Amphenol Communications Solutions recently hosted a technical webinar focused on the Core Wire-to-Board (WTB) portfolio with François Pillet, Product Line Manager. This session provided valuable insights into our FCI Basics key product lines, application areas, and the exciting roadmap for 2025.
Introduction to FCI Basics
FCI Basics is a dedicated business unit within Amphenol Communications Solutions, specializing in providing core PCB interconnect solutions. The group focuses on offering a broad range of wire-to-board, board-to-board, and cable-to-board connectors that combine high performance with cost efficiency. FCI Basics operates a global manufacturing network, ensuring localized supply and short lead times. Their engineering expertise supports a wide variety of applications across industrial automation, medical devices, energy storage, and more, helping customers meet stringent technical requirements with reliable, standardized products.
Core Wire-to-Board Product Portfolio
François Pillet kicked off webinar with an in-depth overview of the key Wire-to-Board (WTB) products and offered solutions:
- ComboLock®: Designed for mechanical robustness, ComboLock® connectors are ideal for applications demanding vibration resistance and mechanical stability.
- BergStik®: A versatile board-to-board and wire-to-board connector system featuring a 2.54mm pitch, offering customizable stack heights and reliable solder retention.
- Dubox®: A wire-to-board connector system optimized for signal transmission with simple assembly and a proven 2.54mm pitch design.
- PV®: A wire-to-wire signal connector providing secure mating with high retention forces, suited for harsh environments.
- Quickie®: Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDC) enabling rapid, tool-less cable-to-board assembly, minimizing installation time.
- Minitek® and Minitek127®: Highly modular connector families that offer both cable-to-board and board-to-board options, designed for compact, high-density applications.
These products are engineered to meet rigorous performance requirements across Industrial Automation, Robotics, Medical Devices, and Energy Storage Systems.
Target Applications and Markets
Amphenol’s WTB solutions address critical industry needs, supporting:
- Industrial Automation: High-performance PLCs, HMIs, iPCs, smart sensors, and servo drives.
- Robotics: Reliable connectivity for LiDAR systems, robotic controllers, teaching pendants, and vision modules.
- Energy Storage Systems: Robust interconnect solutions for residential and commercial energy storage, ESS controllers, and battery management systems.
Advanced features such as high current carrying capacity, EMI shielding, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and Power over Data Line (PoDL) compatibility position these products as essential components in next-generation industrial infrastructure.
2025 New Product Introductions (NPIs)
Two significant product lines were introduced:
- FitMate® Series: Developed to extend Amphenol’s offering in the sub-2mm pitch segment, FitMate® connectors will support pitches of 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm, and 1.5mm. These connectors provide competitive performance, broad compatibility with existing industry standards, and cost efficiencies suitable for volume production.
- DensiMate® 1.25mm: Featuring a U-shaped pin structure for enhanced terminal positioning and stability, DensiMate® ensures superior mechanical robustness and mating integrity. Designed for compact applications requiring high reliability.
Preferred Parts Initiative
The webinar highlighted the ongoing Core WTB portfolio optimization through the Preferred Parts Initiative. This initiative streamlines product offerings to standard, widely applicable parts, simplifying design selection and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Customers benefit from:
- Ready-to-use crimped leads
- Ergonomic hand tools for rapid prototyping
- Comprehensive technical documentation and landing pages
- Application Success Stories
Application Success Stories
Several real-world examples were shared during the webinar, showcasing the effectiveness of Amphenol’s WTB solutions:
- Industrial Motor Systems (Factory Automation - Motors): Using the Minitek127® connector system, an industrial motor application achieved reliable, long-term performance. The connectors offered compact design, high durability, and cost-competitive volume pricing. Customers appreciated the project’s real-time tracking capabilities and the robustness of the solution under demanding factory conditions.
- UPS and Industrial Inverters (Industrial UPS Market): BergStik® connectors were selected for a large-scale UPS inverter project requiring low insertion force, high retention strength, and excellent high-temperature resistance. Tin-lead plating ensured strong solderability and reliable electrical performance, even in environments where thermal cycling was a major concern.
- IPC Boards (Industrial Automation - IPC Applications): The Minitek® 2.00mm connector series was deployed in compact IPC boards. The 2.00mm pitch provided a balance between high-density design and mechanical stability. The rugged materials used in construction ensured that the connectors could handle harsh operational environments without performance degradation.
- Manlift and UPS Applications (Industrial Market - Manlift Equipment): For an application involving manlift equipment, Quickie® IDC 2.54mm and Dubox® 2.54mm connectors enabled fast and reliable signal connectivity. With an emphasis on rapid sample delivery and adherence to strict compliance standards, the project was able to meet tight development schedules and achieve production readiness without delay.
Each success story highlighted the technical rigor behind Amphenol Communications Solutions' application solutions and the practical benefits customers experience, from accelerated time-to-market to reliable, long-term field performance.
Conclusion
The Core Wire-to-Board webinar reinforced Amphenol Communications Solutions’ commitment to advancing interconnect technology to meet evolving industrial needs. With new product launches like FitMate® and DensiMate® and the strategic streamlining of the Core Wire to Board portfolio, ACS is well-positioned to deliver superior solutions for the future of industrial connectivity.
For further technical details, please visit Amphenol Communications Solutions or contact your local Amphenol representative.
Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and further updates on our latest innovations.