Micro USB

With a 50% reduction in connector volume over the Mini-USB connector, the Micro-USB connector features the smallest footprint of all USB interconnects and offers significant reduction in PCB real estate for a host of portable devices. These include mobile phones, MP3 players, digital video and still cameras, PDAs, Global Positioning Systems, photo printers, mouse, keyboards, and flash drives

Micro-USB technology was developed by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF), an independent nonprofit group that advances USB technology. Molex's Micro-USB connectors offer advantages of smaller size and increased durability compared with the Mini-USB. Micro-USB connectors allow manufacturers to push the limits of thinner and lighter mobile devices with sleeker designs and greater portability.

Micro-USB replaces a majority of Mini-USB plugs and receptacles currently in use. The specification of the Micro-USB supports the current USB On-The-Go (OTG) supplement and provides total mobile interconnectivity by enabling portable devices to communicate directly with each other without the need for a host computer.

Molex has developed seven series of Micro-USB Type 'B' and Type 'AB' receptacles in a selection of top-, bottom- and mid-mount versions, and a new series of USB 'A' to Micro-USB 'B' cable assemblies. These connectors include a lead-in feature in the connector housing for blind-mating of receptacle to plug.

The connector body has a unique laser-welded metal shield design that reinforces mechanical seam strength while preventing damage to the plug or receptacle due to perpendicular or horizontal (wrenching) stress. Other key features of the product include high durability of over 10,000 insertion cycles, and a passive latching mechanism that provides higher extraction forces without sacrificing the USB's ease-of-use when synchronizing and charging portable devices.

Features & Benefits:

• Small footprint - Ideal for space-constraint applications
• Stainless steel shell (0.30mm [.019"] thick) - Facilitates easy blind-mating to cable plugs
• Simple edge-contact beam geometry of connector shell - Facilitates high-speed data transmission
• Over-mold process used for receptacles Increases component mechanical rigidity and terminal retention
• 0.30mm (.019") thick laser-welded stainless-steel shell of receptacle - Enhances mechanical durability while providing for electrical shielding
• Passive latching window with angular tabs (meets USB 2.0 specification requirements) on receptacle shell - Prevents accidental un-mating of plug during connection
• Rear shield of stainless steel shell in standard-mount versions - Provides for EMI protection
• Pick and place area (3.00mm diameter [.118"]) on connector shell - Facilitates smooth assembly process
• Halogen-free receptacles - Environment-friendly
  

See also:
Micro-USB Interconnect Solution (.pdf) for more product information, specifications, applications and ordering information.