The first image is the best photo I could take, and the second is a scanned version. Both show the same connector in question.
I've received a display, but the board-to-board connector on the flex (for the touch IC) is extremely difficult to source. The mechanical drawing identifies it as ECT 818016601. Searches for this exact part return almost nothing, even on the ECT website.
Connector details:
- ECT 818016601
- 16-pin board-to-board connector (8 pins per side)
- Suspected pitch: ~0.4 mm (I measured ~3 mm from pin 1 to pin 8)
- Markings inside the housing: "ECT 2191" (or possibly 2181)
- Approximate dimensions (measured with caliper): 4.25 mm L × 2 mm W × 0.8 mm T
I’ve checked AliExpress, Alibaba, and contacted both the display manufacturer and ECT directly, but have not received useful information yet.
My main question:
Since this is a small hobbyist project and I can’t order thousands of pieces, is it reasonable to try compatible connectors from other manufacturers (such as Hirose/HRS, JAE, I-PEX, etc.) based on the dimensions and pitch I have?
ECT’s catalogue mentions that JAE and HRS products are often compatible with their series. I’d like to find a suitable mating receptacle (the part that goes on the main PCB) and reliable sources to buy small quantities.
Any advice on how to proceed, especially identifying a good cross or equivalent, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!