and 28.9mm x 18.4mm x 2.4mm (SCDC2A). They feature long ejection strokes of 4.0mm for the storage media and use an easy-to-operate push-push mechanism, which allows for a user-friendly and easy handling through manual insertion and removal of the storage media and ensures great stability at the same time. The RS-MMC connectors are available in two versions: as standard mount type (SCDC1A) and as reverse mount type (SCDC2A), each with media detection switch. The incorporation of a media detection switch, which ascertains the presence of storage media, ensures its proper operation and contributes to the protection of the data on the storage media. ALPS designed the unit with two contact points which reduces the chances that the storage media will lose contact with the connector if the product is dropped or suffers from other impact. This endows the connector with the impact resistance needed in mobile devices. The robust, high-precision manufactured RS-MMC connectors guarantee an operating life of 10.000 mating/unmating cycles. Operating temperatures range between –25°C and +60°C. Further technical specifications are a maximum initial contact resistance of 100mΩ at the connector contacts and 500mΩ at the detection switch, an insulation resistance of up to 1,000MΩ and a voltage proof of 500VAC per minute. The connectors are suitable for lead-free reflow soldering. The high degree of miniaturization of the SCDC series was reached through the use of ALPS’ proprietary mold-machining and high-precision micro-pressing technologies. Because of its compact external dimensions, connectors are the ideal solution for various portable devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras and personal digital assistants.

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to YEN 602 billion. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office is located in Düsseldorf. A team of specialists is working here in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. From Düsseldorf the activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes and the European distribution are co-ordinated. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, located in Sweden, is servicing the Scandinavian market.