Types of Connectors on a PCB Miracle
From laptops to 3D printers, the humble connector keeps the electricity flowing from one device to another. Connectors can face a lot of stressors, from users pulling on cables to high operating temperatures and shock.
The best PCB assembly manufacturers are adept at managing the end-to-end build to print process, including product designing, system designing, value engineering, manufacturing, and logistics. They also provide on-time deliveries for all orders.
Pin Headers
Pin headers are one of the most recognizable types of connector on a PCB. board to board connector They consist of one or more rows of metal pins aligned into a molded plastic base and come in a variety of options related to number of pins or rows, pitch, height, and mounting orientation. When mated with a corresponding socket, they can be used for board-to-board (or wire-to-board) connections.
The most common type of pin header is the male version, which has a hole that you plug another board into or use to hold jumper wires in place. It’s easy to work with, but a little messy since you have to hold the board while soldering the pins to it.
A variant of this is the shrouded pin header, which has a plastic case around the pins to protect them when not in use. This helps to minimize handling and also prevents accidentally placing a pin header with the polarized side facing outward. They are often sold in long strips that can be cut to a specific number of pins to further minimize labor during PCB assembly.
IDC Connectors
IDC Connectors are a type of wire-to-board connector that use sharp teeth or blades to pierce the insulation of flat cable and make contact with its conductors. These connections are gas-tight and vibration-proof, making them a great choice for rugged applications. They also typically include strain relief features that clamp the cable and keep it in place, protecting it from excessive movement.
These connections are made with nickel-tin plated phosphor bronze electrodes (prongs). When an insulated wire is pushed down between them, the prongs bite into it from right angles, leaving behind a cold weld that provides both electrical and mechanical stability.
These connections are also fast to make, as they can be terminated using a simple hand press or tool. This means they save time compared to other methods of connecting ribbon cable, such as soldering or individually crimping each conductor. They are especially useful for high-density applications, where there are many wires that need to be connected quickly and reliably. They are also often color-coded for easy identification and installation. IDC connectors also come with channels that guide the conductors as they are pulled up through the prongs, preventing them from damaging the prongs or the insulation.
SMA Connectors
SMA connectors, also known as “Sub-Miniature Version A”, are coaxial RF connectors that have a single-line, threaded coupling. They are small compared to other connectors such as the BNC and N types but have a large range of variations in terms of termination options, environmental sealing, and electrical performance.
The center solder contact pin of SMA connectors is surrounded by a dielectric made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Repeated connections can cause ware and tear on the dielectric that impacts the impedance of the connector, leading to increased reflections at the connection point and in the system.
Various gender options are available for SMAs, including male and female plugs and sockets. A reverse-polarity variant called RP-SMA is also available that changes the polarity of the connectors but otherwise keeps the same physical dimensions. SMA connectors can be mounted in a variety of configurations, including panel and PCB mounts. They can also feature hermetic seals, push-on mating, 90@ bends, glass-to-metal hermetic sealing, and low PIM. Some even have extended rear potting walls for additional strain relief. They are typically rated for up to 500 mating cycles.
STP Connectors
The humble connector keeps our electricity flowing from one thing to another. It may not seem like much, but it’s a vital part of any electronic device. Connectors are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and pin arrangements. Some are as simple as four big pins for power and ground, while others have as many as 16 little ones to host signals.
There are two types of copper data cables used in networking: unshielded UTP and shielded STP. The latter protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can cause data corruption and a decrease in network performance.
In order to prevent this, each pair of wires is separated from other pairs in the cable by a metal shield. The cable also has a mesh shield that protects against crosstalk. Compared to unscreened versions of the same cable, STP cables are typically more expensive and more complex to install. However, they offer a higher level of protection against EMI. This makes them a great choice for high-speed applications. If you don’t have any serious interference issues to deal with, then you can save money by using unshielded wiring.
FFC Connectors
FFC Connectors mate flat flexible cables to PCB circuitry in both cable-to-board and board-to-cable configurations. They have a small form factor and are often used in mobile phones, LCD appliances, printers, and other consumer electronics. They also Board-to-Board Connector Supplier have a high data transmission speed, making them ideal for signal and power transmission applications.
FPC connectors can withstand a variety of stresses, including shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. They can also be affixed to the surface of PCBs using an epoxy adhesive or soldering. These connections are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, but they must be handled carefully.
The FFC connector features a locking mechanism that ensures mating success. It also has a wide alignment guide to minimize mismating caused by human error. It is also compatible with different types of automation, allowing you to save money on production costs. The connector also has an anti-slip design to protect it from vibrations and abrasions. This makes it the perfect choice for industrial and medical devices.
