What is a PCB connector?

What is a PCB connector?

Define the basics:

Or the printed circuit board is connected between the electrical components on the conductive track or the pads on the circuit board. Some devices accommodate multiple PCBs and will use various devices to establish connections between circuit boards.

The PCB connector is installed on the PCB and is usually used to transfer signals or power from one PCB to another, or from another source in the unit to or from the PCB. The connector provides a simple manufacturing design method, because the PCBs are not hardwired to each other, and can be assembled at the later stage of the production process.

There are different types of PCB connectors that play different roles on the circuit board. The final application will determine the size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics of connectors used in PCB design. For example, connectors used in mobile phones need to be smaller and lighter than those used in cars to withstand high current.

PCB connector direction

The term "PCB connector" refers to a basic multi-pin connection system, usually with a rectangular layout. A pair of matched PCB connectors will be used for board to board connection or cable to board (also known as line to board).

The board to board connector layout can provide a series of PCB connection directions, all based on 90 degree increments:

Parallel or sandwich - both connectors are vertical;

90 degrees, right angle, motherboard to sub-board - one connector is vertical and the other is horizontal;