JLCPCB - no SMT USB connector? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2020, 12:33:36 am
content: I haven't found any USB connectors in the JLC database. Am I missing something? Wish at least they had a USB Micro connector. Not the end of life as we know it, I can add it in "post production" but they aren't that big and it's kind of a pita to have to do it. I suppose the reasoning is it will need extra insertion force or some other PnP limitation. I'd be willing to pay extra for it.

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2020, 02:02:01 am
content: AFAIK there are zero connectors in the JLCPCB parts library.

author: JLCPCB Official
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2020, 10:06:45 am
content: Quote from: phil from seattle on June 14, 2020, 12:33:36 amDear Sir,Currently USB connectors are not available.We will take your suggestion into consideration.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 01:44:14 pm
content: Quote from: JLCPCB Official on June 14, 2020, 10:06:45 am3 months later, still 0 connectors in the library.How am I supposed to create a product?

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 05:07:19 pm
content: It's very common on Chinese culture, promise and never deliver

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 05:17:12 pm
content: Quote from: ebclr on August 28, 2020, 05:07:19 pmNo promise has been given, though.

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 05:23:23 pm
content: Agreed, no promise - real or implied. I don't expect they will, either.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 06:51:45 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on August 28, 2020, 01:44:14 pmmount the connectors later. For something like USB you'd want a through-hole connector so itwould be a second operation anyway

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 10:51:35 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on August 28, 2020, 06:51:45 pmThe only time I solder on a PCB is when something went seriously wrong. Also, no self respecting assembly house would touch a half assembled board. And no, I dont want TH connectors, if SMD is fine for millions of devices, it is fine for me.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 11:45:55 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on August 28, 2020, 10:51:35 pmso find another assembly house

author: Smashcat
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 29, 2020, 03:16:36 pm
content: When I use them for PCBA prototypes I tend to just add TH parts to replace the ones they cannot supply. Then when using another PCBA service I replace the TH parts with SMA. Not a big deal considering the low cost and quick turnaround they offer due to their limited parts range.

author: nudge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 01:34:46 pm
content: To be honest, i much prefer through-hole USB connectors as i find them much more robust and less prone to breaking.I also notice a distinct lack of USB Type-C CC/PD controller chips in the JLCPCB catalog. Is this something that can be addressed? The world is moving to USB Type-C chargers and it is a good way to cut down on random barrel-style adapters to power devices.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 01:55:37 pm
content: Quote from: nudge on September 20, 2020, 01:34:46 pmSMT micro USB connectors with through hole mounting pins are reflowed by using pin in paste technology. It's usual SMT process just apply paste on holes.

author: Koen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 06:16:54 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on August 28, 2020, 01:44:14 pmStep 1: not act like a jerk.

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 12:40:43 am
content: I think you are wrong to offend the Chinese comrades - they are hard workers.https://lcsc.com/products/USB-Connectors_369.htmlThe Results of USB Connectors: 1251I checked a couple of them - they have diagram, footprint, and silkscreenhttps://lcsc.com/product-detail/USB-Type-C_Korean-Hroparts-Elec-TYPE-C-31-M-01_C129016.htmlhttps://lcsc.com/product-detail/USB-Connectors_CZT-10317224F001_C405301.htmlI clicked a few more - everything is fine, everything is there, choose which one you want from a large number.

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 12:47:38 am
content: Quote from: nudge on September 20, 2020, 01:34:46 pmhttps://lcsc.com/product-detail/USB-Type-C_MOLEX_105450-0101_105450-0101_C134092.html

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 04:51:03 am
content: S. Petrukhin, part available at LCSC does not mean it's available for JLCPCB PCBA.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 09:30:08 am
content: You're asking thecheapest, lowest, bargain basement serviceif they do something they don't say they do? Choosy beggars...Tim

