0474810001 Connectors, Interconnects

PC card sockets, often referred to as smartcard sockets, are a type of memory connectors designed to securely hold PC cards in a computer\'s expansion slot. PC cards are also known as PCMCIA cards, PCMCIA-ATA cards, PC card drives, credit-card sized cards, and memory cards. They are small plastic cards, typically about the size of a credit card, with connectors that extend from each of their two long sides.PC card sockets are designed for use with the following PC cards: PCMCIA-ATA, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick. They are available in various form factors and pinouts to meet the requirements of different devices. The most common types are single-slot, double-slot, and multi-slot, which support one, two, and four PC cards, respectively.PC card sockets are designed to provide a secure connection between the PC card and the device in which it is inserted. The connectors on the PC card side of the socket are located inside a protective frame or the side walls of the socket itself. This type of protection ensures that no accidentally inserted objects, such as a screwdriver, cause any damage to the PC card’s surface.When the PC card is inserted into a PC card socket, an electrical connection is made between the PC card’s connector pins and the contacts inside the socket. These contacts, which are embedded in the socket itself, are typically made of an ultra-durable, resistance-to-corrosion material such as phosphor bronze.Once the connection is established, the PC card is able to communicate with the device or computer in which it is inserted. Depending on the type of PC card and the type of device, the communication will involve a variety of data-exchange protocols, such as ATA command protocol, UART or USB, or a custom protocol.PC card sockets can also provide a variety of functions, such as protection against over-voltage and electrostatic discharge (ESD). Additionally, some PC card sockets are designed to provide hot-plugging capabilities, allowing a PC card to be plugged in and removed while the device is powered on.Overall, PC card sockets provide a secure and reliable connection between PC cards and devices, and are an essential component for a variety of applications, such as portable computing, automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial electronics.