PCB connectors are components used on printed circuit boards to connect different electronic parts and devices. They are designed to be mounted on PCBs, providing connections for electrical signals, power, and data. Typically, a PCB connector consists of two parts: a plug and a socket. The plug is the insertable part, often used to connect wires or cables, while the socket is the component fixed on the PCB, providing an interface for the plug.

PCB connectors come in various types and forms, chosen based on the requirements of the electronic device and application. They support different transmission rates, voltage levels, and signal types. For instance, they can be audio connectors for analog signals or USB and HDMI connectors for digital signals and high-speed data transmission.

PCB Connectors

Classification of PCB Connectors

I. By Connection Method

  1. Board-to-Board Connectors:

    • Standard Board-to-Board Connectors: Used to connect two parallel or vertical PCBs, enabling signal transmission between them. Available in various pitch sizes like 0.50mm, 0.60mm, and 0.80mm—the smaller the pitch, the more pins it can accommodate, requiring higher precision and assembly standards.
    • Mezzanine Connectors: Ideal for connecting closely spaced PCBs in a stacked manner, saving space on the PCB.
    • Backplane Connectors: Consist of a set of parallel electrical connectors where each pin is connected to all corresponding pins on other connectors, forming a connector bus. Widely used in computers and telecommunications systems.
    • Spring-Loaded Board-to-Board Connectors: Feature an internal spring structure to maintain stable connections even with slight variations in board spacing. Suitable for devices requiring high stability against vibration and shock.

  2. Wire-to-Board Connectors:

    • Used to connect wires or cables to PCBs. The wire connection part is similar to wire-to-wire connectors, while the PCB connection part is mostly press-fit or soldered.

  3. Wire-to-Wire Connectors:

    • Connects two wires directly, with one end permanently connected to a wire (using crimp or IDC methods) and the other end forming a detachable interface. Available in various shapes, including rectangular and circular polymer housings or metal housings for military applications.

  4. Board-to-Wire Connectors:

    • Establishes electrical connections between circuit boards and cables using plug and socket pins.

II. By Specific Function or Application

  1. PCB Plugs:

    • Connect directly to the PCB for linking external devices or other circuit boards.

  2. Memory Card Connectors:

    • Designed to connect various memory cards (such as SD and TF cards) to PCBs, enabling data storage and reading.

  3. Card Edge Connectors:

    • Achieve connections by inserting the edge of a PCB into the connector. Commonly used in scenarios requiring frequent insertion and removal, such as expansion cards and test boards.

  4. Elastic Connectors:

    • Use elastic materials as the connecting medium to form electrical connections through elastic deformation. Suitable for scenarios requiring frequent disassembly or flexible connections.

  5. FPC/FFC Connectors:

    • Used to establish electrical connections between flexible circuit boards (FPC) or flat cables (FFC) and PCBs, offering low insertion force and high connection reliability.

III. Other Common Connectors

  1. Plug-In Terminal Blocks:

    • Available in various pole and wire count options, suitable for PCB-mounted screw-fixed sockets, facilitating easy installation and removal.

  2. Screw Terminal Blocks:

    • Compact and reliable, with robust housings and precise pin spacing to ensure reliable PCB connections with high capacity.

  3. Spring Terminal Blocks:

    • Common in communication, lighting, and monitoring systems, allowing direct insertion of single-core wires into PCBs without auxiliary tools, ideal for high-density wiring.

  4. Barrier Terminal Blocks:

    • Simple structure with straightforward wiring, suitable for a specific range of wire gauges.

  5. DC Power Jacks:

    • Designed with specific pin diameters to match particular DC power plugs, with attention to current-carrying capacity and heat resistance.

  6. Pin Headers and Female Headers:

    • Available in various specifications and types, suitable for PCBs of different thicknesses and sizes.

Types of PCB Connectors

Functions of PCB Connectors

PCB connectors (Printed Circuit Board connectors) are a type of electronic connector specifically designed to connect and secure printed circuit boards. Their functions are primarily reflected in the following aspects:

  1. Enabling Interconnection Between PCBs:
    PCB connectors allow for rigid or flexible connections between two PCBs, ensuring efficient and reliable transmission of signals and power between boards.

  2. Providing Connections Between PCBs and Cables:
    By bundling wired connections, PCB connectors link external peripheral devices to PCBs, facilitating communication and data transfer between devices.

  3. Supporting Debugging and Programming:
    During the development of electronic products, PCB connectors often serve as interfaces for debugging or programming, making it convenient for engineers to conduct testing and validation.

  4. Adapting to Complex Environments:
    PCB connectors are designed to withstand various harsh environments, such as vibration resistance, dust protection, and high-temperature endurance, ensuring that electronic devices function properly under adverse conditions. This is made possible by their precise design and high-quality material selection.

  5. Facilitating Modular Design and Efficient Production:
    The modular design and easy assembly of PCB connectors enable modern electronic devices to achieve compact designs and efficient production, helping to reduce manufacturing costs and improve productivity.

  6. Ensuring Stability and Reliability of Data Transmission:
    In many applications, such as consumer electronics, industrial control, and automotive electronics, the stability and reliability of data transmission are critical. PCB connectors provide stable and reliable connections to ensure that data is accurately and swiftly transmitted to the target device.

How to Choose the Right PCB Connector

pcb terminal wire

Selecting the appropriate PCB connector involves considering multiple factors to ensure its performance, reliability, and suitability for specific applications. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Number of Pins and Pitch:
    Choose a connector model based on the number of pins and the pitch of the circuit board. More pins and smaller pitch require higher specifications, greater precision, and stricter installation standards.

  2. Voltage and Current:
    Select connectors that can handle the voltage and current requirements of the circuit board. Applications involving high voltage and current require higher-quality connectors to ensure safety and stability.

  3. Frequency Range:
    For RF applications, the frequency range is a crucial factor. Choose connectors that match the system’s frequency requirements to prevent signal attenuation and maintain data transmission integrity.

  4. VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio):
    VSWR is an important indicator of signal integrity. Lower VSWR ensures minimal signal loss, so ensure that the connector’s VSWR meets the application requirements.

  5. Material and Appearance:
    Select materials and finishes based on the device requirements. Metal connectors are more aesthetically pleasing but heavier, while plastic connectors are lightweight but less attractive. Additionally, consider corrosion resistance, such as gold or nickel plating, to enhance durability.

  6. Reliability:
    Choose reliable connectors to ensure stability over extended use. Consider mechanical specifications like mating cycles, terminal retention force, and environmental characteristics such as solder joint strength.

  7. Installation Method:
    The installation method affects ease of assembly and overall system design. Choose suitable methods based on design needs; for example, vertical connectors are ideal for compact systems with space constraints.

  8. Available Space:
    Physical space available in the design is a key factor. For systems with strict space requirements, opt for narrow connectors that occupy minimal space while delivering high performance.

  9. High-Frequency Performance:
    For applications requiring high-frequency performance, choose connectors made of high-frequency materials with special structural designs to minimize signal loss and reflection, ensuring high signal quality.

  10. Shielding Effectiveness:
    Some connectors provide electromagnetic shielding to effectively reduce EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). Consider the shielding performance of the connector to ensure it meets application requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PCB connector is crucial for ensuring performance and reliability. Leadsitec can help you select top-quality connectors and control costs, making the assembly process smoother. LSTPCB offers one-stop PCB manufacturing and assembly services, including the procurement of all components. If you have a PCB project, let’s work on it together!