Board Stacking Connectors

Rectangular Connectors, specifically Board Spacers/Stackers (Board to Board), are a type of electrical connector designed to establish a secure and reliable connection between two circuit boards. These connectors are crucial in various electronic devices and systems where compactness and efficient space utilization are essential.

Definition:
Rectangular Board Spacers/Stackers are connectors with a rectangular shape that facilitate the vertical stacking of circuit boards. They are also known as board-to-board connectors, which are designed to connect two PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) side by side or in a stacked configuration.

Function:
1. Electrical Connection: They provide a means for electrical signals and power to be transferred between two boards without the need for wires.
2. Mechanical Support: They often serve as a mechanical support structure, holding the boards in place and maintaining their alignment.
3. Signal Integrity: High-quality connectors ensure minimal signal degradation and interference, which is critical for high-speed data transfer and sensitive electronic systems.

Applications:
1. Consumer Electronics: Used in smartphones, tablets, and laptops for internal board connections.
2. Automotive: Found in infotainment systems, sensor arrays, and control units.
3. Industrial Automation: Employed in PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and other control systems.
4. Medical Devices: Used in compact diagnostic equipment and portable systems.
5. Telecommunications: Essential in routers, switches, and other networking hardware.

Selection Criteria:
1. Contact Density: The number of pins or contacts that can be accommodated within a given space.
2. Current Rating: The maximum current that the connector can safely carry.
3. Voltage Rating: The maximum voltage that the connector can withstand without breakdown.
4. Signal Integrity: The ability to maintain signal quality over the connector's length.
5. Mechanical Strength: The durability and robustness of the connector to withstand environmental stresses.
6. Size and Form Factor: The physical dimensions and shape that fit the design constraints of the device.
7. Environmental Resistance: Protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
8. Ease of Assembly: The simplicity of mounting and connecting the boards without specialized tools.
9. Cost-Effectiveness: The balance between performance and cost, considering the budget of the project.

When selecting rectangular board spacers/stackers, it's important to consider the specific requirements of the application, including the type of boards being connected, the environment in which the device will operate, and any specific performance criteria that must be met.
Please refer to the product rule book for details.