Five tips for selecting PCB connectors
Time:2023-11-03
Views:529
Nowadays, users must consider numerous parameters when selecting the appropriate connector for their application. The following is a list of content to search for.
Nowadays, when searching for suitable connectors, users need to consider much more aspects than in the past.
The selection options and diversity in the connector field are also constantly increasing. A few years ago, when choosing a connector, one only needed to focus on temperature resistance and insertion and extraction times. Now, users also need to consider aspects such as connector coating, welding methods, and even packaging forms suitable for safe transportation of automated devices.
This article provides five tips for users who use PCB connectors to help them choose the correct connector for their application.
1. Technical parameters
Firstly, you should understand the technical requirements of the application in order to find a suitable connector. These parameters include: pin spacing, welding method, rated voltage, rated current, insertion and extraction times, temperature range, plate spacing, connector geometry, and solder hole diameter of the solder joint.
According to these specifications, you can search the websites of connector manufacturers and distributors on your own. However, if you need more detailed specifications or even customer specific designs, you should directly contact the connector manufacturer.
The timing of contact is also important. The earlier users contact the manufacturer during the development process, the greater the chance of using standardized connectors or slightly modified connectors.
2. Appropriate design import time
For many printed circuit board designers, the placement of active components (such as microcontrollers, transistors, or diodes) initially plays a decisive role. Passive components such as capacitors, resistors, and even connectors are often placed in the later stages of the development process. However, this approach greatly increases the likelihood of conflict.
For your next connector design import: it is recommended to consider both active and passive components simultaneously
If passive components are not considered during the development process, in many cases, the complexity and cost of PCB design will greatly increase. This is because it is usually no longer possible to use standard connectors in the end; Instead, it is necessary to first develop customer specific connectors.
For manufacturers, customer specific connectors typically mean adjustments to production equipment or the production of customer specific devices and tools. Depending on the degree of customization, costs may increase from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars or euros.
However, for the number of prototypes, these tool adjustments do not have economic benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the timing of connectors and all other passive components during the development process. After all, the profit margin of customer projects should also be guaranteed.
3. Suitable packaging
In addition to standardized cardboard boxes commonly used for THT connectors, packaging can also be used for automated assembly. Packaging options include tape packaging and strip boxes. Strip boxes are usually used during the prototype stage or when the quantity of materials is small. The ribbon packaging option is more likely to be used for mass production, so it can also be used in large quantities.
In most cases, the upper limit of the geometric length of the strip box is approximately 500 mm. The winding packaging is determined by the height of the connector and the distance between the components in the conveyor belt. This means that more connectors can be transported and assembled on PCBs using the ribbon packaging option.
4. Supply Chain
Many PCB connector manufacturers are located in the Far East region. Due to the current shortage of raw materials and long delivery times, small European manufacturers also have great opportunities. Many PCB assemblers and developers are currently attempting to find alternative connectors from the Far East through online material replacement.
However, users should consider differences in quality, such as gilding. Although flash gold with a very thin gold plating layer is mostly used in the Far East, European electroplating companies typically use gold with a minimum plating thickness of 0.2 µ m.
In the future, the issue of delivery delays can be eliminated by strengthening production bases in the United States and finding suppliers in North America: for example, by combining 7-530671-2 (connector edge double female 20POS 0.125) from TE Connectivity AMP Connectors with 583859-9 (connector edge HSG 20POS. 156 BLK), which originated in the United States.
For this reason, DigiKey can not only shorten delivery time, but also provide high-level professional knowledge and quality that meets standard requirements, and can also help develop customized special solutions.
5. Partners
The final tip is that you should choose reliable partners for long-term operations. Manufacturers should not only reliably provide high-quality products, but also provide suitable combinations of connector materials. For connector partners, the connector coating should be of the same material type (if possible).
The combination of tinned pin connectors and gold-plated socket connectors is feasible, but due to the corrosion phenomenon of the connectors (electrochemical voltage series), it is not conducive to extending the system life. In any case, it is best to only use tin plated or pure gold connectors in the application.
The Magic Triangle of Cost Time Performance
Customers have a great deal of freedom in choosing the appropriate PCB connectors and packaging options. However, the magic triangle of cost, time, and performance plays a crucial role.
At present, connectors from the United States and Europe can maximize the satisfaction of this magical triangle. This is because, in addition to short delivery times, excellent quality and a reasonable price structure can also be achieved.
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