222018-2 Connectors, Interconnects

Backplane Connectors - Contacts

Backplane connectors are terminals used to connect printed circuit boards together in a stack-up configuration. Backplane connectors consist of a number of individual contact sets, or groups of contacts, to provide various electrical connection and/or signal paths between the boards in the stack-up. The individual contact sets of each backplane connector are made up of combinations of contact points, slots, or pins for crimp or solder type connections.

The most common type of contact used in backplane connectors is the crimp type contact. Crimp contacts typically consist of a single contact point, pin, or socket that is crimped to the end of a terminal or contact lead. In addition to crimp contacts, there are also solder type contacts that can be used. Solder contacts typically consist of a single contact point, slot, or pin that is soldered directly to a connector body. Solder contacts are typically used in high speed applications to ensure reliable connections.

At the heart of a backplane connector\'s operation is the contact set. Each contact set consists of one or more contact points that make contact with each other in order to create an electrical connection. These contact points can be made of various materials such as copper, gold, aluminum, or stainless steel and are generally designed to be highly durable, able to handle high current and voltage ratings.

The contact sets of backplane connectors are typically configured in either a pluggable or non-pluggable situation. A pluggable configuration consists of an array of pins or slots that are inserted into a connector body in order to make an electrical connection. A non-pluggable configuration is based on soldered or crimped type connections. Non-pluggable configurations require more labor intensive installation, but offer higher reliability due to the direct physical connection.

Additionally, backplane connectors are designed to be able to accommodate various physical designs and configurations. Commonly, a plastic body is used to hold the individual contact sets together in such a way that each contact is located opposite of its counterpart in the other board. This allows for a snug fit when the connector is mating with another board. The plastic body ensures a tight fit between the boards, minimizing the risk for misalignment and creating the strongest possible connection. Depending upon the application, there are also variations of the plastic body that use different types of shielding or insulation for potential EMI/RFI protection.

Finally, a backplane connector is designed to work in a specific voltage level and current application in order to maintain a reliable connection between the boards. Depending upon the application, backplane connectors vary in the amount of current and voltage that they can handle. This is important for ensuring that the connection is reliable and meets the requirements of the particular application.

Backplane connectors are an essential part of modern electronics systems. By offering a reliable connection between the boards or components, these connectors provide superior performance in applications such as audio, video, data, and control. Additionally, backplane connectors provide a more reliable connection than traditional board-to-board links. With the continuing advancements in technology, backplane connectors will continue to be an important part of electronic systems for years to come.