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 04:16:50 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on September 21, 2020, 04:51:03 amThis is a very weak service on JLCPCB, they started not so long ago. I don't need it and I don't use it.It is probably useful for amateurs who find it difficult to solder small parts, for example, TQFP-100.But I assure you, if you wish to order a 1000 PCB assembly, they will find all the parts.You know what the costs are for setting up the machine and there is no benefit to assembly 5 PCB.I am sure that nowhere in the World will agree to assemble 5 PCB, except in China.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 04:18:05 pm
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 21, 2020, 04:16:50 pmAnd that is entirely beside the point.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 05:00:34 pm
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 21, 2020, 04:16:50 pmI'm sure they have it all automated, SW to consolidate multiple designs on panels, use a line of machines withall the common components permanently setup

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 05:06:35 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 21, 2020, 05:00:34 pmI don't think so. It's a small factory, as far as I know. I lived in the USSR, it's like China now - putting a person or several to perform operations is quite affordable and manual labor is very common. I'm not saying that this is actually the case, but I'm assuming that a cute Chinese girl and a smart Chinese guy are running around and charging coils with components into one single installation machine for these inexpensive 5 PCBs. The Chinese are not afraid of manual labor, which in other countries they try to give to robots.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 05:30:21 pm
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 21, 2020, 05:06:35 pmhttps://youtu.be/lmypFIJ07tk?t=224

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 05:50:10 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 21, 2020, 05:30:21 pmThey may have a lot of installation machines. I counted 10 by 5 on two lines. But you understand: you can't put the entire LCSC warehouse in installation machines. Usually the machine can accommodate no more than 80 feeders. In addition, usually installation machines on the same line do not work all at once on a series of different orders. One or more may be on reload for the next order. When large series are made, the machines can even duplicate each other: one puts half of the most frequent component, and the second another half. I'm not saying that i'm a big expert and i'm telling the truth, but i've been to production several times and talked to people-it's interesting.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 06:58:09 pm
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 21, 2020, 05:06:35 pmI wonder which rock you have been under the last 10 years. Labor is no longer cheap in China.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 07:09:56 pm
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 21, 2020, 05:50:10 pmhttps://youtu.be/rdsaGv2aZy8up to 180 feeders per machine, they have about 700 standard parts

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 09:31:05 pm
content: Quote from: Koen on September 20, 2020, 06:16:54 pmJust be careful when you are getting of your high horse.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 10:44:20 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 21, 2020, 07:09:56 pm-25% on every machine that has a tray changer loaded, feeders that use multiple slots etc, 5 M20s is still a pretty decent line, but the economics of the very low cost assembly are pretty crazy and there's no way they can offer it without some serious limitations. This is also the reason they want the data in exactly the format they can squirt almost straight into the machines with all their part numbers. Arguably the machines they have chosen are a somewhat interesting choice, but the economics in China for different brands/models will be different to the economics here.The lack of a USB connector is interesting, as a small OEM+EMS in the UK we actually don't have a stock SMT USB connector, most of our customers make industrial controls etc outside of Ardionoland and its just not a popular thing to use. JLC by contrast must have a huge proportion* of its throughput being used by low volume hobbyists and people selling things to hobbyists, and they love USB, I would think it made sense to kit one.*because who else would design their boards to match the components supplied, but not guaranteed to be in stock, by a budget assembler?

author: JLCPCB Official
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2020, 06:54:31 am
content: Dear allWe are very grateful for your attention to JLCPCB SMT services. We are on the road to improve it. We will add USB connectors, and it is expected to take two months to be available. It will support a variety of USB connectors. Of course, Type-c must in the list, it commonly used.As everybody knows, we move the SMT factory to a larger place, more SMT quantities available, isn't it an exciting thing?Please continue to support us, our beloved JLCPCB users.

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2020, 07:37:04 am
content: Quote from: JLCPCB Official on September 22, 2020, 06:54:31 amWell done! Good luck and prosperity to you! JLCPCB rules!

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 01:52:17 pm
content: Yes, glad to hear that USB connectors will be added. Looking forward to this.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 12:30:38 am
content: Quote from: JLCPCB Official on September 22, 2020, 06:54:31 amanything special about a usb connector that makes it a two month job or is that just how long it takes for a new type of part?

