Solid State Lighting Connectors

Solid State Lighting Connectors - Contacts

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5050731100 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SSL SKT CONT 22-26AWG CRIMP	44873
5034850000 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SSL PLG CONT 26-28AWG CRIMP	14667
5050720101 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SSL SOCKET CONTACT SOLDER	4504
5050710101 Woodhead - Molex	CONN SSL PLUG CONTACT SOLDER	133752

Solid State Lighting Connectors - Contacts

1. Overview

Solid State Lighting (SSL) Connectors - Contacts are critical components designed to establish reliable electrical connections in LED-based lighting systems. These connectors enable power transmission and signal control between LED modules, drivers, and other system components. With the rapid adoption of energy-efficient LED technology, SSL connectors play a vital role in ensuring system longevity, thermal stability, and performance consistency in applications ranging from residential lighting to industrial automation.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Board-to-Board Connectors	Low-profile design, high-density contact arrangement	LED PCB assemblies, smart lighting control boards
Wire-to-Board Connectors	Quick-disconnect mechanism, strain relief design	Luminaire power input interfaces, retrofit LED kits
High-Voltage Connectors	Enhanced insulation, arcing resistance	High-bay industrial lighting, outdoor streetlights
Signal Transmission Connectors	Shielded contacts for data integrity	Smart lighting systems with IoT integration

3. Structure and Components

A typical SSL connector contact system consists of:

Contact Elements: Precision-machined copper alloy or phosphor bronze with gold-plated surfaces for low resistance
Insulation Housing: High-temperature resistant thermoplastics (e.g., LCP, PBT) with IP65+ protection ratings
Mechanical Locking: Polarized keying features and vibration-resistant latches
Thermal Management: Integrated heat dissipation fins for power contacts

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Current Rating	0.5A - 20A	Determines power handling capacity
Contact Resistance	10m	Impacts energy efficiency and thermal performance
Dielectric Strength	500V - 5000V AC	Safety and insulation reliability
Temperature Range	-40 C to +150 C	Operational stability in diverse environments
Mating Cycles	500 - 10,000 cycles	Longevity and maintenance requirements

5. Application Fields

Architectural Lighting: Linear LED strips, recessed downlights
Automotive: Headlamp assemblies, interior ambient lighting
Industrial: High-bay warehouse lighting, machine vision systems
Smart Systems: IoT-enabled lighting networks with dimming control

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
TE Connectivity	MicroSpeed SL Connectors	0.8mm contact pitch, 10Gbps signal capability
Molex	SL Series High-Power Connectors	20A rating, self-aligning design
Amphenol	SSL Advanced Contact System	Corrosion-resistant plating, quick-lock mechanism

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include:

Current/voltage requirements based on LED array configuration
Environmental factors: operating temperature, moisture exposure
Compliance with industry standards (e.g., UL, IEC 61535)
Interconnect density requirements for space-constrained designs
Cost-effectiveness for volume production scenarios

Case Example: For outdoor streetlighting applications, select IP67-rated connectors with minimum 1500V dielectric strength and anti-UV housing materials.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Miniaturization for compact LED modules (sub-1.0mm contact pitch)
Integrated sensors in connectors for smart lighting feedback loops
Graphene-enhanced contact materials for improved thermal dissipation
Modular hybrid connectors combining power, signal, and data lines
RoHS-compliant contact plating replacing traditional tin-lead finishes