Printed circuit board connectors (more often shortened as PCB connectors) are a type of electrical connector, made up of a housing and contacts which join sections of circuits together on PCBs, namely boards where conductive tracks for electronic components are printed.
Types of PCB connectors
There are a variety of PCB connectors and accessories best designed for specific uses. To name some, they include:
- Backplane connectors: Mostly used to design computer systems due to their versatility and modularity, these are supports structures used to connect different PCBs. Their cards can be interchanged very easily; therefore, they are highly used in the telecom industry.
- LVDS Connectors: LVDS connectors, also called Low Voltage Differential Signaling connectors, their application mainly involves monitors of all kinds. One of their benefits is that the copper cables allow for high speed of connection despite the low power operation.
- PCB Sockets: Paired with PCB headers, PCB sockets are used to guarantee simplified assembly when connecting two printed circuit boards without cabling.
- RITS Connectors: Their acronym stands for Remote Input/Output Terminal System. They are colour coded to indicate their applications and feature a locking lever which facilitates the mating process without the need for stripping the wires in preparation, which is required by other types of PCB connectors.
- IDC Connectors: IDC connectors, short for Insulation Displacement Connectors, offer a quick and tool-less way to connect wires to a PCB. They are ideal for applications where speed and ease of assembly are important, such as in mass production environments.
- Crimp Contacts: Crimp contacts are used in conjunction with connector housings to create reliable electrical connections. They involve crimping a metal terminal onto a wire, ensuring a secure and durable connection.
Benefits of PCB Connectors
PCB connectors are vital components in modern electronics, facilitating seamless electrical connections between printed circuit boards and other devices. They offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of electronic systems.
- Easy Connection of Conductors to PCBs: PCB connectors provide convenient and efficient methods for connecting wires to printed circuit boards, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the risk of errors.
- Signal, Data, and Power Transmission: PCB connectors facilitate the transmission of various signals, data, and power throughout an electronic device, ensuring proper functionality of all components.
- Versatile Connection Methods: Different PCB connector types offer a variety of connection methods, including screw connections, push-in spring connections, and crimp connections, catering to diverse application requirements.
- Broad Conductor Compatibility: PCB connectors can accommodate a wide range of conductor cross-sections, allowing for flexibility in design and component selection.
- Multiple Mounting Options: PCB connectors come with various mounting options, including wave soldering, SMT soldering, and THR soldering, providing adaptability to different PCB layouts and manufacturing processes.
- Space-Saving Designs: Modern PCB connectors are designed to be compact and space-saving, enabling the creation of high-density electronic devices without sacrificing functionality.
- Secure and Vibration-Resistant Connections: PCB connectors are engineered to provide secure and reliable connections that are resistant to vibration and other environmental factors, ensuring optimal performance and signal integrity.
- Easy Conductor Connection for All Types: Many PCB connector types allow for easy connection of conductors with or without ferrules, streamlining the assembly process and enhancing efficiency.
PCB Connector Maintenance
Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance for the good functioning of PCB connectors and electronic devices in general. Especially if not used every single day, connectors are likely to accumulate dirt and eventually corrode making their use no longer possible. Carrying out a cleaning routine enables you to avoid power loss and maintaining good contacts.
Please note that the right tools are required in order not to damage parts that come in contact with the circuits.
- While Isopropyl Alcohol seems to work best to remove corrosion, its use on connectors requires extra care as it is a flammable chemical compound.
- A quicker solution is represented by using a PCB edge eraser, also known as cleaning scrub block, which is basically a simple eraser with a fine abrasive texture. Being it more efficient and abrasive than a standard pencil eraser, its application has to be quite gentle not to damage any parts of the connector when used to remove dirt and rust.
- Using a brush (such as a PCB Cleaning Brush) can come handy when the terminals are particularly small, and more precision is needed.
Industry Applications for PCB Connectors
PCB connectors are essential components in a wide range of industries due to their ability to create reliable electrical connections between various components.
- Telecommunications: The telecommunications industry heavily relies on PCB connectors for high-speed data transmission and signal integrity. These connectors are found in networking equipment, base stations, and mobile devices, facilitating communication and data exchange.
- Automotive: PCB connectors are crucial for connecting various electronic systems within vehicles, including engine control modules, infotainment systems, and safety features. They must withstand harsh environments, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring reliable performance in automotive applications.
- Industrial Automation: In industrial automation, PCB connectors enable the connection of sensors, actuators, controllers, and other devices, facilitating communication and control within complex systems. They contribute to efficient manufacturing processes, improved productivity, and enhanced safety.
- Medical Devices: The medical industry demands high reliability and precision in electronic connections. PCB connectors are used in various medical devices, such as diagnostic equipment, imaging systems, and patient monitoring devices, ensuring accurate data transmission and patient safety.
- Consumer Electronics: PCB connectors are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, from smartphones and laptops to televisions and gaming consoles. They enable seamless connections between internal components and external peripherals, enhancing user experience and functionality.
- Aerospace and Defense: PCB connectors used in aerospace and defense applications must meet stringent standards for reliability, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. They are essential for connecting critical systems in aircraft, spacecraft, and military equipment.
Your Trusted PCB Connector Supplier & Manufacturer
RS is your one-stop shop for a wide range of high-quality PCB connectors. We are a leading distributor and manufacturer, offering various PCB connector types, including PCB power connectors, to suit any application. Our extensive inventory ensures you find the perfect solution for your circuit board connections, from simple wire housings to complex backplane connectors. For detailed information on our delivery options, including estimated timelines and fees, please visit ourDelivery Information Page.
