Connectors are a key component for connecting electronic parts, particularly in the PCB layout. Like any other electronic component, connectors come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. A PCB connector provides a way that enables electrical signal transmissions between the two PCBs. There are many different types of connectors available on the market depending on what kind of applications we might be using them in. Therefore, each type comes with its unique features which need to be analyzed before choosing one for a particular project.
How is PCB connected
PCBs are connected through conductive traces that run throughout the board. These traces are made of copper and connect the various components of the board. PCB connector is used to connect external components to the board. Also, they can be used to connect wires, cables, or other PCBs.
You need a connector to connect the external components to your PCB. You can use any type of connector for this purpose, from simple screw terminals to snap-in headers. But you must use one that is compatible with whatever device is being plugged into your PCB.
What is a PCB connector
A PCB connector is a type of electrical connector used in electronic circuits. The term “PCB” stands for “printed circuit board”. They are made up of copper, tin, and lead which is three conductive metals that form an insulating material called solder.
It can be used to connect two or more electrical components on a printed circuit board (PCB). These electrical connections are made by inserting the wires into holes on both ends of each component, then soldering them together using heat from an iron to melt the solder and make it flow around each wire to create physical contact between them at both sides of each component’s opening through which you insert your wires into before connecting them all with another piece that provides power or ground connections.
What are the different types of connectors for PCB
PCB connector is used for connecting electronic components to a printed circuit board. They can be used in a variety of ways, including in data transmission, power distribution and control, and signal processing.
There are four basic types of connectors: backplane connectors, battery connectors & holders, board-in connectors, and board-to-board connectors.
● Backplane connectors are designed to allow the insertion of large sections of cable into a small space. This makes it easier to route cables underneath or around other components on the printed circuit board.
● Battery connectors & holders provide power to devices such as light bulbs or batteries by connecting them directly to PCB wires or components. They also hold small batteries together with plastic clips or clamps.
● Board-in connectors allow you to insert electronic components into a printed circuit board without having an opening on the surface of your board.
● Board-to-board connectors allow you to insert electronic components into a printed circuit board that contain a conductive pattern. This is useful when you want to connect multiple boards without worrying about making holes in your PCBs.
● Card edge connectors are used for connecting cards in a stack. The edges of the cards are inserted into the connectors and then the metal parts of the connector are soldered together to form a single conductor.
● Internal I/O connectors are used for connecting multiple components inside a computer motherboard.
● Memory card connectors allow electronics like memory cards, flash drives and other storage devices to be connected to transfer data between them. There are two types of memory card connectors: one type has pins that fit into slots on each side of the device while another type has pins that fit into holes on one side only.
How to identify PCB connectors
PCB connector is usually identified by the size of the hole in the connector. The smaller it is, the more closely it will fit with a particular device or circuit board. A typical example would be a 0.5mm pitch pin header which fits very well with most microcontrollers such as Arduino boards and Raspberry Pi boards.
The second way to identify PCB connector is by their shape: straight or angled (either rounded at either ends or sharp corners). This can indicate whether they are suitable for mounting onto your product or not because most of us know that round edges don’t work well when soldering onto other components due to poor contact between them.
Finally, another way you can determine if your chosen connector works perfectly for your project is color coding – which means identifying if there are several colors available within each category so that you can choose one based on its characteristics like size and shape.
What size is a PCB connector
A PCB connector is the part of the circuit board which connects two or more electrical components. It is also known as a land pattern and has a specific shape and size that allows it to fit snugly into other parts of your circuit board with precision.
For any design project, the first thing that needs to be decided is what you are using. The commonly used pitch of the connectors are 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.635mm, 0.8mm, 1.00mm, 1.27mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, etc. These PCB connectors are commonly used in the electronics industry and are available in a wide range of sizes. They can be found on most PCBs, embedded systems boards, computers, and other devices.
How to choose PCB connectors
When choosing a PCB connector, you’ll have to consider some factors. The most important one is the price: you want to get the best value for money you can. The next thing to consider is polarity protection, which means that the connector will prevent reverse connection. This is an important consideration in high-reliability environments where accidental or malicious connection misconnection could lead to equipment damage.
Next comes current rating and operating temperature: you’ll want to ensure that your connector can handle the maximum current and temperature variations that your application requires.
Finally, EMI and ESD are shielding: these features must be included so that no electromagnetic noise or interference can affect the performance of your device.
Size and footprint are also key considerations when choosing: they should fit into any space available on your board without requiring additional hardware or additional expense.
How do I identify a PCB connector
When it comes to identifying a PCB connector, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you should know the type of connector—board-to-board or wire-to-board.
Second, you need to identify its physical characteristics—shape, size, and number of pins or contacts. And third, you should be aware of the type of connector—for example, is it shielded or unshielded?
To find out whether a connector is board-to-board or wire-to-board, look at its shape: if it has two rows of pins on one side and one row on the other side, it’s most likely a wire-to-board connector. If there are two rows on both sides, it’s more likely a board-to-board connector.
What pitch is in the PCB connector
The pitch of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) connector refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent pins or sockets in the connector. The pitch of a PCB connector can vary depending on the specific connector type and application. Common pitch values for PCB connector range from 0.5mm to 5.08mm. Some examples of common PCB connector types and their pitch values include:
● Board-to-Board Connectors: These connectors are used to connect PCBs together and typically have a pitch range of 0.5mm to 2.54mm.
● Wire-to-Board Connectors: These connectors are used to connect wires to a PCB and typically have a pitch range of 2mm to 5.08mm.
● Power Connectors: These connectors are used to supply power to a PCB and typically have a pitch range of 3.96mm to 5.08mm.
It is important to check the datasheet of a specific PCB connector to determine its pitch value.
Conclusion
PCB connector facilitates the transmission of various signals between different locations and also provide the means to connect important components such as the metal chassis, adapter cards, PCI card, and CPU board. With a wide range of applications, PCB connector is used across various fields where communication with another location is vital. Their primary purpose is to enable seamless communication among different sections of an electronic device or product.
FAQ about PCB connector
A PCB connector is a type of electrical connector used in electronic circuits. They are made up of copper, tin, and lead (PTH) which is three conductive metals that form an insulating material called solder.
There are four basic types of connectors: backplane connectors, battery connectors & holders, board-in connectors, and board-to-board connectors.
You may be wondering what material is used in the manufacture of PCB connectors. The answer is that they are made from copper, aluminum, and iron. They can also be made from immersion silver or nickel.
Author
Kate
My name is Kate and I am an electronic engineer with 5 years of experience in IBE Electronics, especially in PCB-PCB design and assembly, electronic components and other related fields. Major in electrical engineering and I have been working in the electronics industry since I graduated in 2018. My greatest passion is to share all the PCB and PCBA knowledge I know with people I meet through articles or communications, whether you are new to the industry or seasoned experts.