A ‘PCB’ or Printed Circuit Board connects electrical components on a conductive track or between pads on the board. Some devices hold more than one PCB and will utilise a variety of equipment to build a connection between the boards.
PCB connectors are mounted on the PCB and are typically used to transfer signals or power from one PCB to another, or to transfer to or from the PCB from another source within the unit. Connectors provide an easy method of Design for Manufacture, as the PCBs are not hard-wired to each other and can be assembled later in a production process.
There are different types of PCB connectors that have different roles to play on the board. The final application will determine the Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) properties of the connectors used in the PCB design. For example, a connector used within a mobile phone will need to be smaller and lighter than a connector used within a car to withstand high current.
PCB Connector Orientations
The term PCB Connector refers to a basic multi-pin connection system, typically in a rectangular layout. A mating pair of PCB Connectors will either be for board-to-board connections or cable-to-board (also known as wire-to-board).
Board-to-board connector layouts can provide a range of PCB connection orientations, all based on 90 degree increments:
- Parallel or mezzanine – both connectors are vertical orientation;