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Card Edge Connector
Industrial, IT Datacom
When board space is tight and wireless throughput defines the user experience, the connector sitting between the M.2 module and the host PCB is rarely noticed — until it fails. CONSHARE designed the CUF018G67M1XX as a 67-position, E-key M.2 connector in a 6.7 mm height profile, built specifically for PCIe Gen 4 wireless modules that must stay reliable through temperature swings, repeated handling, and high-density SMT assembly.
E-key M.2 slots are the standard home for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, and emerging C-V2X modules. Unlike storage-oriented M-key connectors, E-key interfaces must protect delicate RF and high-speed differential pairs while surviving the mechanical stress of module insertion in cramped IoT, notebook, and embedded designs.
A poor connector choice typically shows up as:
Intermittent PCIe link retraining under vibration
Module tilt or seating issues after assembly
Cold solder joints on fine-pitch terminals
Plating wear that raises contact resistance over time
The CUF018G67M1XX addresses these pain points at the component level, so your design team spends less time debugging field failures and more time shipping product.
This connector is laid out for 0.50 mm pitch, 67-position E-key modules. The contact geometry and housing profile are matched to the 6.7 mm height class, giving module makers and system integrators a compact yet structurally sound mating interface.
Design Challenge | How CUF018G67M1XX Responds |
|---|---|
Tight vertical clearance in slim enclosures | 6.7 mm low-profile housing keeps the module close to the PCB |
High-speed PCIe Gen 4 differential pairs | Controlled pin-to-pin geometry supports clean signal paths |
Repeated module swap or test cycling | 60 insertion/extraction cycles rated life with stable contact resistance |
Harsh temperature environments | Operating range of -40 °C to +80 °C |
RoHS and halogen-free compliance targets | LCP housing rated UL94V-0 and halogen-free construction |
Rather than listing every dimension, CONSHARE focuses on what those dimensions enable: a connector that disappears into the BOM and simply works across the product lifecycle.
Every CUF018G67M1XX is produced under CONSHARE's connector manufacturing standards, with process controls aimed at holding tight tolerances on terminal position, coplanarity, and plating thickness across large production lots.
Stable contact resistance: Phosphor-bronze terminals with nickel under-plating and gold flash over the mating area keep initial resistance low and inhibit corrosion.
SMT-friendly geometry: The terminal footprints and stand-off heights are optimized for standard reflow profiles, including peak temperatures up to 260 °C for 10–20 seconds.
Tape-and-reel packaging: Supplied on reels compatible with high-speed pick-and-place lines, with 700 pieces per reel and 4,200 pieces per carton to simplify Kanban and line scheduling.
Predictable lead times: CONSHARE maintains focused capacity for standard M.2 key types, so project planners can commit to build schedules without the uncertainty common to long-tail connector SKUs.
Not every M.2 module uses the same key. Selecting the wrong key type is one of the most common — and most expensive — mistakes in early PCB layout.
M.2 Key | Typical Module Types | Pin Count Range | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
A Key | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, some WWAN | 75 | Legacy wireless |
E Key | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, C-V2X | 67 | Compact wireless / IoT |
B Key | 2G/3G/4G modems, SSDs | 75 | Broadband modems |
M Key | NVMe SSDs, high-speed storage | 67 / 75 | Storage |
If your module is a wireless or low-power connectivity card, E-key is almost certainly the correct choice. The CUF018G67M1XX's 67-position count and keying notch location align with the industry E-key footprint, so it drops into standard module keep-out zones without forcing a board spin.
This connector is routinely specified in designs where a small wireless module must survive real-world handling and thermal stress. Representative applications include:
Industrial gateways and edge computers — stable contact resistance across -40 °C to +80 °C keeps field devices connected.
Medical and portable diagnostics — low-profile 6.7 mm height supports slim enclosures without sacrificing module retention.
Notebook and tablet motherboards — E-key compatibility for the latest Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.x modules.
Telematics and automotive aftermarket units — reliable retention for GNSS and C-V2X modules in vibration-prone environments.
Smart retail and POS terminals — compact footprint preserves PCB area for displays, payment modules, and antennas.
The base part number CUF018G67M1XX covers the standard 1 μ" minimum gold flash plating configuration. CONSHARE can support common M.2 connector variations to match your program requirements:
Higher gold plating thickness for harsh or long-life environments
Alternative tape-and-reel quantities or labeling
Process audit documentation and inspection reports for automotive or medical customers
Before placing an order, confirm three details with your engineering team:
Module key type — verify E-key on the module edge card.
Height clearance — ensure 6.7 mm fits your enclosure stack-up.
Current loading — this connector is rated at 0.5 A max per pin, which is ample for wireless modules but should be checked if auxiliary power rails are routed through adjacent pins.
A: No. E-key is keyed differently from M-key and B-key connectors. SSDs almost always require M-key or B+M-key sockets. The CUF018G67M1XX is intended for wireless and connectivity modules.
A: Standard lead-free reflow is suitable. The connector is qualified for a peak temperature of 260 °C for 10–20 seconds at the solder joint.
A: Yes. The drawing specifies halogen-free material construction and RoHS compliance.
A: It ships in embossed tape on reel, with peel force controlled between 0.01 kgf and 0.13 kgf at 300 mm/min for reliable pick-and-place feeding.
CONSHARE engineers are available to review your M.2 layout, confirm key compatibility, and recommend plating or packaging options that fit your production plan. Whether you need samples for EVT or volume reels for mass production, we can align delivery with your build schedule.