As electronic products continue to evolve toward thinner, lighter, and more compact designs, Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connectors play an increasingly important role in internal signal interconnection. Among various specifications, 0.5 mm pitch FPC connectors are widely adopted due to their balance between compact size, stable performance, and manufacturing feasibility. The Kinghelm  KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT is designed to meet these modern design requirements, offering a practical solution for compact electronic assemblies.

Kinghelm KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT Product Image

Product Overview and Design Concept

The Kinghelm KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT is a 0.5 mm pitch FPC connector featuring a horizontal surface-mount structure with bottom contact configuration. It is equipped with a drawer-type locking mechanism, allowing the flexible cable to be securely fixed after insertion. This structure supports stable electrical contact while helping reduce the risk of accidental disconnection during device operation or handling.

With a board-mounted height of 1.2 mm, this connector is suitable for designs where vertical space is limited. The 4-pin configuration makes it appropriate for signal transmission tasks with clearly defined functions, such as small display interfaces, control signal connections, or auxiliary module interconnections.

Advantages of 0.5 mm Pitch in Compact Electronics

A 0.5 mm pitch has become a widely accepted standard in FPC connector applications. Compared with larger pitch connectors, it allows higher routing density within the same PCB width, supporting miniaturized circuit layouts. Compared with ultra-fine pitch designs, it offers more manageable assembly tolerances and consistent long-term performance.

For designers, the 0.5 mm pitch of the KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT provides flexibility in PCB layout planning while maintaining compatibility with commonly available FPC cables and standard manufacturing processes.

Drawer-Type Locking Mechanism and Its Practical Value

The locking structure of an FPC connector significantly affects connection reliability. This model adopts a drawer-type locking design, where the lock slides to secure the flexible cable after insertion. This mechanism distributes force evenly across the cable, reducing localized stress on contacts.

In applications that involve vibration, movement, or periodic maintenance, the drawer-type lock helps maintain stable connectivity. It also simplifies insertion and removal, improving handling efficiency during assembly, inspection, or servicing.

Bottom Contact and Horizontal Mounting Structure

The bottom contact configuration allows the FPC cable to make contact from the underside of the connector, forming a consistent and reliable electrical path. This design can help minimize contact instability and is suitable for signal transmission environments that require dependable connectivity.

The horizontal surface-mount design keeps the connector parallel to the PCB surface, contributing to a lower overall profile and improved mechanical stability after soldering. As an SMD component, it integrates smoothly into automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering processes, supporting efficient mass production.

Electrical Characteristics and Material Considerations

The contacts of the KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT are tin-plated, a commonly used surface finish that provides good solderability and electrical conductivity under standard operating conditions. This plating choice supports consistent assembly quality while maintaining cost efficiency.

The connector is rated for a voltage of up to 50 V, which covers the requirements of most low-voltage electronic systems. Its operating temperature range of -25 °C to +85 °C allows it to function reliably in typical indoor and light industrial environments.

Compatibility with Flexible Printed Cables

This connector supports flexible cables with a thickness of 0.3 mm, a widely used specification in FPC applications. This compatibility offers designers a broad selection of cable options and helps simplify sourcing and material planning.

Proper matching between cable thickness and connector specification contributes to stable insertion force, reliable locking, and consistent contact performance throughout the product lifecycle.

Typical Application Scenarios

Thanks to its compact structure and defined electrical characteristics, the KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT can be applied in various space-constrained electronic devices. Common use cases include signal connections between small displays and control boards, internal connections in wearable devices, and interconnections within portable instruments or smart modules.

In these scenarios, low profile height, secure locking, and standardized pitch are important design considerations, all of which are addressed by this connector configuration.

Considerations for Design and Production

Beyond technical specifications, connector selection also involves packaging method and production compatibility. The KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT is supplied in tape-and-reel packaging, supporting automated SMT assembly lines. This packaging format helps improve placement efficiency and consistency while reducing manual handling during production.

For volume manufacturing, such features contribute to stable assembly quality and predictable performance across batches.

Kinghelm KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT Specification

Conclusion

The Kinghelm KH-CL0.5-H1.2-4PIN-SMT combines a 0.5 mm pitch, 1.2 mm low-profile structure, drawer-type locking mechanism, and horizontal bottom-contact design into a balanced FPC connection solution. As electronic products continue to emphasize compact layouts and reliable interconnections, this type of connector offers practical value in a wide range of modern electronic applications.

About Kinghelm

Shenzhen Kinghelm Electronics Co., Ltd.（www.kinghelm.net）has technical backbones from Tsinghua University and UESTC, and has introduced overseas returnee professionals. Kinghelm is able to develop highly reliable and high-performance antenna and connector products.KH series products of "Kinghelm" brand include Beidou/GPS antennas, RF adapter connectors, plug connector, electrical data connectors, terminals, and customized vehicle harnesses, industrial / medical connectors, and special antenna connectors."Kinghelm connects world", Kinghelm has grown with the development of China's Beidou industry. Starting from supplying Beidou/GPS dual mode antennas, IPEX terminals, and RF adapter cables for automotive manufacturers, Kinghelm has continuously developed products. Currently, it has a series of WiFi, Bluetooth, NB-loT, LoRa, Zigbee, UWB, and GSM antennas, RFID tags, RF adapter cables, standard microwave antennas, vehicle grade SMA, SMB, FAKRA holders, coaxial cables, and can customize non-standard antenna connectors based on customer drawings or samples.