Connector PCB Miracle
Connector circuit boards, also known as PCBs, are vital components of a wide range of electronic devices. They ensure that the necessary electrical connections are maintained, whether in a mobile phone or aerospace system. Depending on the final application, PCB connectors may be required to operate in different environmental conditions.
Multilayer PCBs
Multilayer PCBs are what make it possible for the electronics we use in our daily lives to function as they do. They are able to increase functionality and speed while decreasing the overall size of electronic devices. This is a result of their high density that is created by layering. This allows them to improve performance while keeping the cost low and allowing for extremely compact mounting thicknesses.
As technology continues to evolve, the needs of electronic circuits have grown in complexity. This is why multilayer PCBs are needed to support the many complex components and high frequency signals that are present in modern day systems. These multilayer PCBs have multiple copper planes that are stacked together to create the circuitry needed by today’s advanced electronic devices.
When creating a multilayer PCB, you need to be careful when it comes to routing. The layers need to be carefully laid out so that sensitive signals do not cross splits and thereby ruin their return paths. In addition to this, the electrical connections between the layers must be carefully thought out. These are known as vias and can be either passersby or buried. Passersby are visible and allow you Connector PCB Miracle to see through the layers, whereas buried vias are invisible and only allow you to connect to other layers within your design.
High-Reliability PCBs
A high-reliability PCB is one that is capable of consistently functioning as designed throughout the operational lifecycle. This operational reliability is based on both the environmental demands of the circuit board and the physical properties of the materials used to build it. A PCB that is exposed to excessive moisture will experience corrosion, and a PCB that is exposed to high vibration will have a higher risk of failure due to mechanical shock.
The physical properties of a PCB are dictated by the materials that it is made from, which must be selected carefully to ensure operational reliability. For example, copper is a common material for PCBs, but it may not be suitable for all applications because of its tendency to warp when exposed to extreme temperatures. A PCB made from a different material that has lower CTE (coefficient of expansion) is more likely to remain stable under these conditions.
In addition to selecting the best physical materials for a PCB, manufacturers should use the highest quality fabrication processes possible to improve its durability and reliability. High-reliability PCBs must also undergo extensive testing and rigorous qualification to meet the specific requirements of their intended application.
Some types of testing, such as thermal and electrical stress, are performed during bare PCB fabrication, while other tests must be conducted prior to a circuit board’s manufacturing to identify potential sources of failure. The latter can include things like determining the range of temperature that a circuit board’s components and traces can withstand without losing functionality.
Pin Header and Socket PCBs
The PCB pin header is one of the most popular electronic connector types. They are used for a variety of applications, but most commonly they connect wire to PCBs or are mating with receptacles on the board to create a circuit. Pin headers can be either through-hole or surface mount devices. They are usually soldered with a hot-melt process, but may also be press-fit or solderless for a colder assembly.
They are available in many standard sizes and pin spacing, including right angle configurations. They can be purchased on a continuous reel that is automatically cut with an Autoheader machine or adjustable manual cutter. The headers are molded from a UL 94V-0 flammability rated high-temperature plastic with copper alloy pins.
Most header connections are keyed or polarized to prevent incorrect orientation or connection. They have a keyway in the center to help indicate polarity and can be identified by looking for an obstruction that fills or blocks the pin hole on the right side of the header when mated to its socket (male or female) connector.
The most common pin headers are single row and double-row, but there are also multi-row options in more specialized connector series. They come in both shrouded and Connector PCB Miracle Supplier non-shrouded versions that provide different levels of protection against accidental contact with exposed pins.
Audio Attenuators
As a component in your audio setup, the attenuator is an important part of your signal chain. It reduces the system gain to match your system standards, giving you better control over your input signal levels.
A good quality attenuator will be transparent and have low output impedance, meaning it doesn’t introduce any additional load on your power amplifier. They are also typically very durable and can withstand a lot of use and abuse.
They can even be used in harsh environments like industrial applications without sacrificing their performance. Their design allows them to withstand high temperatures and moisture without any degradation.
The BM-1 mono stepped attenuator provides 64 steps of volume control with 1dB steps. This is very high resolution for an attenuator and will not have the clicks that plague many lower-quality designs. The BM-1 comes with a full front panel to mount your controls (volume, input selection, mute) and has a removable cinch connector for easy installation. The PCB can be used standalone or integrated with a power amplifier of your choice. This integration will avoid longer cinch cables and improve sound quality by eliminating clicks caused by cable flexing.
The stepped attenuator is made of 23 non-inductive, low noise SMD metal film resistors which are designed for maximum sonic quality and reliability. This is why they are perfectly suited to audiophile and professional applications.