Hi everyone,

I’m redesigning an existing display unit and would appreciate some connector/cable suggestions.

Currently, the 16-pin LCD module is soldered directly to the main PCB.
For the redesign, I want the front-panel/LCD assembly to be independently replaceable.

Current LCD interface:

• 16 pins in a single straight row
• 2.54 mm pitch
• LCD module: HDM16216L-7-Z10S
• Cable length needed: approximately 3 inches / 75 mm

Ideally, I would like something like:

LCD - flat/ribbon cable → locking female connector → mating PCB header → main PCB

My requirements are:

• 16 conductors
• Preferably a flat/ribbon-style cable, not 16 loose individual wires
• One end can be soldered directly to the LCD's 1×16 holes
• Other end should have a removable connector
• Positive latch/locking mechanism

I looked at TE FSP-23A-16 (2-1437167-7) because it is 16-conductor, 2.54-mm pitch and 3" long, but I haven't found a good locking connector that is specifically intended to terminate onto its other end.

I also looked at the Amphenol Clincher 67516-216LF, which provides the type of positive locking connection I want, but finding a readily available 16-conductor, 2.54-mm-pitch flat cable with the correct construction for the Clincher seems difficult.

Would you recommend:

1. A specific 16-position locking ribbon-cable connector/cable family?

Any specific manufacturer + part numbers or any other ideas than the above would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

There exists a very common scheme for such connections!! The connection material is called "ZEBRA STRIP", and it has been used for many years. This material is typically used to connect from a PCB to a display, or another PCB.

 

I would use straight 16-pin 0.1" pitch male/female headers.
If the LCD and PCB are not aligned, use IDC and flat ribbon cable.

 

What defects prompted this LCD redesign? Those facts will influence the needed connection design.

 

"ZEBRA STRIP",

Now there's a term I haven't heard in a hundred years. OK, more like 40.

 

That product IS BY FAR THE BEST product for reliable connections to displays, including ACTUAL GLASS with printed conductors. I think that it is still available, although others may have copied it. That product is one of those inventions that does not become obsolete! HOW ELSE can you make a reliable connection to circuits printed on glass?? And do it in production with about 100% yield??

 

That product IS BY FAR THE BEST product for reliable connections to displays,

I think many Fluke owners would disagree with that statement.

 

Hello,

The lcd displays with the zebra stipes on the edge are often mounted with elastic polymer strips.
The wiki shows them:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastomeric_connector

Bertus

 

What I have come across was GLASS and a hard plastic frame. Held together with self-tapping screws.

 

Depending on how the LCD is used and since this is a redesign you may want to just add a 16 pin LCD Serial Adapter. This makes for easy as to the display. The 16 pin configuration is parallel and adding a simple Parallel to Serial gets you down to 4 lines, two for power and a SD (Serial Data) and a SC (Serial Clock). These simply piggy back on your LCD board. I use them with my 20 X 4 LCD displays. Since I haven't a clue what your LCD is displaying or how you are deriving the data this is merely a suggestion.

Ron