LED’s create Ball of light in New York
New, low cost PCB connectors are ideal solution for bulk connection of LEDs in New York’s New Year celebrations
A new super-fast and compact way of connecting wires to PCBs has been used to create the celebrated ‘Times Square Ball’, which features in New York’s famous New Year celebrations. Hylec-APL’s new range of Torsion IDC 1245 surface mount connectors for PCBs provide the perfect solution for installing a large number of LEDs. The product provides quick connection with simultaneous strain relief. Moreover, there is no need to strip the wire first, saving time on installation and allowing for in-line connections to be made quickly and easily.
Hylec-APL is the sole UK supplier for the entire Zierick product range, which includes the Torsion IDC 1245 connectors. The IDC connectors are so small that ten will fit on the head of a penny. They leave a similar footprint on the PCB to hand soldering; however, connection takes only a fraction of the time. It is accomplished in one operation: the connector shears through the wire insulation to form the connection; whilst at the same time the connector creates independent strain relief.
The use of the insulation shearing slot means there is no need to strip the end of the wire to make a connection. Instead, connection can be made at any point along the wire; a perfect solution for in-line applications that require multiple terminations. This feature was key to the selection of the IDC connectors used for connecting 9,576 LEDs to the ‘Times Square Ball’.
Every year, the Ball descends upon Times Square as millions across America begin the countdown to the New Year; this is a tradition that is over 100- years old. Philips, the company that was responsible for lighting the Ball, decided that LEDs should be used to provide the illumination. This meant that the Ball would use far less energy than previously, while providing twice the brightness. With each LED drawing approximately 0.5 Watts the entire ball uses the power equivalent of 10 toasters.
As the Ball is subjected to harsh environments, with extremes of temperature and vibration, other conventional methods of connection would not have been capable of delivering a practical solution for this application. However, Zierick IDC connectors have been designed for such demanding applications. They have a low initial contact resistance which continues to decrease, rather than increase, over time.
About Zierick IDC Connectors
The IDC and other Zierick connectors are ideally suited for use with Aluminium substrate PCBs where through hole connections are difficult and not ideal to make. Hand soldering to these types of PCB also require very high temperatures and can potentially damage the circuit, whilst also looking ‘messy’. Zierick SMT connectors provide a professionally engineered solution which removes all of these problems and leaves this type of PCB looking clean and professionally finished.
Hylec’s new IDC connectors are ideal for most PCB applications. More economical and compact than many other connecting solutions, IDC Crimp Terminals are far less time consuming to install than hand soldering and offer the most efficient solution available. Hylec-APL is able to provide free, impartial advice on all of its products. For more information and to see more of their products please call or email on sales@hylec-apl.com
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Contact for Sales Enquiries: Terry Spriggs, Product Marketing Manager, Hylec APL Ltd., 6 Stanton Close, Finedon Road Ind. Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4HN. Telephone: 01933 234400 Fax: 01933 234411 email: sales@Hylec-APL.com
Web: www.Hylec-APL.com
Contact For Editorial Enquiries: David Bedford, DMA Europa.
Tel: +44 (0)1299 405454 Email: david@dmaeuropa.com
About Hylec-APL: Making the right connections
Hylec-APL specialises in the bulk supply of Electronic and Electro-Mechanical components to OEMs, Sub-Contract manufacturers, and Distribution organisations. Hylec-APL maintains a large UK stock profile, which reflects customer requirements at the company’s centrally located HQ and distribution centre in Northants.
Hylec-APL provides a wide range of product options and solutions including many thousands of different line items. From PCB Connectors and Terminal Blocks, to Cable Glands, Cable Accessories, LEDs, Switches, Buzzers, Relays, IP Rated Connectors and DIN Rail Mounting Enclosures, all items are quality assured and supported by dedicated technical expertise.