Elevated Standoffs for Through-Hole Parts? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dave8266
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2023, 11:08:35 pm
content: Hello! I have a PCB where I need to incorporate a reflective phototransistor sensor, but for mechanical reasons need the sensor itself to be elevated from the PCB to sit closer to the object being sensed. I'm familiar with through-hole part spacers for LEDs (example photo below), but can't seem to find the right keywords to locate these in single-lead generic (non-LED) forms.So that leads me to three questions:1) Do these exist?2) If they do exist, are they something that would be a major process hurdle for contract manufacturers?3)(X/Y problem catch-all)- Is there a better way to elevate a part? I had considered using SMD parts on a small castellated intermediate PCB as the spacer, but that would surely complicate assembly, and would take a larger footprint as well.Thanks in advance.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2023, 11:26:08 pm
content: Check MAC8 catalog for parts like these.You can also just define to place the TH parts with a certain height to your contact manufacturer, if the leads are strong enough themselves.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2023, 01:40:35 am
content: I've used the Bivar branded ones for LEDs. You could still use those for a single lead, but maybe just a plastic spacer with a thin centre hole would work.Personally I'd investigate using a second PCB, with some kind of mezzanine or R/A PCB to PCB connectors - but in the end it will very likely cost more - a lot more if using SMD connectors and just for a single sensor.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2023, 01:57:35 am
content: 3D print them? Print time for very small objects is low (a few mins per spacer) so cost would probably be reasonable. Very customisable and multiple parts could use the one spacer.You would need to make sure they survive your other manufacture steps (reflow, etc). ABS is cheap and might work if you keep it on the correct side of the board, otherwise nylon is also commonly available (but costs more).

author: Kim Christensen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2023, 02:51:10 am
content: Insulated standoff, nylon spacer, bushing, etc... Post a picture of the part you're trying to mount. You may be able to "misuse" some part to do what you want.

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2023, 03:29:34 am
content: Contact Judy Yan at:judysales01163.comShenzhen Boshenghong Electronics Co.,Ltd201 Zone A Bld. B3, No.381, Shajing NanHuan Road, Bao 'an District, Shenzhen, 518100Website:www.boshenghong.comin Shenzhen. They have numerous nylon products including led spacers, screws, etc.There is another vendor name I can share once at the office. They often sponsor the Taitronics fairs in Taipei each year.Here is another vendor we have used in the past:https://www.pingood.com.tw/en/category/64754.html

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2023, 11:58:40 pm
content: An extra board to put the sensor on, offset above the main board using header pins?

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2023, 01:16:45 am
content: Could you use PTFE tubing cut to a pre-defined length? (I'm not sure if you're making 50 or 50K here.)

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2023, 05:12:32 pm
content: Quantity matters a lot here. One board is different than 1000 or even ten or twenty. Also how much height you need to add--you mentioned one(?) PCB layer as a spacer?Depending on the nature of the sensor/application, maybe a lightpipe would work instead? Perhaps something like these:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/bivar-inc./VLP-650-F/4500883Or perhaps a little mezzanine board, you could co-panelize so it gets assembled with everything else on the main board, then just snaps off and plugs in?

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2023, 11:51:38 am
content: The op appears to be in the witness protection program.