What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Connector?
PCB connectors are essential components used to electrically connect and disconnect conductors, facilitating the integration of PCBs with electronic components, other devices, or boards. They can be male or female and are defined by the EIAJ standard as mechanical components designed for connection and disconnection purposes.
Applications of PCB Connectors
PCB connectors serve a broad range of applications, from linking PCs to memory cards, facilitating IC socket connections, to harnessing connections in various sectors including information technology, automotive, and industrial machinery.
Principle of PCB Connectors
The connectors operate on simple yet effective principles of electrical connectivity, with specific considerations for board-to-harness and board-to-board connections. They emphasize the importance of contact reliability, especially when managing the stress and alignment accuracy between connected boards.
Types of PCB Connectors
- 1-Piece Type: Directly soldered to the PCB for a singular connection.
- 2-Piece Type: Comprising a socket and plug, offering flexibility in connections between wires and printed circuit boards.
Structure of PCB Connectors
PCB connectors typically consist of housing made from insulating resin and contacts (terminals) designed for electronic connections. The housing encloses the terminals and ensures user safety during manual handling.
How to Choose a PCB Connector
Selection criteria include the type of connection (Board to Wire, Board to Board, I/O, or Shorting Connector), each tailored for specific electrical signal exchanges, design flexibility, device interconnectivity, or circuit shorting applications. Considerations for choosing the right PCB connector involve understanding the electrical and mechanical requirements of the application.