I'm working on a device that uses USB communication as a USB to UART, SPI, I2C, IO converter. USB 2.0 speed is enough, and there's no need for Power Delivery or anything fancy.
From a technical perspective, this Mini-USB connector fulfills all the requirements for that solution.
What would you choose for a new design today? Would you prefer a USB-C type connector? (Fero from SOS electronic)
I'm working on a device that uses USB communication as a USB to UART, SPI, I2C, IO converter. USB 2.0 speed is enough, and there's no need for Power Delivery or anything fancy.
From a technical perspective, this Mini-USB connector fulfills all the requirements for that solution.
What would you choose for a new design today? Would you prefer a USB-C type connector? (Fero from SOS electronic)
I found this PCB-to-PCB method of connecting boards horizontally unusual but also inspirational.
When do you think it is worth working with this method? Have you ever used something similar?
I tried it myself, and I think it may be working like that when you need to connect two PCBs horizontally or if you have a base board and need to insert a second board vertically into the base board.
In the picture, I connected two PCBs horizontally. The assembled board easily slides into the enclosure slot.
I will be more specific: My enclosure in the picture is the type 1455C801 (dimensions: AL 80x54x23mm) from Hammond.
The slot is good for PCB thickness 1,6mm.
If my second PCB needs to be longer, then I can use the longer enclosure 1455C1202 (dimensions: AL 120x54x23mm).
Now, the connectors:
On the base board, I used a right-angle female header, a horizontal type. This type is not very common and well-known.
Here, I used 61B-91-10GB1R (from a Chinese manufacturer, Pinrex) + two pieces of 61B-91-02GB1R.
The counter (mating connector) part I used, what I had at that moment available: 211-91-20GB01.
I would say this is a usable but not a perfect solution.
The main issue is in the thickness of the plastic body part - 2,5mm. That means the distance between the pin central line and the top surface of the PCB is only (2,5/2)mm = 1,25mm. But for the female header, I need something closer to 1,8mm from the PCB surface.
It means the pin header 211-91-20GB01 does not properly rest on the black plastic body. That is why, if you try this setup, be careful when soldering the pin header.
I found another possible solution:
You can use a special right-angle pin header: 1-826631-0 (manufacturer TE Connectivity).
This pin header I consider as the best solution, but quite expensive. (So, for now, I stayed with the cheaper variant and soldered everything while both PCBs matched.)
What do you think about this approach? Would you try it also?