In an increasingly competitive market environment, efficiency, flexibility, speed, and cost reduction are key success factors in modern connectivity. At the same time, ever more complex electronic assemblies are placing new demands on PCB design. The clear trend is toward compact architectures with surface-mounted components designed for fully automated assembly processes.
Connectors play a critical role in this context: they ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connections between assemblies and are essential to the functionality and long-term reliability of electronic systems. With ongoing miniaturization and increasing automation, two technologies have become firmly established in particular: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Reflow (THR).
SMT and THR as Drivers of Manufacturing Efficiency
Both SMT and THR connectors enable seamless integration into automated assembly processes. This significantly increases manufacturing efficiency while offering substantial potential for long-term cost reduction through fully automated production.
However, the two technologies differ in terms of design requirements, material selection, and connector architecture. SMT solutions are typically used in applications with moderate mechanical stress, whereas THR technology is preferred in environments where higher mechanical forces act on the PCB. THR combines the benefits of surface mounting with the robustness of through-hole technology, delivering solder joints with stability comparable to traditional wave soldering processes.
End-to-End Solutions from a Single Source
CONEC Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH offers a comprehensive portfolio of SMT and THR connectors specifically designed for automated manufacturing processes. The product range includes a variety of sizes and contact configurations, enabling flexible adaptation to a wide spectrum of applications.
A key design feature of CONEC connectors is their two-part construction, consisting of an insulating body and a flange housing. This separation enables maximum design flexibility when integrating connectors into devices and enclosures.
Versatile Solutions for Signal, Data, and Power Transmission
For signal transmission, CONEC offers M8 connectors with A and B coding. The insulating bodies are available with or without shielding and cover configurations from 3 to 8 contacts. Additional housings for front and rear panel mounting enable different installation heights, ensuring a high degree of design flexibility.
For data-intensive applications, D-coded connectors for Industrial Ethernet (up to 100 Mbit/s) and P-coded variants for EtherCAT P applications are available. EtherCAT P combines high-speed data transmission with integrated power supply, enabling particularly compact and cost-efficient system designs.
Within the M12 portfolio, CONEC supports both signal and high-speed data transmission. X-coded variants are designed for data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s and meet stringent EMC requirements in accordance with CAT 6A. A key feature is the flexible shielding connection—both axial and radial—which ensures high design flexibility while effectively compensating for tolerances.
Connector solutions for power transmission are also gaining increasing importance. L-coded M12 connectors provide efficient power delivery in a compact format and are specifically engineered for automated THR reflow soldering processes.
Flexible Integration and Robust Design
All CONEC SMT and THR connectors are characterized by their modular design and high level of integration capability. They are suitable for both front and rear panel mounting, available in various installation heights, and can be supplied in bulk or tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly processes.
When mated, the connectors achieve IP67 protection ratings, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding industrial environments.
Practical Solutions for Industrial Applications
Typical application areas for SMT and THR connector systems span the full spectrum of industrial automation. In drive technology, M12 THR flange connectors mounted directly on PCBs enable simple and reliable connection of decentralized motor controllers—eliminating the need for complex internal wiring.
In remote I/O systems, integrated connectors provide space-saving and robust interfaces while simplifying assembly and improving overall system reliability.
In high-dynamic applications such as servo drives or encoders, SMT connectors enable compact integration and stable signal transmission even under significant mechanical stress. In sensor technology—such as hydraulic systems—THR-based solutions deliver exceptional mechanical stability and long-term reliability in harsh environments.
Conclusion
SMT and THR connectors are essential building blocks of modern electronics manufacturing. They not only enable efficient, highly automated production but also provide the flexibility required to meet growing demands for miniaturization, robustness, and performance.
With its broad and well-structured portfolio, CONEC delivers tailored solutions for a wide range of industrial applications, supporting the ongoing advancement of innovative electronic systems.
Advantages:
Connectors play a critical role in this context: they ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connections between assemblies and are essential to the functionality and long-term reliability of electronic systems. With ongoing miniaturization and increasing automation, two technologies have become firmly established in particular: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Reflow (THR).
SMT and THR as Drivers of Manufacturing Efficiency
Both SMT and THR connectors enable seamless integration into automated assembly processes. This significantly increases manufacturing efficiency while offering substantial potential for long-term cost reduction through fully automated production.
However, the two technologies differ in terms of design requirements, material selection, and connector architecture. SMT solutions are typically used in applications with moderate mechanical stress, whereas THR technology is preferred in environments where higher mechanical forces act on the PCB. THR combines the benefits of surface mounting with the robustness of through-hole technology, delivering solder joints with stability comparable to traditional wave soldering processes.
End-to-End Solutions from a Single Source
CONEC Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH offers a comprehensive portfolio of SMT and THR connectors specifically designed for automated manufacturing processes. The product range includes a variety of sizes and contact configurations, enabling flexible adaptation to a wide spectrum of applications.
A key design feature of CONEC connectors is their two-part construction, consisting of an insulating body and a flange housing. This separation enables maximum design flexibility when integrating connectors into devices and enclosures.
Versatile Solutions for Signal, Data, and Power Transmission
For signal transmission, CONEC offers M8 connectors with A and B coding. The insulating bodies are available with or without shielding and cover configurations from 3 to 8 contacts. Additional housings for front and rear panel mounting enable different installation heights, ensuring a high degree of design flexibility.
For data-intensive applications, D-coded connectors for Industrial Ethernet (up to 100 Mbit/s) and P-coded variants for EtherCAT P applications are available. EtherCAT P combines high-speed data transmission with integrated power supply, enabling particularly compact and cost-efficient system designs.
Within the M12 portfolio, CONEC supports both signal and high-speed data transmission. X-coded variants are designed for data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s and meet stringent EMC requirements in accordance with CAT 6A. A key feature is the flexible shielding connection—both axial and radial—which ensures high design flexibility while effectively compensating for tolerances.
Connector solutions for power transmission are also gaining increasing importance. L-coded M12 connectors provide efficient power delivery in a compact format and are specifically engineered for automated THR reflow soldering processes.
Flexible Integration and Robust Design
All CONEC SMT and THR connectors are characterized by their modular design and high level of integration capability. They are suitable for both front and rear panel mounting, available in various installation heights, and can be supplied in bulk or tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly processes.
When mated, the connectors achieve IP67 protection ratings, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding industrial environments.
Practical Solutions for Industrial Applications
Typical application areas for SMT and THR connector systems span the full spectrum of industrial automation. In drive technology, M12 THR flange connectors mounted directly on PCBs enable simple and reliable connection of decentralized motor controllers—eliminating the need for complex internal wiring.
In remote I/O systems, integrated connectors provide space-saving and robust interfaces while simplifying assembly and improving overall system reliability.
In high-dynamic applications such as servo drives or encoders, SMT connectors enable compact integration and stable signal transmission even under significant mechanical stress. In sensor technology—such as hydraulic systems—THR-based solutions deliver exceptional mechanical stability and long-term reliability in harsh environments.
Conclusion
SMT and THR connectors are essential building blocks of modern electronics manufacturing. They not only enable efficient, highly automated production but also provide the flexibility required to meet growing demands for miniaturization, robustness, and performance.
With its broad and well-structured portfolio, CONEC delivers tailored solutions for a wide range of industrial applications, supporting the ongoing advancement of innovative electronic systems.
Advantages:
- Compact design
- Flexibility in device connection
- Maximum design freedom
- Automated assembly
- Vibration-resistant connection
- High protection rating
- Drive technology
- Enclosure and device connection
- Rotary encoder manufacturer
- Sensors