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 07:36:25 am
content: USB connector in reels usually come in 12 or 16 mm width reels. These could take up more feeder space on the pick and place machine than the usual 8 mm components. Times that a few variant to suite everyone's need, that could easily take half a machine feeder slots. Without them expanding to the new factory, it is definitely not possible to add more components. I'm sure they try to keep as many components sitting on the machine rather than swapping in and out as that will be downtime involved.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 07:57:41 am
content: Quote from: 48X24X48X on September 24, 2020, 07:36:25 ambut there are lots of other big components in the parts library

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 08:21:57 am
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 24, 2020, 07:57:41 amBasic or extended? The latter are being swapped in and out constantly anyway (and you can only have 10 of them). I'm pretty sure USB connectors are going to be in the extended library.

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 02:50:18 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 24, 2020, 12:30:38 amMore like how long it will take to get the new factory up and running. They can't (won't?) do the part on the old assembly line.

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 02:50:33 pm
content: Quote from: barycentric on September 24, 2020, 07:10:15 amI lived in the Communist USSR and, you know, we lived sparsely, not rich, but calm, we did not worry about what would happen tomorrow. In the USSR it was not bad, many people in Russia now regret those times because it is much worse now. The communists never started a war, never bombed a city. If you are so aggressive towards peaceful communists, break your monitor - the theory of creating a blue led, without which modern monitors are unthinkable, was created by the Nobel laureat, a communist to this day Azhores Alferov. And say hello to the NASA astronauts who fly on communist RD-180s.

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 01:27:40 am
content: Quote from: S. Petrukhin on September 24, 2020, 02:50:33 pmPlease keep politics out of here.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 11:13:07 pm
content: TL:DRIf you use SMT connectors, then put some via's through the mechanical pads to increase the bonding strength of the pads to the PCB. The Pad to Base PCB adhesion is the weakest point and can be strengthened considerably in this way.

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2020, 04:43:36 am
content: Quote from: Doctorandus_P on October 01, 2020, 11:13:07 pmThat certainly helps. In addition, make the mechanical pads larger than the recommended land pattern. Also, use connectors that have metal bosses - a couple I use are almost through-hole in that way.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2020, 12:55:56 am
content: First of all don't use thermal reliefs for micro USB. I've seen this flaw on many boards. Such pads come off way easier than solid ground plane which extends around the connector. And as tombstoning is not an issue for micro USB, there is no point of using them to begin with.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2020, 01:56:19 am
content: Quote from: wraper on October 05, 2020, 12:55:56 amWell, thermals might still make it easier to solder. In this case, I wouldn't be too worried: unlike a plastic body transistor or IC, the metal frame wraps all the way around, carrying heat to the solder joint.Tim

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2020, 01:55:48 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on October 05, 2020, 01:56:19 amYou don't need any thermal reliefs for reflow as entire structure is brought up evenly to the soldering temperature so high thermal mass of ground/power planes in not an issue.Thermal reliefs are only needed for manual soldering, or for TH parts.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2020, 05:59:01 pm
content: Not neccesarily. It makes a difference for hot air reflow.Tim

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2020, 07:49:32 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on October 05, 2020, 05:59:01 pmThat's what I said - manual soldering. No need for them in the oven.

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2020, 05:56:17 pm
content: Hi. First of all, JLCPCB is a real and solid company. We are lucky to receive the fair pricing they are offering for the component and PCB services. Have paid too much to other suppliers for years for stencils and raw components. They offer a nice balance. Granted their component database may not be the best. Have been to Asia for the past 20 years to source directly from suppliers for our products.The issue is related to sourcing a quality USB connector?Try the following - we have used them many times and the quality is excellent. We are quite difficult on even the tension insertion and removal of the connectors and their products are spot on with excellent costs and they can deliver in days.Their website has many of the connectors but share the exact footprint of "Digikey / Mouser" component that works for you and see if they can cross it. Recently we did this for a USB Type C for USB 2.0 design. The rear side pins are SMD but with THROUGH HOLE mounting for the best structural strength. Using our Emerald-X (Yamaha YV88X) our machine can PnP the component out of a tape & reel. That is, we started with local suppliers to validate and purchased offshore for the volume discounts.Hope this helps.Contact:Seven ZhangSHEN ZHEN HOMYET PARTS ELECTRONICS CO.,LTDSeven Zhang /+86 15112386375Tel：+86-755-83676824-803Fax：+86-755-83676835Add：306,E Building ,HuaChuangDa Industrial Park,Bao'an 42 District,Shenzhen , Guangdong Province,CHINAMail: seven@homyet.com; 2355400604@qq.comQQ: 2355400604 Wechat: 13415407290skype: sevenzhang07@hotmail.comWhatsApp:+86 15112386375

