PCB terminal blocks play a vital role in PCB (Printed Circuit Board). They are the key components to achieve electrical connections between various components in electronic equipment.
This article will introduce PCB terminal blocks in detail from PCB manufacturers, and provide a comprehensive analysis from its basic concepts, types, advantages, application fields, and selection suggestions.
Basic concepts of terminal blocks
PCB terminal blocks, are components used to achieve electrical connections between different parts of a circuit. It connects wires or cables to terminals so that electricity can flow throughout the circuit.
PCB terminal blocks are usually made of metal and have multiple contacts that mate with vias or wires on the circuit board to achieve reliable electrical connections.
Type of terminal block
- Pin type terminal block: This type of terminal block consists of multiple pins, each with a contact. Pins plug into via holes on the circuit board to make electrical connections.
- Spring-loaded terminal blocks: This type of terminal block uses the elastic force of a spring to clamp the wire or cable. It has better clamping force and is suitable for larger diameter wires or cables.
- Screw-down terminal block: This type of terminal block requires the use of screws to secure the wire or cable to the terminal. It is suitable for applications requiring higher mechanical strength.
- Quick-connect terminal block: This type of terminal block adopts a quick-connect design, which can achieve fast and reliable connection through simple operation.
Advantages of terminal blocks
- Easy to install: Terminal blocks are usually designed to be easy to install, allowing for quick and simple electrical connections.
- High reliability: Because the terminal block has multiple contacts, it can provide high reliability and reduce the possibility of failure.
- Reusable: Some types of terminal blocks can be reused for easy maintenance and replacement.
- Strong adaptability: Different types of terminal blocks can adapt to different application needs, including different wire or cable types, different connection methods and different mechanical strength requirements.
Application areas of terminal blocks
- Communication equipment: Each component in communication equipment requires electrical connections for signal transmission and power supply. PCB terminal blocks are widely used in circuit boards of communication equipment, such as routers, switches, etc.
- Industrial control: In industrial control systems, each sensor and actuator needs to be electrically connected to achieve signal transmission and control. PCB terminal blocks play an important role in industrial control systems.
- Automotive electronics: Each component in the automotive electronic system requires electrical connections for signal transmission and power supply. Due to the particularity of the automotive environment, PCB terminals need to have high durability and reliability.
- Consumer electronics: Each component in consumer electronic equipment also requires electrical connections for signal transmission and power supply. PCB terminal blocks are widely used in consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, etc.
How to choose the right terminal block
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right terminal block:
- Application requirements: Different application requirements require different types of terminal blocks. For example, choose quick-connect terminal blocks for applications that require quick connection and disconnection, or spring-loaded terminal blocks for applications that require holding larger diameter wires or cables.
- Mechanical strength: Select the appropriate terminal type and material based on the mechanical strength requirements of the wires or cables that need to be connected. For example, for applications that need to withstand high tensile forces, screw-down terminal blocks can be selected.
- Electrical performance: Consider whether the electrical performance of the terminal block, such as contact resistance, withstand voltage and other parameters, meets the application requirements. These parameters will directly affect the performance and reliability of the circuit.
PCB terminal block FAQs
Insulation aging may be caused by the insulating material not being resistant to high temperatures, moisture, or being corroded by harmful gases. To prevent insulation aging, it is necessary to use insulation materials that are resistant to high temperatures, moisture, and harmful gases, and ensure that the environment is kept dry and clean during use.
Excessive contact resistance may be due to unreasonable structural design of contact parts, wrong material selection, unstable molds, excessive processing dimensions, rough surfaces, unreasonable surface treatment processes such as heat treatment and electroplating, improper assembly, poor storage and use environment, and improper operation and use, etc. caused by factors.
Vibration may cause relative displacement of the metal conductors inside the terminal block, resulting in poor contact. In addition, vibration may also cause problems such as loose screws or poor fixation, further affecting contact reliability.
Mechanical methods can be used to remove the oxide layer, such as polishing the surface of the contact with sandpaper to expose the true metal color of the surface. In addition, chemical methods can also be used, such as using pickling or electrochemical methods to remove the oxide layer.
You can use a multimeter to check. Place the red test lead and black test lead of the multimeter on the two contacts of the terminal respectively, adjust the range selection switch of the multimeter so that the range is within the appropriate range, and then read the reading of the multimeter, which is the contact resistance value.
Plug and unplug life is an important indicator of the reliability of PCB terminals. To ensure the plugging and unplugging life, it is necessary to select high-quality terminal blocks and ensure that their structural design is reasonable and the materials are reliable. In addition, during the plugging and unplugging process, correct operating methods should be followed and avoid using brute force or excessive force.