PCB Connectors: Types and Maintenance.

In order to connect electrical components on a conductive track or between pads on the circuit board, a printed circuit board is used. You will find more than one PCB and therefore it will require different types of equipment to create a connection between the circuit boards, In some devices. In order to transfer signals from one PCB, to another a PCB connector is used. An easy method of design or production is provided by these connectors since the printed circuit boards are not hard-wired and therefore they can be assembled at a later stage in the production process. You will be able to find many different types of connectors in the market and each of them performs a different role.

Types of PCB Connectors

There are many different types of PCB connectors each designed for a particular use.

BTB Interconnect System

BTB means board-to-board interconnect systems. They usually exist in two forms. In places where high electrical flexibility is required or the printed circuit boards are more prone to vibrations, flat flexible cables are used. Whereas, in places where the PCBs need to be stacked upon each other, a Conex-it rigid cable is used.

Wire-to-Board Connector

To enable connectivity between circuits, this type of connector connects a wire to a PCB. Make sure to buy connectors that use an automatic assembly process and are 100% defect-free.

Electro-Mechanical Connectors

In order to allow devices to interface with each other, these electro-mechanical connectors provide a wide range of interfaces. USB connectors are the most popular of these electrical connectors.

Backplane Connectors

These types of connectors are very versatile and modular therefore, they are used to design computer systems. In order to connect different circuit boards, these electrical connectors serve as supporters. You will find them being commonly used in the intercom industry because their card can be interchanged very easily.

LVDS Connectors

LVDS is abbreviated as low voltage differential signaling connectors. In all kinds of monitors, you can use LVDS connectors. Their cables are made up of copper which indicates that they provide high-speed connection even if the power operation is low.

RITS Connectors

Remote input/output Terminal System connectors are the kind of connectors whose applications are indicated by colors so they are color-coded. These types of connectors do not need to be stripped during preparations because they consist of a locking lever that helps in the mating process. In other PCBs, the wire connectors are required to be stripped but not in the case of RITS connectors.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining electrical devices, including PCB connectors. Neglect, especially when unused daily, leads to corrosion. To prevent damage, use appropriate cleaning tools during routine maintenance.

  • Remove connector corrosion with Isopropyl Alcohol, but handle carefully due to its flammability.
  • A more efficient and quick solution to this is a PCB eraser. It is very gentle and does not damage the PCB while removing dirt and dust.
  • Using a brush can also work for cleaning terminals.