author: deko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 06, 2020, 11:49:56 pm
content: Quote from: JLCPCB Official on September 22, 2020, 06:54:31 amThat's awesome! Really looking forward to that! Soon it is out I'm gonna be one of the firsts to try and order some boards with connectors.Great work JLCPCB, you guys are the best! 😁Btw, do you have any updates on this? 😅

author: JLCPCB Official
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2021, 08:44:51 pm
content: Hi,the updates are not related to USB connectors, we already mentioned during last October that we are improving the SMT Assembly service at JLCPCB, we are not writing this comment to give you promises but to share the news about the many upgrades that we introduced to our SMT Assembly process :More extended parts (the library has more than 40K parts "almost 10K parts added to the library")Higher MOQ for SMT (possible to order 50 Assembled PCBs per order instead of 30 per order)Additional supported solderMask colors (in addition to Green now the black and Blue boards are supported)More supported extended parts per order (20 extended parts per order)Larger PCB sizes for PCB AssemblyAnd other more upgrades that you can check in JLCPCB SMT Assembly capabilities page :https://jlcpcb.com/smt-assemblyThis maybe out of the main topic which is the USB connectors but this is a prove that we are considering every single demand from our customers but we can't make it all at once and upgrades need plans and plans should be executed carefully and through some measured steps.Adding a new part "new package" is not as simple as it looks.Overall we have a plan about adding connectors to the SMT Library because it is a kind of fundamental need in almost all PCB designs.We will update this post with the news about the connectors.We are counting on your understanding.

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 03:09:02 pm
content: It seems now JLCPB have made available some connectors for their PCB assembly:https://jlcpcb.com/parts

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 03:26:23 pm
content: Thanks for the heads-up! Unfortunately, it's just a week after I ordered 25 boards with a Molex USB connector footprintI'll still have to mount these by hand. But I'll look what they have in stock and change my design to match their footprint.

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 06:02:00 pm
content: ooo la la!!!They seem to have some TH components. This seems like a major departure for them.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 06:07:47 pm
content: No sign of any right-way-up micro connectors, though. But there's several options for C.

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 06:10:27 pm
content: whoa! they have TH screw terminals and pin headers!! Major departure.No 3.5mm pitch screw terminals, though.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 06:12:07 pm
content: Quote from: eliocor on February 02, 2021, 03:09:02 pmand it seem even a lot of through hole

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 06:21:05 pm
content: MagJacks!!

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 08:32:31 pm
content: So, looks like through-hole parts can not be placed by a robot.And hand assembled parts cost extra.Cost for hand assembly seems kind of reasonable. This was for two boards and $0.02 per solder joint.Still, somewhat unfortunate that there are no SMT-only USB Micro-B receptacles. The two available parts both have drill holes for the shield, but I'm sure they could be robot-placed and reflowed pin-in-paste.

author: JLCPCB Official
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2021, 09:07:06 pm
content: Hello ;Days ago we have posted some updates about the Assembly service at JLCPCB and we mentioned that our next comment will be related to the release of the new Assembly category "Connectors" which is now available through JLCPCB parts library :https://jlcpcb.com/partsIt is all obvious now that the assembly service is not only related to Surface Mounted Device since it has some through-hole components.We will publish in the coming days a detailed notice about the assembly new feature and all the important points that turn around the assembly of this new Connectors category.Thank you all for your continued support.

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2021, 02:34:15 am
content: From JLCPCB FAQ:14. Do you support BGA components assembly?Yes