Author Topic: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996  (Read 1637 times)

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Offline badgerthingTopic starter

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($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« on: May 16, 2020, 10:45:41 am »
Hello!

I want to reproduce some hard-to-find RAM upgrade modules for the collectible Toshiba Libretto series mini-laptops.
These laptops came with 32MB RAM soldered, and a place to add another 32MB module. However, you can slightly modify a 64MB module from a later model laptop, giving 96MB total.
Both these modules are too hard to find. I want one for my Libretto 100CT, and a friend wants a few.
This will be an open-source design.

There is one roadblock stopping me continuing with the project: I need to identify the mezzanine connector used to connect the RAM module to the motherboard.
I cannot use a different one. I need to use the same one, or one that will fit. I can't change the mating connector on the motherboard.

140-pin
0.5mm pitch
Sits roughly 1.8mm off the PCB
Creates about 2.5mm distance between the two PCBs

Photos of the connector are attached, with a few measurements.

The 32MB module in my Libretto has the Transcend logo on it. I've seen pictures of other brand ones with the exact same PCB tracks.

I've checked Digikey, Mouser, Element14, RS Components.
It is most likely an obsolete connector, which I'll probably need to go to Alibaba for.

I'll give 50 bucks to anyone who successfully identifies it.

Cheers from NZ!
JD
« Last Edit: May 16, 2020, 10:49:10 am by badgerthing »
 

Offline KE5FX

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2020, 11:14:44 am »
Safe to say Samtec sells something such as that. :)  Surf around on samtec.com.  LSH/LTH, maybe?

The exact part may no longer be available but something compatible with it likely still exists.  BSH/BTH may be another candidate.  Or ERF5?

Hirose may be an even better bet, something like this

Or one of these?  This obsolete Molex part looks pretty close.  Finding the correct gender is a good exercise for somebody else...
« Last Edit: May 16, 2020, 11:55:18 am by KE5FX »
 

Online coromonadalix

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2020, 03:49:42 pm »
some links     
https://www.xodustech.com/guides/libretto-100ct-96mb-ram-upgrade
https://avics.home.xs4all.nl/Lib96MB.html

some part info ?
https://www.memoryx.com/nw2059u.html
https://www.memoryx.com/ktt3010321.html

Brand: Transcend
Product name: 32MB Toshiba Libretto 100CT
Product code : TS32MTL100

64MB Toshiba Portege 3010 RAM with model number PA2067U
 

Offline badgerthingTopic starter

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2020, 03:59:43 pm »
some links     
https://www.xodustech.com/guides/libretto-100ct-96mb-ram-upgrade
https://avics.home.xs4all.nl/Lib96MB.html

some part info ?
https://www.memoryx.com/nw2059u.html
https://www.memoryx.com/ktt3010321.html

Brand: Transcend
Product name: 32MB Toshiba Libretto 100CT
Product code : TS32MTL100

64MB Toshiba Portege 3010 RAM with model number PA2067U

Thanks

I've found these links before, but they definitely won't have a detail as specific as the model of mezzanine connector used on it. That information isn't useful to the end user at all.
 

Offline DC1MC

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Offline badgerthingTopic starter

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Offline Cloud

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2020, 12:08:47 pm »
I had some similar from hirose
 

Offline Haenk

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2020, 12:43:19 pm »
I suggest contacting MemoryTen, they might have these connectors as parts, mybe they even have some PCBs left. (They purchased lots of stuff "back in the day" for future use…)
 

Offline badgerthingTopic starter

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2020, 12:54:01 pm »
I suggest contacting MemoryTen, they might have these connectors as parts, mybe they even have some PCBs left. (They purchased lots of stuff "back in the day" for future use…)

Thanks!
I have emailed them.
They have a similar module on their site which has the correct connector: https://www.memoryten.com/p/018804.html
However, this is Transcend branded, which means they probably aren't making these memory upgrades, and so won't know what the connector model is.
Maybe I'll email Transcend...
 

Offline asis

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Offline badgerthingTopic starter

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Re: ($50 bounty) Identify this mezzanine connector from 1996
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2020, 01:24:12 pm »
https://datasheetspdf.com/pdf-file/776888/HRS/FX11LA-140P-SV/1

If only! This is the one that comes up first in my search at every distributor.
It doesn't look like it will fit when I look closely, but maybe it will, or with a small modification.
However, the datasheet does not have all the measurements of the internal plastic parts, because they assume you'll purchase these with the matching header.
I may add one to my Mouser cart to test if I come up empty elsewhere.
 


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