Hirose Field Communications & Electronics Solutions
Hirose’s soldier wearable communications and electronics connector portfolio addresses the critical size, weight, and reliability constraints of body-worn military systems. Spanning power-and-signal hybrid FPC-to-board, high-current USB Type-C, one-action ZIF FPC, high-density board-to-board, and vibration-resistant wire-to-board interfaces, this portfolio supports the full range of internal interconnect functions within worn electronic systems. IP67/IP68 sealing options, halogen-free materials, and UL/C-UL compliance across the product family ensure each series meets the environmental and regulatory demands of modern defense electronics. Designed for dismounted soldier applications including communications devices, navigation equipment, biometric monitoring, and HUD-integrated helmet systems, these connectors deliver reliable performance where space is minimal and connection integrity cannot be compromised.
Featured Products
The BK Series is a fully armored, hybrid FPC-to-board connector engineered for high-density power and signal routing in compact wearable electronics. Available in ultra-low-profile configurations with pitches as fine as 0.3mm and stacking heights starting at 0.5mm, the BK Series integrates multi-power contacts and signal contacts in a single footprint, reducing PCB real estate in space-constrained designs. Power contacts support up to 15A depending on variant, and a dimpled contact lock design delivers high FPC extraction force for secure retention under shock and handling stress. The insert-molded header and receptacle eliminate gaps between terminals and housing, preventing solder wicking during board assembly. A wide self-alignment range in both pitch and width directions simplifies mating in high-volume or automated assembly processes.
Key features: 0.3mm–0.5mm contact pitch; up to 15A power contact rating; fully armored metal shell construction; high FPC extraction force; wide self-alignment range; halogen-free.
Applications: Wearable radio transceivers, power distribution in soldier-worn computing units, battery pack integration, biometric and physiological monitoring devices, dismounted navigation systems.
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The CX Series is a rugged USB Type-C connector family engineered for portable and wearable electronics requiring high-speed data transfer and fast charging in a compact, environmentally sealed package. Waterproof variants within the family achieve IPX8 certification, withstanding immersion to 1.5m for 30 minutes via a front sealing gasket combined with internal potting. A 22% smaller mounting footprint than comparable receptacles on the market reduces PCB area constraints in tightly packaged soldier-worn devices. The CX Series supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 data rates up to 5Gbps and current ratings up to 6A for rapid charging, with a symmetrical mating design allowing reversible plug insertion. Built-in guide posts ensure precise PCB positioning, and the deep-draw shell construction with six through-hole reinforcement posts provides mechanical robustness under vibration and drop impact.
Key features: IPX8 waterproof rating (waterproof variants); USB 3.2 Gen 1 support up to 5Gbps; 6A current rating; 22% reduced PCB mounting area; reversible plug insertion; top-mount and mid-mount options; RoHS compliant.
Applications: Soldier-worn handheld computers and comms devices, body-worn battery charging interfaces, tactical tablets, GPS and navigation units, wearable computing modules requiring rugged USB connectivity.
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The FH Series is a family of ultra-low-profile ZIF (zero insertion force) FPC connectors featuring Hirose’s One Action lock mechanism, which completes the FPC connection with a single insertion stroke, eliminating the actuator operation step required by conventional flip-lock designs. This reduces assembly operation steps by approximately two-thirds compared to standard FPC connectors, improving manufacturing throughput and reducing risk of actuator damage. Series variants span pitches from 0.25mm to 0.5mm with mated heights as low as 0.65mm, and several variants include an original FPC mis-mating detection design for reliable process quality control. High FPC retention force and two-point contact designs prevent contact failure due to contamination and vibration. Halogen-free materials are available across the family.
Key features: One Action single-insertion lock; pitches from 0.25mm to 0.5mm; mated heights from 0.65mm; high FPC retention force; mis-mating detection; two-point contact design; halogen-free materials.
Applications: Display and sensor interconnects in wrist-worn and helmet-mounted devices, FPC routing within tightly packaged communications modules, camera and imaging system interfaces, body-worn HUD display assemblies.
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The DF40 Series is a 0.4mm pitch board-to-board and board-to-FPC connector family offering stacking height flexibility from 1.5mm to 7.0mm in 0.5mm increments, with a common plug design across the 1.5–4.0mm height range to simplify design iteration by receptacle substitution alone. The 3.38mm board depth, among the shortest available for this pitch class, enables extreme reduction of PCB footprint in multi-board stacked architectures. Shock-absorbing ribs on both mated connectors dissipate impact stress, and a self-alignment range of ±0.33mm in X and Y directions accommodates PCB registration tolerances during assembly. The DF40 supports transmission up to USB4 Gen 2 (20Gbps), and shielded variants are available for noise-sensitive signal routing. An effective mating length of 0.45mm ensures robust contact engagement with high extraction force.
Key features: 0.4mm pitch; 1.5–7.0mm stacking height range; common plug across multiple heights; USB4 Gen 2 (20Gbps) transmission support; shock-absorbing rib design; ±0.33mm self-alignment; shielded variants available; RoHS compliant.
Applications: Multi-board stacked architectures in soldier-worn computing platforms, high-speed data interconnects between processing and communications modules, body-worn sensor fusion units, compact radio assemblies.
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The KW30 Series is a 1mm pitch, single-row, center-lock wire-to-board connector from Hirose’s SignalBee family, designed for applications demanding reliable signal connectivity under sustained vibration and mechanical stress. A two-point contact design combined with a crimp contact deflection prevention structure maintains stable electrical connection under shock and vibration conditions. A positive center lock with rib geometry prevents incomplete mating, misinsertion, and lock damage during assembly and field use. Straight and right-angle connection options accommodate varied PCB layout requirements, with a wire gauge range of 28–32AWG. Available in 2 to 10 positions, the KW30 holds UL/C-UL listing and is produced using halogen-free materials.
Key features: 1mm pitch; center-lock positive retention; two-point contact with deflection prevention; 2–10 position range; straight and right-angle options; 28–32AWG wire range; UL/C-UL listed; halogen-free.
Applications: Sensor and subsystem wire routing in body-worn electronics, vibration-prone antenna and radio module connections, wearable battery management wiring, internal signal distribution in carried-equipment platforms.
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Field Communications & Electronics Resources
