Printed circuit board connectors (more often shortened as PCB connectors) are a type of electrical connector made up of a housing and contacts that join sections of circuits together on PCBs, namely boards where conductive tracks for electronic components are printed.
PCB Connector Types
There are a variety of PCB connectors and accessories best designed for specific uses. To name some, they include:
Backplane Connectors
Backplane connectors are mostly used to design computer systems due to their versatility and modularity. They are support structures used to connect different PCBs. Their cards can be interchanged very easily therefore, they are highly used in the telecom industry.
LVDS Connectors
Also called Low Voltage Differential Signalling connectors, LVDS connectors are typically used in monitors. One of their benefits is that the copper cables allow for high speed of connection despite the low power operation.
PCB Sockets
When 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 that facilitates the mating process without the need to strip the wires in preparation, which is required by other types of PCB connectors.
Advantages of Using Printed Circuit Board Connectors
PCB connectors offer several advantages that make them indispensable in modern electronics. Their primary function is to create reliable and efficient electrical connections between different PCBs or between a PCB and external devices. They provide a modular approach to design, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and upgrades, simplifying the overall design process and reducing downtime during repairs or modifications. Additionally, PCB connectors ensure secure and consistent connections, minimising signal loss and interference, crucial for maintaining signal integrity and preventing performance issues.
Common Applications of PCB Connectors
PCB connectors find widespread use across major industries, facilitating seamless communication and power transmission in diverse applications.
- Discrete manufacturing: In electronics assembly lines, PCB connectors enable quick and efficient connections between various components on a printed circuit board, streamlining the manufacturing process.
- Process manufacturing: In industrial automation and control systems, PCB connectors provide reliable links between sensors, actuators, and controllers, enabling efficient monitoring and control of manufacturing processes.
- Energy & utilities: In power distribution and control systems, PCB connectors ensure secure and efficient transmission of electricity, contributing to the safety and reliability of energy infrastructure.
- Facilities intralogistics: In warehouse management and automation systems, PCB connectors enable seamless communication between various devices, facilitating efficient inventory tracking and material handling.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a PCB Connector
When selecting a printed circuit board connector, you should first determine the specific type required for your application. There are various PCB connector types, including headers, sockets, plugs, terminal blocks, and more, each designed for specific purposes.
Next, consider the number of pins or contacts needed to ensure compatibility with your PCB and the devices it will connect to. You must pay close attention to the connector's pitch, which is the distance between the pins, to ensure it matches the spacing on your board.
Additionally, consider the current and voltage ratings of the connector to ensure they are suitable for your application. Other important factors to consider include the material and plating of the connector, its durability, and its resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and temperature. Finally, ensure that the connector is compliant with relevant industry standards to ensure safety and reliability.
How to Clean PCB connectors?
Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance for the good functioning of PCB connectors and electronic devices in general. PCB connectors are likely to accumulate dirt, especially if they are not used every single day. This eventually leads to corrosion, making the printed circuit connector unusable. Carrying out a cleaning routine enables you to avoid power loss and maintain good contact. Please note that the right tools are required in order not to damage parts that come in contact with the circuits. Here are some key things to note for cleaning and maintaining your circuit board plugs:
- 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 a cleaning scrub block, which is basically a simple eraser with a fine abrasive texture. Being more efficient and abrasive than a standard pencil eraser, its application has to be quite gentle so as 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 in handy when the terminals are particularly small and more precision is needed.
Trusted PCB Connectors Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia
RS is a globally recognised and trusted supplier, distributor, and manufacturer of PCB connectors and accessories. Aside from our own RS Pro line, we carry a wide range of products from industry-leading brands, such as PCB headers from TE Connectivity, PCB sockets from Samtec, and PCB connector kits from Phoenix Contact.
Buy Circuit Board Connectors from RS
From wire housings to crimp contacts and circuit board plugs, RS has everything you need for working with PCB connectors. We provide top-quality products from industry-trusted brands to ensure quality, durability and safety, so you can rest assured when shopping from us.
Get your PCB connectors and other accessories for your project today. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.
