Card Edge Vs. Pin Connections

[Searcher7]

I'm working on an electrical project that requires switching between
40 pin data connections. Does anyone know which would be a more
reliable connection between a card edge connection and a pin
connection over time under the same static and environmental
circumstances?

I assume a pin connection, but need confirmation.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[[email protected]]

I'm working on an electrical project that requires switching between
40 pin data connections. Does anyone know which would be a more
reliable connection between a card edge connection and a pin
connection over time under the same static and environmental
circumstances?

Static? Does that mean one connection cycle?

I assume a pin connection, but need confirmation.

I don't think you've defined the problem well enough.

 

[Rich Webb]

I'm working on an electrical project that requires switching between
40 pin data connections. Does anyone know which would be a more
reliable connection between a card edge connection and a pin
connection over time under the same static and environmental
circumstances?

I assume a pin connection, but need confirmation.

Card edge connectors are cheap and if you go with gold plated fingers
and wipers and also engineer enough mechanical support then they're
probably fine in some applications. You've left a lot of requirements
unstated, though.

You can get "pin connectors" that survive harsh environmental conditions
of temperature, humidity, shock (BIG fscking shock!), and vibration.
Something like this
<http://www.glenair.com/backshells/shipboard/electrical_connectors.htm>
But I'm guessing that's more than you're looking for.

If that's too much, try Samtec's Tiger Eye series. They have pretty high
density, discrete wire connectors in several related form factors.
<http://www.samtec.com/idcdiscretewire/Discrete_Wire_Assemblies.aspx>

 

[Searcher7]

Static? Does that mean one connection cycle?






I don't think you've defined the problem well enough.

"Static" as in motionless. This is just an in the home set up not involving extreme conditions.

I was just looking for confirmation that generally speaking pin connections are preferable.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[[email protected]]

"Static" as in motionless. This is just an in the home set up not involving extreme conditions.

What does "motionless" mean? The boards sit stationary but may be
plugged and unplugged regularly? Or they're plugged once and never
touched again? 100 cycles? What voltages/currents? There are many
variables, here.

I was just looking for confirmation that generally speaking pin connections are preferable.

If there were one answer, there would only be one connector. You
really do have to match the connector to the specific application.

 

[Searcher7]

What does "motionless" mean? The boards sit stationary but may be

plugged and unplugged regularly? Or they're plugged once and never

touched again? 100 cycles? What voltages/currents? There are many

variables, here.






If there were one answer, there would only be one connector. You

really do have to match the connector to the specific application.

Motionless means that when it is plugged in it will not be moved. The leads sill sit in the case and dismissing an earthquake they will not be subjected to much in the way of vibration or shock. (There will be not pulling stresses at all).

And the reason I don't just solder the leads as opposed to using connectors is because of the plausibility of having to take it apart and make repairs in the future.

And as mentioned these will be data connections.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[[email protected]]

Motionless means that when it is plugged in it will not be moved. The leads sill sit in the case and dismissing an earthquake they will not be subjected to much in the way of vibration or shock. (There will be not pulling stresses at all).

And the reason I don't just solder the leads as opposed to using connectors is because of the plausibility of having to take it apart and make repairs in the future.

And as mentioned these will be data connections.

As long as the number of connections isn't huge and you have the
space, edge connectors will work fine. You should use gold plated
connections (both connector and PCB fingers) which does cost a little
bit but it should be much cheaper than a connector set. If you had
high vibration, many insertion cycles, or high currents, or a nasty
environment, pins would probably be a better choice.

 

[Searcher7]

As long as the number of connections isn't huge and you have the

space, edge connectors will work fine. You should use gold plated

connections (both connector and PCB fingers) which does cost a little

bit but it should be much cheaper than a connector set. If you had

high vibration, many insertion cycles, or high currents, or a nasty

environment, pins would probably be a better choice.

Thanks a lot.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.