Six Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Connector
Selecting the Perfect Board-to-Board Connector: A Practical Guide
Choosing the ideal board-to-connector set for your application can be a daunting task. With a vast array of options available, the selection process can quickly become overwhelming. This article, brought to you by BonChip Electronics, a trusted distributor for various connector brands, aims to simplify this process by providing six practical tips from a seasoned connector expert. Remember, while this isn't an exhaustive list, it serves as a solid foundation for making informed decisions.
1. Understanding the Environment: The Connector's Life Cycle
The operating environment plays a critical role in connector selection. Consider the demands placed upon the connector set. Will it experience minimal use with infrequent mating cycles (perhaps 10 or less) in a controlled environment? Conversely, will it endure a demanding life with frequent mating cycles (potentially exceeding 100 or 200), constant movement, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, high humidity, and exposure to corrosive chemicals or vapors? Selecting the right contact system is paramount, especially for connectors facing harsh conditions.
BonChip Electronics partners with leading connector suppliers like Samtec, who offer a comprehensive selection of contact systems. These systems range from basic designs for applications with a "cushy" life to ruggedized options for connectors built to withstand extreme environments.
2. Normal Force: A Key Performance Indicator
Normal force is a crucial factor influencing connector performance. If you're evaluating two connector systems that appear equally suitable, prioritize the one with a higher normal force. This becomes particularly important in harsh environments with extreme temperatures or significant shock and vibration. BonChip Electronics offers a wealth of resources to delve deeper into normal force, empowering you to make informed decisions.
3. Insertion Depth and Stacking Stability
Once you've narrowed down your options based on contact design and normal force, consider the socket's insertion depth. A greater insertion depth translates to enhanced stability within the board stacking system.
4. Pin Configuration: Optimizing for Space and Reliability
When your design necessitates 20 pins, prioritize a 2 x 10 connector configuration over a single-row 1 x 20 option. Longer connectors can introduce challenges related to coplanarity, alignment, and soldering during the assembly process.
5. Centerline (Pitch) and Mechanical Stability
The connector's centerline, also known as the pitch, primarily influences mechanical stability. Fine-pitch connectors, typically with a centerline of 1.27 mm or less, may not be ideal as the sole source of mechanical stability for large or heavy printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. While BonChip Electronics offers robust and well-designed microminiature connector systems, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of smaller components when supporting substantial weight and torque.
6. Beyond the Basics: A Starting Point for Informed Decisions
While this article explores six fundamental considerations, selecting the perfect connector solution requires a more comprehensive approach. BonChip Electronics boasts a team of experts dedicated to assisting you in navigating the connector selection process. We encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have – we're here to help you find the ideal connector for your specific application.
