What materials are commonly used in board-to-board connectors?

In the intricate world of electronics, board-to-board connectors play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless function of devices. The materials used in these connectors are selected for their specific properties, contributing significantly to the connector’s performance, durability, and reliability. This article explores the commonly used materials in board-to-board connectors, providing insights into why these materials are chosen and how they contribute to the overall functionality of electronic devices.

1. Contact Materials

Copper Alloys

Copper alloys are the primary choice for connector contacts due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Phosphor bronze, a popular copper alloy, is widely used because of its excellent fatigue resistance, making it ideal for connectors that are frequently mated and unmated. Beryllium copper, another common choice, is known for its high strength and conductivity, often used in high-reliability connectors where performance cannot be compromised.

Copper alloys, primarily phosphor bronze and beryllium copper, are the backbone of connector contacts. Phosphor bronze, for instance, is extensively used in consumer electronics like smartphones.

Its fatigue resistance is crucial in these applications, where connectors are frequently engaged and disengaged during battery or SIM card replacement.

Gold Plating

Gold plating on contacts is a standard in the industry. Gold’s excellent corrosion resistance ensures that the electrical connection remains reliable over time, even in harsh environments. This plating, although thin (typically a few microns), significantly enhances the longevity of the connector by preventing oxidation.

For example, in aerospace applications, where reliability is paramount, gold-plated contacts are a common sight.

In medical devices, such as pacemakers, gold-plated contacts are used to ensure consistent performance over time. The corrosion resistance of gold ensures that these critical devices function reliably, even under the physiological conditions of the human body.

Silver Plating

Silver plating is an alternative to gold, offering higher electrical conductivity and a more cost-effective solution. However, silver is more prone to tarnishing and corrosion, which can be mitigated through proper design and additional protective coatings. Silver-plated connectors are often used in applications where high conductivity is required but without the stringent long-term reliability demands of gold.

Silver plating finds its niche in high-frequency applications. For example, in satellite communication systems, silver-plated connectors are used for their superior electrical conductivity, which is vital for maintaining signal integrity in high-frequency transmissions.

2. Insulator or Housing Materials

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics like Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyamide (PA), and Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) are commonly used for connector housings. PPS, known for its high-temperature resistance and dimensional stability, is ideal for automotive and industrial applications. Polyamide, with its excellent balance of strength and flexibility, is often found in consumer electronics. LCP, characterized by its high thermal stability and chemical resistance, is used in connectors for harsh environments.

Thermosetting Plastics

Thermosetting plastics such as Diallyl Phthalate (DAP) and Epoxy are used when additional durability is required. These materials, once set, provide excellent resistance to heat and chemicals, making them suitable for industrial and military applications where connectors are exposed to extreme conditions.

Thermoplastics like PPS, PA, and LCP are widely used in various sectors. In the automotive industry, PPS is used for connectors in engine control units (ECUs) due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and harsh chemicals.

3. Shielding Materials

Metals for EMI Shielding

Aluminum and steel are commonly used for EMI shielding in connectors. Their ability to reflect and absorb electromagnetic interference ensures that the connector does not become a source of signal disruption. For instance, in communication equipment, where signal integrity is paramount, these materials are essential.

Aluminum and steel, used for EMI shielding, are crucial in environments with high electromagnetic interference. In industrial control systems, these materials are employed to prevent signal disruption that could lead to equipment malfunction or data errors.

Nickel Plating

Nickel plating is often applied to connector shells for additional EMI/RFI shielding. It also enhances the connector’s corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in environments with high humidity or corrosive elements.

Nickel plating is commonly seen in connectors used in marine applications. The additional EMI/RFI shielding provided by nickel plating, combined with its corrosion resistance, makes these connectors ideal for use in the corrosive saltwater environment.

4. Other Essential Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is frequently used in the construction of latches or locking mechanisms in connectors. Its strength and resistance to corrosion ensure that the mechanical aspects of the connector remain reliable over time, an essential feature in applications like medical devices where failure is not an option.

Stainless steel’s strength and corrosion resistance make it ideal for connectors in outdoor telecommunications equipment. The latches and locking mechanisms made of stainless steel ensure that the connectors can withstand the rigors of outdoor environments, from extreme temperatures to rain and humidity.

Diverse Plating Materials

Tin and palladium-nickel are other plating materials used for corrosion resistance and to improve solderability. Tin, for example, is often used in consumer electronics due to its excellent solderability and lower cost compared to gold.

Tin and palladium-nickel plating are used for different applications. Tin, for instance, is commonly used in the consumer electronics sector for connectors in devices like gaming consoles, where cost-effectiveness and good solderability are key requirements.

Conclusion

The materials used in board-to-board connectors are as diverse as the applications they serve. From the conductivity of copper alloys and the protective nature of gold plating to the structural integrity provided by thermoplastics, each material plays a crucial role in the connector’s performance.

Understanding these materials is key to appreciating the complexities behind these seemingly simple components that are vital in the world of electronics.