Card Edge Connectors - Adapters are hybrid solutions combining printed circuit board (PCB) edge connectors with interface conversion capabilities. They enable direct board-to-board connections while facilitating protocol, form factor, or signal standard transitions. These components are critical in modern electronics for expanding functionality, enabling modular designs, and ensuring compatibility across generations of hardware architectures.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe Expansion Adapters | High-speed protocol conversion (e.g., PCIe Gen4 to NVMe) | SSD storage expansion cards |
| Hybrid Memory Adapters | DRAM standard conversion (e.g., SODIMM to microDIMM) | Industrial computer upgrades |
| IO Interface Converters | Physical layer translation (e.g., SATA to M.2) | Embedded system integration |
| High-Speed Mezzanine | Parallel bus to serial protocol conversion | Telecom backplane systems |
Typical construction includes:
Advanced designs integrate signal conditioning ICs for high-speed applications.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Critical Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion Force | 30-80N | Directly impacts connector longevity |
| Contact Resistance | 5-20m | Signal integrity maintenance |
| DWV Rating | 500VAC | Safety and reliability assurance |
| Bit Rate | 0.5-32Gbps | Defines application suitability |
| Mating Cycles | 500-10,000 | Product lifecycle determination |
Primary use in:
| Manufacturer | Key Product Series | Technical Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Amphenol ICC | Edgecard 2.0 | 100Gbps differential signaling |
| TE Connectivity | ALCOSWITCH | Gold contact with nickel underplate |
| Molex | Impel System | Self-aligning guide features |
| Samtec | Edge Rate | 0.8mm contact centerline spacing |
Key evaluation criteria:
Recommended to perform insertion loss testing at operating frequencies above 10Gbps.
Current development focuses on:
Market growth projected at 6.2% CAGR through 2028 according to Bishop & Associates research.
