What is a Board to Board Connectors?
As its name suggests, it is a connector that connects boards to boards. It is also called Board to board connector, board-to-board connector, etc. It started with a pin (called a pin header) that stands on the board and a socket into which it is inserted. Since then, Board to Board Connectors of various shapes have appeared in response to various applications and size requirements. Compared to cases where connections are made via wires or FPC / FFC, the connections are neat and compact.
Connection form
When Mating connectors, in principle there are male and female = plug and Socket, and depending on the mounting and Mating on the board, there is a straight type (hereinafter referred to as ST type) and a right angle type (hereinafter referred to as RA type) ) exists. Board to Board Connectors have three types of connections depending on the combination of these.
Stacking connection ST type + ST type
Boards can be connected in parallel by using ST type for both Socket.
If one of the boards becomes a child board, it is called a mezzanine connection, etc., as if it were a two-story structure. Connectors for Stacking connection are therefore also called mezzanine connectors.
Adjust Mating Height by selecting the height of each plug and Socket. This is the most popular type of connection, and the type with the most variations for our company.
Stacking connection ST type + ST type
Right angle connection ST type + RA type
Boards can be connected vertically by using RA type for either plug or Socket.
Floating structure
Board to Board Connectors differ greatly from connections via wires or FPCs in that the positional relationship is fixed. This is often an advantage when assembling the final device, but it can cause problems in certain situations.
For example, if multiple connectors are used to connect between boards, or if there is an effect due to the position between boards that is forced when assembling to the housing, assembly may become difficult depending on the precision of mounting, and mounting may not be possible even after assembly. There is a problem that stress remains in the part (soldered part) etc. Ultimately, there is a risk that the function cannot be guaranteed, such as cracks in the soldered part due to creep stress.
In order to avoid these problems, a function called "Floating structure" is created by providing a spring, so to speak, with "play". This function absorbs the misalignment between the boards and relieves the stress on the connection part with the board. At the same time, by providing a taper called a guide to the connector housing, it is possible to greatly improve the ease of assembly. We take pride in having the largest variety of Floating Connector in the industry.
On the other hand, the problem with Floating Connector is their sense of size. The highlight of the technology is how to give as large a Floating structure as possible in a small space, but fixed/rigid connectors without Floating structure can be smaller, and they are advantageous in terms of cost and simple structure. I have. The best choice is to use them according to the customer's application and usage environment.
For example, when using two Board to Board Connectors, one of the options can be left fixed and the other Floating structure. If you consult with our sales representative or contact us via the web, we will make a proposal that best suits your needs.
