1. Consider connectors in the early stages of design. "Engineers often focus too much on designing the overall system and put connectors in the final stage of design before considering them." The Guangjiayuan technical engineer said, "They think connectors are very simple, so they can put the relevant design in the final stage. Then they get stuck in their own design

The editor of Guangjiayuan has seen too many stories of designers hastily designing connectors in the final stage of design. He told us that in many cases, designers have to choose non-standard connectors to complete the design, which not only increases costs but also delays delivery time. To avoid such problems, Guangjiayuan's editor suggests that you should consider the connectors you will use in the early stages of design, and then reserve design space for them, and the design should also revolve around them.

No one has a reason to hear you say 'first of all, decide the connectors you need', "said the Guangjiayuan technical engineer." But if they really do this, it can actually save them a lot of time and trouble

2. Understand the limitations of space. Although the thickness of miniature board to board connectors is usually less than 1 millimeter, they are also commonly used in tightly packed applications. In order to solve the potential packaging problems, the designer needs to consider the wiring on the PCB board and the additional wires connected to the connector. Because the spacing becomes smaller, you must make the wiring and wires narrower

Also, please remember that some connectors (such as flexible cable connectors) provide options for flipping forward and backward. When designing a system, you need to consider these flipping methods. For example, if there is another component on the front and back of a connector that is flipped backwards, it may be difficult to access.

Finally, designers also need to note that surface mount devices sometimes cannot handle smaller components. In some cases, they may need new vacuum nozzles to solve these problems.

3. Understand that as the size of the connector decreases, the current carrying capacity of the connector also decreases. Generally speaking, micro connectors can handle currents between 200mA and 500mA, which is approximately half the rated current of larger board to board connectors. To compensate for the problems caused by lower current carrying capacity, designers may need to increase the number of terminals.

4. Consider the stability of small/micro connections. "I suggest that not only during the design phase, but also during the assembly process, they should be ensured not to be damaged

Guangjiayuan technical engineers recall that half of the connectors in the military and space applications designed were destroyed during the testing phase.

If we don't take this issue to heart first, it may push up costs, he said. Damaged connectors require reconfiguration, refurbishment, and labeling. Even more expensive, field replaceable connectors may be needed to replace them, and such changes may extend the design time by another one to two weeks.

The Guangjiayuan technical engineer said, "It should be noted that existing connectors should always be given priority. If these connectors are not compatible with your design, then consider designing yourself. This can save you a lot of time

5. Consider replaceability. If the appearance of the product is enclosed, then you need connectors that can be replaced from the outside. Otherwise, you will need to do some welding work.

The more you do, the more proficient you become in welding and other skills, but the higher the risk of damage to the entire system.

6. Understand the functional requirements of connectors. Suppliers need customers to fully express their needs, otherwise they may misunderstand their needs. This is particularly important when manufacturing custom connectors.

Accurately elucidating the requirements of connectors is crucial,

”The Guangjiayuan technical engineer said, "If the expression is unclear or there are omissions, we may overlook the key requirements of the design

7. Consider that mechanical stress, temperature, impact, and vibration can all generate stress between interfaces and circuits. Experts suggest that you choose connectors that can avoid the influence of these forces.

I saw fragmented solder joints on some PCB boards, "said the Guangjiayuan technical engineer." When the connector is firmly connected to the board or external structure, it must be able to withstand the forces caused by impact and vibration, otherwise cracks may occur

The editor of Guangjiayuan suggests that engineers use interconnection systems to minimize the accumulated stress between the installation structure and connection points as much as possible. Many suppliers offer such systems, "he said." Designers should pay close attention to this. "When selecting connectors, it is necessary to comply with and do not exceed the limitations of the connector product specifications, such as using wiring terminals that are within the conductor size and insulation diameter range specified in the data sheet and product specifications. If at some point in the connector specification and selection process, a suitable connector cannot be found, it may be necessary to modify the connector design or use a new connector design solution