Printed Circuit Board Connectors SMT and Through Hole

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books or resources on PCB connector design, specifically for both surface mount and through hole technologies. Participants share insights on the design considerations and practical applications of these connectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests book recommendations for PCB connector design, indicating a need to understand both surface mount and through hole technologies.
  • Another participant suggests a tutorial website that may provide foundational knowledge on board making, particularly for simpler designs.
  • A different participant notes the proprietary nature of detailed connector design information but emphasizes that common sense can guide the application of connectors based on their intended use, such as the need for locking mechanisms in high-stress environments.
  • This participant also highlights the importance of pad surface area, spacing, and solder pad strength for surface mount devices, contrasting them with the resilience of through hole devices.
  • Agency approvals, such as UL recognition, are mentioned as complicating factors in connector usage, with varying concerns from different agencies.
  • Another participant reiterates the request for book recommendations and suggests checking manufacturer websites for connector options.
  • A final participant mentions using Google to find resources related to PCB connector design, indicating the availability of information online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific book recommendations, and various viewpoints on design considerations and resource availability are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the availability of comprehensive resources and the proprietary nature of detailed design information. There are also varying opinions on the importance of agency approvals and design considerations based on application.

kriek
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Hi,

Could someone recommend a good book that covers PCB connector design for both Surface mount and through hole technologies. Thanks. I'm a mechanical engineering and need to become familiar with the design of these components.
 
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Last edited by a moderator:
I haven't seen a book as such, and if you were looking for details regarding the actual design of connectors, I'm sure that almos all of that will be proprietary. However, if you're looking for information regarding the application of connectors, some common sense can go a long way. For example, light duty applications with light cables generally don't need to be locked into place. Whereas applications involvolving mechanical shock, vibration and or heavy / longer cables generally need a positive locking mechanism.
The safe level loading on surface mount devices is strongly dependent on the surface area of the pads, the distance between bads (to handle torque) and the shear strength of the solder pad. On the other hand, through hole devices tend to be much more resiliant because for any stress, at least one side of the pad is assured to be in compression.
Other issues include agency approvals - UL will strongly complicate the usage of a none UL recognized connector. Likewise, other agencies have different concerns and there isn't a universal answer.
It's good to keep in mind whether the connector is to be used for assembly, or service. Some connectors are fragile, or have a limited life. You definitely don't want these being subjected to repeated assembly and disassembly.

Best luck with your search

Mike
 
kriek said:
Hi,

Could someone recommend a good book that covers PCB connector design for both Surface mount and through hole technologies. Thanks. I'm a mechanical engineering and need to become familiar with the design of these components.

You can also browse the websites of common manufacturers for those connectors. AMP (now under Tyco) used to have a bzillion options for connectors:

http://www.tycoelectronics.com/sitemap.asp

.
 

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