finding the right connector..how hard can it be?.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martiniko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2018, 10:42:27 pm
content: HiI have a project where I am going to manufacture and sell some PCBs (50 to 200 calculated a year).So I have gotten to the point where I am thinking of how to connect the external components (for power, buzzer, lamp and other components in the project).Since I am connecting everything myself I am thinking that maybe using a terminal block could be better than using a normal connector (to avoid having to crimp to many terminals etc).I am considering using Wago 236-402 terminal blocks.But feels a bit ashame to use a true hole component when everything else on the board is Surface-mount..(since it adds another cost if they need to do wave soldering or so when manufacturing PCB).wire sizes are 0,34mm2 to 1mm2 (AWG 17 to 22). Both solid core and stranded wire. 18-20 pos or so.So my question is: does anyone have any alternative to using this true hole terminal block that is better?I know its a bit of big question and that there are a lot of alternatives.. more curious to see if anyone have an alternative that they can recommend.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2018, 11:04:33 pm
content: Fire-up a website like DigiKey and start narrowing down some parameters (don't forget to expand the more filters option):https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/connectors/indexhttps://www.digikey.com/products/en/connectors-interconnects/terminal-blocks-headers-plugs-and-sockets/370?k=&pkeyword=&pv69=3&sf=1&FV=ffe00172&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&pageSize=25https://www.digikey.com/products/en/connectors-interconnects/terminal-blocks-wire-to-board/371?k=&pkeyword=&pv69=3&sf=1&FV=ffe00173%2Cfff40016%2Cfff803bf&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&pageSize=25The other question is how robust do the connectors have to be? If they are going to be shaken around or have direct user access then I would recommend TH

author: Martiniko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2018, 11:45:50 pm
content: thanks for your feedback. I have been looking there a lot..I am just a bit indecisive about what to choose. always some issue..for example I looked at this one:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/phoenix-contact/1864176/277-11999-ND/6228703seems nice and no wave soldering needed. well nice until you look at the price that is..Yes, will be some minor shaking around.One question: TH? what is that short for? Terminal header? or??

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 12:12:21 am
content: Quote from: ANTALIFE on November 05, 2018, 11:04:33 pmAgreed. "If the monkeys are going to touch it, make it a through-hole connector."

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 01:28:41 am
content: Quote from: Martiniko on November 05, 2018, 11:45:50 pmNo problemo, you are going to get into this balance dance plenty of times. Like finding the balance between price of SMD/TH component vs the time/money it costs to fit itAlso as sokoloff said, TH stands for Through Hole. Like SMD/SMT stands for Surface Mounted Device/Technology

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 02:15:51 am
content: Quote from: sokoloff on November 06, 2018, 12:12:21 amSMT with tabs is also pretty durable option.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2018, 03:09:17 am
content: Quote from: asmi on November 06, 2018, 02:15:51 amthen you also need to carefully find out if your connector will survive the temp of reflow. Many won't. Sometimes the best ( and only option ) is to hand sodler the connectors.