Miracle Connectors – The Unsung Heroes of PCB Miracle
Connectors keep electricity flowing from one board to another. They’re the unsung heroes of our electrical world. Many connectors are off-the-shelf and available for quick delivery. Other custom designs may require a longer lead time and some Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) charges to develop the part. These are generally called bespoke connectors.
High Reliability Connectors
Suitable for critical applications where high performance and assured dependability are key factors, high-reliability PCB connectors feature designs that can withstand high levels of vibration, shock, and environmental conditions. Connector PCB Miracle They include high-density data, power and signal connectors that are capable of supporting multiple circuits within a single connector.
Harwin offers a wide range of off-the-shelf high-reliability connector solutions, including the Gecko and KA series. The Gecko series is a compact and lightweight, dual-row interconnect that features power contacts next to 1.25mm pitch signal contacts. The KA series is a rugged rectangular connector that is compatible with plated through holes on a PCB and features mounting ears for easy assembly.
The iW series is a high-reliability board-to-board and cable-to-board connector based on Mil-Spec but built for Industrial applications. It has a rugged contact design and can withstand high levels of vibration, temperature fluctuations, and repeated use. It is available in 132 through 594 positions with a variety of termination types, including dip solder and wire wrappost. This connector is a perfect fit for industrial automation applications such as electrical drive, mechanical drives, mechatronics, and printing.
High-Speed Connectors
High-speed connectors are essential to the design of advanced PCBs. They allow for the transfer of large data amounts while providing a high level of signal integrity. They can be mounted on both through-hole and press-fit types of PCBs. A variety of high-speed PCB connectors are available on the market, ranging from low-profile to ultra-slim. They can also come in various pitch sizes and lead styles.
One of the most important factors in ensuring high-speed performance is routing high speed serial signal pairs to different pins on the connector. This helps to avoid mode conversion from differential to common and reduces inter-pair crosstalk and ground coupling.
Another factor is to minimize the stub length on the connector’s pins or pads. This can be achieved with soldered through-hole PCBs by trimming the stubs, or by using press-fit connectors with pin lengths shorter than the board thickness.
Some manufacturers offer custom designs to help designers meet their unique requirements. This usually involves a longer lead time and some Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) charges, but can be very cost-effective in the long run if you have an ongoing need.
Low-Temperature Connectors
There are all kinds of connectors rated to perform in extremely harsh environments, including sub-zero and even acidic or alkaline atmospheres. They will also be able to handle high currents. They may be made with insulated pins or solid metal contacts and may have features such as locking mechanisms to protect against accidental disconnects.
In general, the types of connectors used in PCBs will be selected to suit Connector PCB Miracle Supplier the particular application in terms of Size, Weight and Power (SWaP). For example, a system that needs to work in a car or airplane will need a more rugged design capable of withstanding vibration or shock and providing stability under stressful conditions.
There are literally thousands of off-the-shelf connectors to choose from. Just enter the specifics of your project into the search engine of your favorite component distributor and you will soon find a suitable connector. For example, imagine a PCB that requires four big pins for power and ground plus sixteen little ones for signals. You might find a connector with these arrangements right in the catalog. If you are not happy with off-the-shelf options then most of these vendors can make a special version for you, but it will be a custom design and will require Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) charges along with longer lead times.
Low-Voltage Connectors
The humble connector is the lifeblood that keeps our electricity flowing from one device to another. It’s important that they can keep up with a constant flow of volts and amps, but also must be able to withstand stress from environmental conditions like vibration and shock. Luckily, there are all sorts of off-the-shelf options for different uses.
For example, you can find a PCB connector that has four big pins for power and ground, but it will also host sixteen little pins for signals in a single connector. All you need to do is use the search engine at your favorite component distributor and you’ll likely find it.
Some connectors will even allow you to customize them for your specific needs. If there isn’t something in the catalog to match your requirements, you can request a custom design and pay Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) fees to get your connector created just for you. These special designs will have longer lead times and require a larger minimum order size, but can help you solve some of the most demanding electrical connectivity challenges out there.
Audio Attenuators
Miracle’s BM-1 mono stepped attenuators (volume controllers) are a great solution for audiophile and professional applications where reliability, accuracy, and quality are a must. Designed and built in the USA, these all-in-one units come complete with an 8-page user guide and resistor-value tables. They feature a high-density design and low noise cryogenic bulkhead attenuator array, oxygen-free high thermal conductivity copper, NiCr on a thermally conductive crystalline quartz dielectric and nickel/chrome terminals. XLR pads are provided for input transformer “+” and “-“, and the attenuator links the middle lugs.
BM-1 is also available in unbalanced form. See Blog 204 for details.