What is Conductive Zebra Connector ?

Conductive Zebra Connectors are elastomeric interconnects made of alternating layers of conductive silicone and insulating silicone. They provide reliable electrical conduction only in the Z-axis (through-thickness direction) while maintaining insulation in the X/Y planes.

Designed for compact and solder-free connections between PCBs and LCD modules, zebra connectors offer stable performance, easy assembly, and excellent durability—making them an ideal solution for space-constrained electronic and display applications.

Why Choose Konlida’s Zebra Connectors ?

• Z-Axis Conductivity Only: Conductive layers transmit signals vertically while insulating layers prevent lateral short circuits

• No Soldering Required: Simple compression-fit assembly improves yield and reduces manufacturing cost

• Stable Electrical Performance: Consistent contact resistance over temperature, time, and repeated compression

• Excellent Elasticity & Shock Absorption: Maintains reliable contact under vibration and mechanical stress

• Wide Environmental Resistance: Good insulation, heat/cold resistance, aging resistance, and chemical stability

• Cost-Effective Interconnection: Ideal alternative to FPCs, pogo pins, or metal spring contacts

• Customization Available: Various profiles, pitches, lengths, and colors (black standard)

Applications

Zebra connectors are elastomeric interconnects made of alternating conductive and insulating silicone layers. Different structures are designed to meet varying requirements for insulation, shock absorption, housing clearance, and special connection geometries between PCB and LCD/LCM modules.

What is Conductive Silicone Rubber?

Conductive silicone rubber combines the superior environmental sealing and thermal stability of silicone elastomers with the electrical conductivity of metal-filled compounds. By dispersing conductive particles (e.g., silver-plated aluminum, nickel-coated graphite) within a silicone or fluorosilicone matrix, this material simultaneously delivers EMI/RFI shielding, electrical grounding, and robust sealing in demanding environments. 

• Electrical Conductivity — Achieves from semi-conductive levels to highly conductive states by adding fillers such as silver, nickel, carbon or gold. 
  
• Thermal Stability — Operates reliably across wide temperature ranges (commonly –55 °C to +200 °C or higher in specialized trims). 
  
• Flexibility & Elasticity — Maintains pliability under mechanical stress and vibration, essential for gasket and sealing applications. 
  
• Chemical & Environmental Resistance — Resists oils, solvents, UV, ozone and moisture, ensuring long-term durability. 
  
• Formability & Integration — Supports sheets, extrusions, die-cut parts or molded profiles enabling versatile manufacturing.

Engineers have a wide array of electrically conductive silicones to choose from, depending on the application and performance requirements.

The main types include:

• • EMI/RFI Shielding Materials: Silicones filled with conductive particles like nickel-coated graphite or silver are used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding in electronic devices.
  • Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs): These materials combine thermal and electrical conductivity, serving as interfaces between heat-generating components and heat sinks or spreaders.
  • Conductive Elastomers: These flexible materials are often used in gaskets, seals, and keypads. Their combination of electrical conductivity and mechanical resilience makes them suitable for harsh environments.
    
  • Extruded Conductive Silicone Strips: Continuous lengths of filled silicone for ribbon shielding, cable wrap, or frame grounding.
  • Die-Cut Gaskets & Profiles: Pre-cut or custom-extruded silicone seals combining conductive fillers and sealing functionality for enclosures.
  • Carbon-Based Conductive Silicones: These are lightweight and cost-effective alternatives for applications requiring moderate conductivity, such as antistatic coatings and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection.

Applications

• EMI/RFI Shielding Gaskets: For electronic housings and enclosure seams.
• Chassis and Enclosure Seals: Provides grounding and environmental sealing.
• Connector and Interface Pads: Ensures stable electrical contact and signal grounding.
• Display and Touch Panel Frames: Prevents EMI leakage and static buildup.
• PCB Ground Pads: Replaces metal contacts for consistent conductivity.
• Battery Pack Sealing: Offers conductive and heat-resistant protection.
• Waveguide and Filter Seals: Ensures low-resistance shielding performance.
• Custom Molded or Extruded Parts: Designed for complex sealing and grounding needs.

Custom Solutions