Usual specs of a breadboard/protoboard - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: doctorm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2011, 08:00:32 pm
content: im looking on ebay for breadboards and ive looked at a couple of other places to see what the specs are for a typical breadboard/protoboard.does anybody know?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2011, 08:12:23 pm
content: What specifications are you looking for?Breadboards are plug boards where you can plug in through hole components to test circuit designs. If you are located in the USA they all look like this one, the only difference being size and number of holes:http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PB-400/SOLDERLESS-BREADBOARD-400-CONTACTS/1.htmlThe price for the one above is decent. As far as I can tell from outward appearances they all come from the same factory regardless of price or vendor and all are identical.Protoboards are usually considered to require soldering. They come in a multitude of layouts, sizes and designs. There are so many choices that you really need to determine what you want to build on one before you can look for the best option.

author: doctorm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2011, 10:04:25 pm
content: the specs i need to know for the bread board (sorry i forgot protoboard was something else) is how much voltage and amps can it handle basically. im using different batteries for making circuits on the bread board and i wanted to know how high a voltage and amps i could go with the batteries without burning it up or something.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2011, 12:01:50 am
content: I'm not sure any breadboard manufacturer will give you current rating specs, but don't plan to put a lot through one - it's fairly easy to melt the plastic if things get hot.If you're doing high current work, use a proper prototype technique. Breadboards are really only good for prototyping low speed, low current circuits.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2011, 12:10:05 am
content: Apart from being suitable only for low currents, you also have to consider the size of the component leads. The legs on something like a TO220 package are a bit fat for the springs in the breadboard, and although youcanplug one in, it is likely to bend the springs apart and create holes with poor contact for thin leads in the future.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2011, 05:11:03 am
content: Quote from: IanB on August 22, 2011, 12:10:05 amOne workaround I have used is to carefully twist the leads 90 degrees (for those with a rectangular cross section) and/or crush them down with pliers before using them for breadboarding.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2011, 11:31:38 am
content: When the breadboard was first introduced, they published specs, you may still find if for brand name bb if they still make them: interconnect mechanical ratings in the # of cycles; interconnect capacitance and inductance. The holes are for AWG 22 or less, and it was designed on the assumption you're using low power components typically the spring clips are rated for 1 ampere at 5 volts and 0.333 amperes at 15 volts (5 watts). You can estimate rating for higher voltages of the connectors from there. This is for the original quality design, dunno the clones.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadboardhttp://www.tequipment.net/GlobalSpecialtiesEXP300.htmlPer the Wiki article, 10 MHz?? if you're lucky; I'd say its typically 200 kHz or less, and if above, you'd best plan for an alternate. I find I can get it going to 1 MHz and more, but you need to actually measure and factor the interconnect parasitics or go dead bug for your prototype.Quote from: doctorm on August 21, 2011, 10:04:25 pm

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2011, 11:44:01 am
content: I have rarely seen specs but when i have the max amps was 2, I'd not put more than 50V on a breadboard personally