Wire To Board Connector

Wire To Board Connector Overview

Connectors play a crucial role in electrical and electronic devices. When we refer to an electrical connector, we are talking about an electromechanical device that is essential for establishing an electrical connection between components or different electrical circuits. These connectors integrate these parts into a larger circuit. A wire-to-board connector involves connecting a wire to a printed circuit board (PCB), enabling circuits to interconnect.

Wire-to-board connectors feature wires that are crimped and can be inserted into their corresponding housings, completing the interconnection. These connectors are designed to be reliable and flexible, offering a cost-effective solution for routing power between the printed circuit board. They have various applications in the telecommunications, industrial, commercial, and automotive industries.

Elements of Wire to Board Connectors

A wire-to-board connector is comprised of several key components that ensure its functionality and efficiency. These elements include:

• Bell Mouth – This is a flared edge on the conductor crimp that serves as a funnel, guiding the wire strands into the connector. It minimizes the risk of sharp edges on receptacle terminals nicking or cutting a wire strand.
• Conductor Crimp – One of the most critical elements in a connection, the conductor crimp is formed by the mechanical compression of the terminal around the conductor. This creates an electrical path with high current-carrying capacity and low resistance, eliminating the need for an additional soldering operation.
• Conductor Brush – This refers to the wire strands that typically extend past the crimp from the terminal’s contact section but do not pass through the crimped connection mating section.
• Insulation Crimps – This terminal area provides support to the wire during insertion into the housing.

However, wire-to-board connectors are differentiated by various properties. These include housing sizes, the number of contacts, the number of contact rows, stacking height (measured from the circuit board to the connector’s top), materials used, and the length of contacts. Furthermore, connectors can be identified by their pin pitches, which is the distance between the centers of adjacent conductors.

Wire to Board Connector Types

Board to Wire Connectors comes in different types. The differences are due to their applications. There are four primaries of wire-to-board connector types.

Wafer Connectors

• A wafer connector provideS better options for the connection of a wire to a PCB.
• The male connector is connected to the PCB, and the female connector is crimped to the wire. This gives no chance to any soldering for the female connector.
• A wafer connector is polarized to avoid incorrect plugging in the mating connector.
• The connector is advantageous as it provides pitches similar to those on the header, making it easily compatible.

Ejector headers

• The ejector headers connector provides an ejector mechanism making the connection and disconnection process simple.
• The connector is polarized. Therefore, it avoids any incorrect plugging in the mating connector when connecting.

FPC/FFC Connectors

• Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) Connector comprises a cable with a close resemblance to a ribbon.
• It’s a flexible plastic with a connector at the end made of a metallic material.
• The connector provides high levels of signal reliability.

IDC Connectors

• Insulation Displacement Contact System (IDC) connector is developed having sharpened blades.
• The blades strip a cable’s insulation when connecting it to the connector.
• IDC connector reduces the installation time.

The Advantages of Wire to Board Connector

Achieving a proper connection when attaching the conductor to the connector is crucial. It guarantees a smooth flow of current through the connector, either to or from the conductor, without any faults that could disrupt the current flow and potentially damage the connector. Below are some advantages of wire-to-board connectors:

• Wire-to-board connectors are polarized to facilitate easy connection and disconnection. This minimizes the thickness that might be caused by welding paste, ensuring maximum accuracy.
• The connectors incorporate simple designs that are easier and more convenient to use.
• A wire-to-board connector ensures a durable connection, minimizing the challenges associated with repair and maintenance.

Applications of Wire to Board Connector

Wire-to-board connectors efficiently transmit signals and power to PCBs in devices within the lighting, communication, industrial, and automotive sectors.

Furthermore, commercial and household electronic and electrical appliances also utilize wire-to-board connectors.

Conclusion

Wire-to-board connectors offer reliable and cost-effective methods for routing signals and power between PCBs in lighting, industrial, and automotive devices. As new generations yield more advanced wire-to-board connectors, engineers are extending their advantages to even smaller units. When choosing a wire-to-board connector, it is advisable to opt for one that has been certified and approved by Underwriter Laboratories for use. For further information on wire-to-board connectors, consider reaching out to an expert nearby or to us. We would be delighted to assist you and ensure that all your questions are thoroughly answered.