Name This Ribbon PCB Connector! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: The13thParish
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2022, 11:11:52 pm
content: Dear all,I'm fixing the front panel of a Keithley 617 electrometer and some pins have snapped off the other end of this ribbon cable (terminating into a DIP style socket connector). I will replace the whole cable, but my issue is that I don't know what the other end is! Could anyone help with giving me a name for this style connector?

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2022, 11:31:12 pm
content: IDC transition connector?

author: The13thParish
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2022, 11:38:59 pm
content: It's directly soldered to the board, unless I'm mistaken. Are all IDC connectors socket/header type deals?

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2022, 11:47:06 pm
content: IDC just means Insulation Displacement Connector, not any particular type really (but commonly as you point out the plug/socket variety).Maybe like this....https://www.digikey.co.nz/en/products/detail/cnc-tech/3550-12-0101-99/9602551?utm_adgroup=General&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Smart%20Shopping_Product_Zombie%20SKUS&utm_term=&productid=9602551&gclid=CjwKCAjwu5yYBhAjEiwAKXk_eOmuurb-TpvGzm78EAhgI2t8e6w_5AG7qaRjTWXS6Dcw4uVz_C0lDBoC1n4QAvD_BwEThis category in general has various connectors of that style...https://www.digikey.co.nz/en/products/filter/rectangular-connectors/rectangular-connectors-board-in-direct-wire-to-board/317

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2022, 11:50:45 pm
content: Soldered wire-to-board connectors are sometimes called "board in" connectorshttps://www.digikey.co.nz/en/products/filter/rectangular-connectors-board-in-direct-wire-to-board/317?s=N4IgTCBcDaIJYBMDGACJB7AdpgpkgLugE4gC6AvkA

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2022, 03:46:46 pm
content: Quote from: The13thParish on August 25, 2022, 11:11:52 pmUnless the cable itself is damaged, don’t replace the cable, just replace the DIP plug on the other end. That way you’re not risking board damage from desoldering the board-in connector.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2022, 10:19:46 pm
content: it may not easy as it seems, some connectors are latched together when crimped over the flat cable, in some cases you do have to remove it completely, or you have to break loose the top halfIf you have doubts or intermittent problems, remove it completly

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2022, 01:59:23 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on August 26, 2022, 10:19:46 pmWhen you say "remove it completely", what "it" are you referring to?Just to be clear, I'm not talking about the PCB end of the assembly. I'm saying to remove the DIP connector (which has broken pins and thus cannot be used) and attach a new DIP connector to the same cable. That way no desoldering is necessary.

author: The13thParish
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2022, 12:49:57 am
content: That sounds reasonable but the original cable length has very little slack; I think if I cut it off for another DIP connector the cable will be too short

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2022, 06:38:51 pm
content: I said to remove the old connector, but I didn’t say to cut it off. Pry the halves apart (use fine cutters to snip the retaining clips first) and pull the cable off of the contacts. Inspect for damage (especially shorts), and then crimp the new connector onto the cable maybe 1/4” down the cable so it’s not biting into the old holes. Worst case scenario you still have to replace the whole cable. Best case, you’ve saved yourself a bunch of desoldering.