CFAX12864C-NGH flex: mating connectors

[jwesthues]

Can you recommend a connector to mate with the flex on a CFAX12864C-NGH LCD module? The mechanical specs on the datasheet aren't terribly clear to me. I need a surface mount side-entry connector.

[CF Tech]

The CFAX series displays are designed for applications that are extremely space constrained. It is not designed for, and I am not aware of, a connector that mates with it. To add a connector (if one existed) could easily double the overall thickness of the display assembly.

The contacts are designed to be soldered directly to your PCB. Basically the pattern is a 0.6mm pitch; 0.3mm wide pads spaced 0.3mm apart.

APE makes a tool called the "BondMaster" that will work for small production runs and prototyping:

http://www.apecorp.com/h.htm

You would need to make a fixture specifically for your PCB.

For single-unit prototyping, you can use 30-gauge wire wrap wire to carefully bring the contacts out to a larger connector that is easier to use for prototyping.

Please be careful. The contacts are fragile and easy to break if there is any "back-and-forth" flexing of the contacts.

[jwesthues]

That's a shame, since I'm using a weird form factor that means that the display is at ~135 degrees from the digital board, so I need the thin module, but I could tolerate a very thick connector.

For the elctrical prototype, I will have to solder to the flex, I suppose, and I have never done this before. Is a fine-tipped soldering iron and liquid flux an acceptable solution, or do I have to use hot air?

[CF Tech]

You can just use a regular soldering iron and solder. The heat is not critical (within reason), the critical thing is that flexing the contacts will make them break off, then they are ruined.

You want to fix the display and the wires so they do not flex relative to each other while you are working with them.

[CF Tech]

Here is a photo of a hand-soldered CFAX12664A:

http://www.crystalfontz.com/backlight/CFAX_Solder.jpg

Here is a close-up of the solder connection:
http://www.crystalfontz.com/backlight/CFAX_Solder_Close.jpg

Here is a pic of the PCB lands backlit:
http://www.crystalfontz.com/backlight/CFAX_Land_backlit.jpg

and lit from the front:
http://www.crystalfontz.com/backlight/CFAX_Land.jpg