Connectors and cable assemblies for specific applications

Printed circuit board connectors refer to all detachable electrical connections for connecting printed circuit boards (PCBs). This includes connections from one PCB to another, connections from the PCB to individual strands and also the connection out of a device to a cable.

Board to board connectors provide the electrical connection from PBCs to other PCBs. Relevant factors for choosing the right connection include the number of poles, geometric size, quantities to be transmitted such as current, voltage or data rate. In addition, the arrangement of the PCBs to each other is decisive for the optimal interface. HARTING offers solutions for all possible PCB arrangements - extender card, mezzanine, mother to daughter card as well as ribbon cable connections.

The board-to-cable connection refers to the electrical connection from the PCB out of a device. It thus establishes the connection to the outside world, outside the device. The interface, usually referred to as the device socket, is in most cases soldered to the PCB and is connected to the outside of the device with a corresponding cable connector. The type of interface depends on the electrical lifeline data, signals or power to be transmitted. Furthermore, the operating environment of the device is relevant and the associated requirements for protection against liquids and foreign bodies, as well as protection against electromagnetic radiation.

PCB terminal blocks or wire-to-board connectors are the right choice when it comes to connecting PCBs and single wires. Regardless of whether it is a single copper wire or an entire cable harness, wire-to-board connectors can be used to realize reliable connections for the transmission of signals and power in numerous applications. The central area of application for single-wire wiring of printed circuit boards is industrial automation together with measurement and control technology (MCR), but also mechanical engineering, power engineering and traffic engineering. All industries are addressed in which electrical and electronic devices such as controllers, drives, sensors, actuators and interface assemblies are used.

The correct connection of connectors to the PCB is a key factor in determining the performance and durability of a connection. We present the most common connection techniques of PCB connectors in this article.