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Backplane connectors are an integral part of any modern PCB assembly. In their simplest terms, backplane connectors are devices which connect a backplane to the rest of the PCB assembly, allowing for the transfer of electrical signals. There are a variety of types of backplane connectors, and the selection of which type to use for a specific application depends on the requirements of the design. This article will discuss the application field and working principle of the two primary types of backplane connectors, Hard Metric and Standard.

Hard Metric Backplane Connectors are an open architecture-style connector designed for high speed and high density applications. The Hard Metric connectors feature a latch system which provides secure connection to the mating connector and also provides the ability for up to ten high-speed differential pairs to be routed through a single connector. This makes them ideal for high speed applications such as SAS and Fibre Channel. The Hard Metric connectors feature a bulleted system and can accommodate shield or standard housings. They are typically rated for six to nine GHZ and are able to achieve high insertion and return losses.

Standard Metric Backplane Connectors are a traditional style connector designed for reliability and low cost. The Standard Metric connectors feature a locking system which provides secure connection to the mating connector, and the pins are typically gold plated for high conductivity and corrosion resistance. Unlike the Hard Metric connectors, Standard connectors are not designed for high speed applications but rather for use in general data transfer. The Standard Metric connectors are typically rated for 5GHZ and have been shown to achieve good insertion and return losses.

In terms of application field, Hard Metric connectors are typically used for high speed applications such as SAS and Fibre Channel, while Standard Metric connectors are used for general data transfer. As for working principle, both connectors use a latching system to ensure a secure connection to the mating connector. In addition, both connectors use gold plated pins to ensure high conductivity and corrosion resistance.