An edge connector is a type of electrical connector that is designed to connect electronic circuitry at the edge of a printed circuit board (PCB) to an external device or another PCB. These connector consists of a row of metal contacts, usually made of gold-plated brass or copper, that are arranged along the edge of the PCB.
Types of edge connectors:
- PCI edge connector: used to connect peripheral devices such as graphics cards, network cards, and sound cards to a motherboard.
- ISA Edge connector: used in older computers to connect expansion cards.
- DIMM edge connector: used to connect memory modules to a motherboard.
- SIMM edge connector: used in older computers to connect memory modules.
- SCSI connector: used to connect SCSI devices, such as hard drives and tape drives, to a motherboard.
Features of edge connector:
- Contact points: The connectors typically have a row of metal contacts that protrude from the edge of the PCB. These contacts are designed to make electrical contact with corresponding contacts on another PCB or device.
- Pitch: The pitch refers to the distance between adjacent contacts on an edge connector. Standard pitches for edge connectors include 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), 0.05 inch (1.27 mm), and 0.025 inch (0.635 mm).
- Orientation key: Many edge connectors include an orientation key, which is a small protrusion or notch that ensures that the connector is inserted in the correct orientation.
- Mounting holes: Some connectors include mounting holes that allow the connector to be secured to the PCB or other device using screws or other fasteners.
- Durability: Edge connectors are designed to be durable and reliable, with many connectors rated for thousands of mating cycles.
- Compatibility: These connectors are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, making them compatible with a wide range of devices and PCBs.
Working of edge connector:
These connectors work by aligning the contacts on the edge of a PCB with the contacts on an external device or another PCB. When the two connectors are pressed together, the contacts make electrical contact with each other, allowing signals to pass between the two devices.
Advantages:
- Easy to connect and disconnect.
- Provide a secure and reliable connection.
- Can be used for high-speed data transfer.
- Compact design saves space on the PCB.
Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive to manufacture due to the use of gold plating.
- Not suitable for high-current applications.
- The connectors can become damaged if they are not handled carefully.
Applications
These connectors are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and industrial equipment. They are commonly used to connect peripheral devices, such as graphics cards, network cards, and memory modules, to a motherboard or other PCB.