Card Edge Connectors (CECs) are interconnection devices that enable electrical and mechanical connections between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic systems. Their accessories include supporting components like retention clips, guide pins, and dust covers. These elements ensure stable signal transmission, mechanical stability, and environmental protection. CECs are critical in modular electronics design, enabling compact, scalable, and serviceable systems across industries.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Row Edge Connectors | Low-profile design, 0.1" pitch, gold-plated contacts | Peripheral expansion cards in desktop PCs |
| Dual-Row Edge Connectors | Parallel signal routing, EMI shielding, polarization keys | Server memory modules (DIMMs) |
| High-Density CECs | Micro-pin layouts (up to 2.54mm pitch), multi-gigabit capability | Telecom backplanes |
| Compliance Edge Connectors | Compliant pin technology for vibration resistance | Industrial control systems |
| Accessories | Retention clips, anti-dust covers, alignment guides | Medical imaging equipment |
A typical CEC assembly consists of:
| Parameter | Value Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 1-5A per contact | Determines power delivery capacity |
| Contact Resistance | 5-20m | Impacts signal integrity |
| Dielectric Strength | 500-1500VAC | Safety insulation compliance |
| Operating Temp | -55 C to +125 C | Environmental reliability |
| Mating Cycles | 500-10,000 cycles | Product longevity |
| Manufacturer | Product Series | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Amphenol ICC | SmartSpring CEC | Self-cleaning contacts, 3.2mm thickness |
| Molex | MX Edge | 128-position DDR4 memory connector |
| TE Connectivity | Edgelock Z-Pin | Zero insertion force design |
| Samtec | Edge Rate | 100Gbps differential pairs |
| JAE Electronics | MB01 Series | Anti-vibration locking mechanism |
Key considerations:
Case Study: In industrial IoT gateways, TE Connectivity's Edgelock Z-Pin was selected for its 2,000-cycle durability and 168-hour salt spray resistance, ensuring reliability in harsh environments.
Emerging developments include: