How does this TE DCR series connector mount to a PCB???.......... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 05:34:23 am
content: I'm having a hard time visualizing what they want me to do with this connector and how both the panel it's mounted to and the PCB are on the same plane:https://www.te.com/usa-en/product-DRC20-60P05.htmlhttps://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-DEUTSCH/DRC20-60P05?qs=cgQJD%2FpJz0xfvijvwhz1kg%3D%3DDatasheet:https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/418/6/ENG_CD_DRC20_60PXX__-2056709.pdfTop Mate Side (nothing too strange here):Bottom PCB Side (WTF?):So it looks like they want you to mount this thing to a panel from the back, but then I have no idea how I'm also supposed to solder to a PCB on the same plane as the panel.Does anyone have an example of what this looks like mounted to a board?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 05:56:28 am
content: I assume your PCB must be single sided load with no TH parts, and it sits flush to the panel.Like you have a PCB in a potted box and this part is on the underside of the box with pins poking through box and into PCB. Would have to be manually soldered as final step before potting or use some sort of female pin connectors. Or the panel is the lid of the box and it is attached to PCB before PCBA reflow.I can't see it mentioned anywhere, but it also possible it's intended to use press-fit holes in pcb and not be soldered.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 06:16:14 am
content: Yes, the only way it works if the connector-panel-PCB sandwich is assembled before soldering, and PCB must be flat on the panel-facing side. And the assembly is one-time, disassembling that would be a nightmare. Recommendation for the thread-forming screws suggests the same.And order for the seal to seal, you would need to tighten the screws before soldering.The pins are ~5 mm in length and the recommended panel thickness is 2 mm, leaving 3 mm for the board thickness and the solder joint. There is no way it would work any other way.This is not a great design, but if you want to avoid the screws from the panel side, it is hard to make a sealed connector any other way.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 08:54:00 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on July 07, 2023, 05:56:28 amGood luck passing ESD with the whole board that close to the enclosure.I'm just surprised they don't have a "installation guide" or something for this thing. Or at least a picture of it mounted.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 09:15:46 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on July 07, 2023, 08:54:00 pmI think the idea is to have an adapter board that brings this to the inside board. I doubt it would be practical to have actually populated board in that configuration.It does not seem practical at all.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 02:13:21 am
content: Quote from: Smokey on July 07, 2023, 08:54:00 pmYou could do it with a single PCB.Imagine a 3D cube as the box and where a smaller cube has been subtracted from it at an edge so the connector can be is recessed into the cube.Now the PCB can be flush with the area of the connector but also extend into the box with space above/below it for components. This would also help with the EMC issue mentioned above. And it's commonly done to protect connectors from protruding out where they can get damaged.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 02:27:35 am
content: You can see that box cutout/recessed idea done here for the top black connector, which looks like it might be a similar style.In this case it looks like the box doesn't go under the connector though, it's probably glued onto the opening in the case with sealant.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 02:33:01 am
content: It is not the same though. This has sealing surface (if there is one) on the outside, so it is possible to remove the cover without the board.It is surprising that it even exists, no matter how you look at it, it is a nightmare for repair or failure analysis. This is not something automotive people like to do.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 02:34:41 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 09, 2023, 02:33:01 amyeah, that is why I thought of a PCB in a potted box before, if it's not removable anyway then it doesn't matter.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 09:26:11 am
content: I guess this is a thing. Looks like this Molex part has a similar bottom side:https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/31386-2020

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 10:03:14 am
content: Probably designed for use with a flex, or flex-rigid assembly

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 08:43:32 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on July 09, 2023, 10:03:14 amMaybe, but those pins are 11A each on the Molex part. That's pushing it for flat flex.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 10:54:41 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on July 09, 2023, 08:43:32 pmDepends how thick your copper is. No reason a flex or flex-rigid assembly can't have multiple layers of chunky copper if needed

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2023, 04:36:03 am
content: Quote from: Smokey on July 07, 2023, 08:54:00 pmWhat's wrong with that? I love close-by ground planes!These things are automotive so a common chassis ground is typical.Tim

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2023, 07:42:39 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on July 10, 2023, 04:36:03 amYa, but you don't want ESD to arc to the signal grounds/nets from the case.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2023, 11:44:34 am
content: If it's common ground, that's exactly where the TVS diodes are bringing it!Tim