ALPS Presents New Connector Series for miniSD Memory Cards

Duesseldorf, Germany, March 31, 2005 – With the SCJB1 series ALPS Electric Europa GmbH offers a range of new connectors for the thumbnail sized miniSD™ memory cards. The standard mount type connectors are remarkable for their compact, low-profile design with external dimensions of only 23.5mm x 19.7mm x 2.15mm (l x w x h) and their long ejection stroke of 4.5mm for the storage media. For enhanced user-friendliness, the connectors feature a push-push mechanism, which allows an easy handling through manual insertion and removal of the miniSD™ memory card. The implemented half-lock structure prevents the memory card from falling down when being ejected. The robust, high-precision manufactured card connectors guarantee for an operating life of 10,000 mating/unmating cycles. Operating temperatures range between –25°C and +70°C. The connectors are available with a media detection switch, which ascertains the presence of a memory card. The media detection switch adopts a highly reliable contact structure, ensuring a safe connection to the miniSD™ memory card and a high impact resistance. 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 surface-mountable connectors are suitable for lead-free reflow soldering and are available in minimum packing units of 500 pieces. ALPS’ accumulated know-how in high-precision micropress technology and its long-standing mechanical design expertise for memory card connectors made it possible to reach the high degree of miniaturization of the SCJB1 series. Because of their compact external dimensions, these new connectors will increase the degrees of design freedom for set makers, contributing to their efforts to produce thinner, more compact devices. The SCJB1 series connectors are the ideal solution for mobile phones, personal computers, digital cameras, digital camcorders, personal digital assistants, and various other portable devices. For more information on the SCJB1 series of connectors please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/npv_pdf/05-0003_SCJB1_E.pdf

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.