Wearable devices have developed very rapidly in recent years. However, everyone's attention is focused on the product's creativity, shape, or processor, platform, etc., but it ignores one of the seemingly inconspicuous but important devices, that is, the connector. Regarding the technology trends and development prospects in this market, how do connector companies view it? The reporter interviewed Brian Krause, vice president of global marketing and communications at Molex.

Reporter: Although the wearable device is very hot, it has not been widely used. What do you think is the main reason?

Brian Krause: The rapid growth of smartphones and tablets is a good example of how innovative manufacturers can create new markets – and it will have far-reaching implications for the way people work, play, get news and entertainment, and communicate in human society. Impact. We expect portable and wearable device electronics to continue to grow. At the same time, the appeal of wearable devices is slowly increasing, and these products may not be popular, but many new products are already in the prototype construction phase. From a design point of view, wearable devices offer the complex challenges of meeting signal and power requirements in a feature-rich environment, but they offer compact, lightweight and durable products that people want to wear. Beautiful appearance.

Reporter: What are the main factors affecting the development of the wearable device market? How do you need to improve your functions, design, and hardware and software?

Brian Krause: Most wearable devices will be accompanied by or "second" mobile devices, usually connected to smartphones using short-range, low-power wireless methods such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi Direct. This means they will be very price sensitive, and consumers are looking forward to having a range of applications on relatively low-priced devices, which will present significant challenges for design engineers and manufacturers. For example, a high quality display may be the main component in the BOM list. In addition, wearable devices will obviously contain a wide range of functionality, which requires a miniaturized design.

Wireless connection to "pair" or "pair" two devices must be very simple and unobtrusive, which will require high quality wireless components, high signal integrity levels, and a combination of good software design. It is an area where software design can be improved, and the form factor is naturally an important consideration for most end users. For example, do end users need a smart watch that is quite large and easy to watch? Or is it small and unobtrusive? Either way, the miniaturization requirements for internal electronic components, including interconnect solutions, are inevitable, and this is where Molex has its main proprietary technology.

Wearable devices such as smart watches and smart glasses are similar, optimized for communication data, as well as display of notifications and alerts. Both types of devices are complex and compact, and their interconnect requirements are the same, requiring signal and power integrity in a very space-constrained environment. Board layout limitations include the use of double-sided PCBs, which will require the use of FFC/FPC “flex” (flex) connectors for micro-coax interconnects where shielding is required.

In particular, we will see an increase in the number of MEMS-based sensors designed for ultra-mobile devices, including accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes, as well as smart watches and glasses, in 2014. Smart watches on the market have integrated sensors that allow cyclists to see performance data such as speed during exercise. Molex now offers touch sensors for this area, with a variety of switch formats and layouts added to the design. Available options include discrete switches, slide switches, wheels, and a combination of tactile and non-tactile products. Tactile, or tactile vibration, feedback, and proximity sensing are additional options. These solutions from Molex are directly applicable to wearable devices.

Molex brings a wealth of experience with these new devices. For example, we understand that in densely packed electronics, the mating of wire-to-board connectors often requires high insertion forces, which can result in damage to components. Accordingly, Molex offers a space-saving Micro-Lock connector system that ensures the industry's lowest 2.00mm pitch connector insertion force, combined with damage-proof pin protection to prevent connector pins from being angled. Bending or crushing occurred during the period. Micro-Lock connector with guard wall and detent features, guiding the plastic shell into the connector for safe, damage-free insertion

Reporter: What is the development trend of the wearable device market? What is the time for a real large-scale start-up?

Brian Krause: The market for wearable devices, including smart watches, smart glasses, smart clothes, and even high-end smart jewellery, is expected to be a multi-billion dollar market. Consumer expectations for wearable devices are strikingly similar to emerging telemedicine and telemedicine monitoring applications. Whether users want to set a business dating schedule, track nutrition and fitness goals, protect children, families and pets, or monitor their heart rate or blood sugar, they expect a less cumbersome device that is comfortable, convenient, and durable, and has Wi-Fi -Fi, USB, Bluetooth, and other popular communication protocols, the ability to synchronize or seamlessly communicate with their smartphone or tablet.

Reporter: What is the key role of creative design in the development of wearable devices? How does creative design complement each other?

Brian Krause: Innovative design will have a major impact on the development of wearable devices, and highly integrated form factor products for ultra-mobile applications require new interconnect technologies. Breakthrough technologies such as Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) technology enable the production of highly reliable and durable molded interconnect devices (MIDs). For example, in complex 3D antenna production, LDS technology can be used to transfer 3D designs onto molded antenna carriers, even directly on the device while ensuring signal and power integrity. Molex is continually developing these microminiature interconnect products, and LDS technology and MID molding technology certainly support the modular design approach to wearable devices.