PCB Blog - How to connect pcb boards?

The connection of PCBs is a very important step in the process of circuit design and manufacturing. Different connection methods can affect the stability, transmission speed, signal interference, and many other aspects of the circuit's performance.

Common PCB connection methods

1. Welding connection method: Various components and wires are welded onto the PCB board, usually using tools such as soldering tin and iron for welding.

2. Plug connection method: Use connectors such as pins and IDC terminals behind sockets to connect components and wires to the PCB board by inserting them into the PCB board or socket.

3. Installation type connection method: Connect components and wires to the PCB board through crimping, clamping, or bonding.

4. Elastic connection method: Use elastic metal connectors such as spring plates and plugs to connect components and wires to the PCB board.

5. Welding and plug hybrid connection method: A combination of welding and plug connection is used to connect components and wires simultaneously using pins or sockets, and weld them onto the PCB board.

6. Welding perforation connection method: Weld the components and wires onto the PCB board through the perforation holes on the PCB board.

7. Surface mount connection method: The surface of the component is directly welded to the surface of the PCB board, usually connected using SMT.

The connection between PCB and PCB

1. Welding connection

Welding connection is a commonly used connection method between PCBs, usually divided into manual welding and automated welding. Manual welding usually requires the use of electric soldering iron and soldering tin. The circuit board components that need to be connected are heated by soldering iron to produce melting and then connected with soldering tin. Automated welding uses automated equipment, such as ovens or wave soldering machines, to achieve welding.

The advantage of welding connection is that it is reliable and easy to automate production and mass production, while the disadvantage is that it requires good skills and experience. In addition, heat is generated during the welding process, and if not suitable, it may cause deformation or even damage to the PCB board, leading to circuit failure.

2. Pin connection

Pin connection is a plug-like connection method that connects circuit board components through corresponding sockets. Pin connections are usually divided into two types: single-pin connections and multi-pin connections, as well as two forms with or without locks. The advantages of a single-pin connection are simple structure and convenient installation, while a multi-pin connection can simultaneously connect more lines, improving the communication speed and data transmission rate of the PCB board.

The advantages of pin connection are convenient connection and simple installation, while the disadvantage is that there is a high risk of a loose connection, which is prone to breakage and detachment. Therefore, when selecting pin connections, it is necessary to pay attention to selecting connectors with large contact areas and good quality to reduce the possibility of failure.

3. Spring connection

Spring connection, also known as elastic contact, connects circuit board components through the force of the spring. Spring connections are usually divided into two types: closed type and wing type. The closed type is connected by pushing the spring, while the wing type is connected by bending the spring.

The advantages of spring connection are high connection reliability and large contact area, while the disadvantages are high cost and difficulty in automated production and manufacturing. In addition, the spring connection needs to pay attention to the matching of plate thickness and spring pressure, otherwise, it can easily lead to plate deformation, fracture, and detachment.

4. Clamping connection

Clamping connection is a method of connecting circuit board components through clamping fixtures, usually divided into two types: elastic clamping and pressure clamping. Elastic clamping is achieved by clamping circuit board components together through the elastic design of the fixture, while pressure clamping is achieved through equipment such as molding machines and low-pressure presses for clamping connection.

The advantages of clamping connection are convenient connection and fast installation, while the disadvantages are low reliability and easy occurrence of breakage, detachment, and other situations. Therefore, when using clamping connections, it is necessary to pay attention to the matching of the elasticity and pressure of the fixture to ensure the reliability of the connection.

Connection method for PCB assembly

1. V-cut

V-CUT, also known as V-CUT, is a groove drawn at the junction of two boards, where the connection of the boards is relatively thin and easy to break. When assembling the boards, the edges of the two boards can be merged together. In addition, V-cuts are generally straight lines and do not have complex lines such as curved arcs, so when assembling, it is best to try to be on a straight line. Pay attention to leaving a gap between the two boards for the V-cut, usually 0.4mm. The V-cut can be represented using 2D lines placed on all layers.

2. Stamp hole

Stamp holes are another way of connecting panels, commonly used in irregular panels. They are called stamp holes because the edges of the panels resemble those of stamps after being broken.

Stamp hole assembly is a process of connecting two boards at the edges through a small piece of board, which has many small holes at the connection between the two boards, making it easy to break.

3. Hollow connecting strip

The connection method of the hollow connecting strip is similar to the stamp hole, but the difference is that the connecting part of the connecting strip is narrower and there are no through holes on both sides. One drawback of this method is that after the board is broken, there will be a very obvious bump, while the bump in the stamp hole is not very obvious because it is separated by the through hole.

PCB connection as an integral part of the entire machine, require electrical connections between PCBs, between PCBs and external components, and between PCBs and device panels. Choosing the best combination of reliability, technology, and economy is one of the important aspects of PCB design.