Just as the PC/104 standard allows a wide range of choices for creating a variety of system-level configurations, designers of board-level solutions and sub-system modules also need to be aware of different choices about how best to implement the PC/104 connectors on their products.
One of the key opportunity areas for improving quality, cost and production efficiency is using either solderless or self-soldering interconnects - both for the PC/104 bus connectors and others, such as the I/O edge-mount connectors typically found on most PC/104 assemblies.
For example, using Press-Fit interconnects not only provides a simple, solder-free solution, it also gives manufacturers flexibility for inserting the PC/104 interconnects into the PCB after other soldering processes have been completed, without having to re-heat the assembly. This can be a useful alternative to avoid the process variations inherent to hand soldering and/or the risk of re-heating that could damage sensitive components on the completed assembly.
Another useful approach is Self-Soldering PC/104 interconnects that utilize a proprietary solder and flux bearing technology to pre-integrate the precise amount of solder/flux on to each interconnect component. This allows for single-step soldering along with other PCB components using standard convection ovens and offers soldering consistency of 100% because of the predetermined amount of solder and flux.
The Self-Soldering interconnects address two key challenges associated with conventional soldering:
- Assuring consistent solder-joint formation
- Minimizing secondary process steps
By adopting either the solderless Press-fit or the Self-Soldering PC/104 interconnect approach, makers of PC/104 products can leverage solutions that simplify both their design and manufacturing processes while delivering robust electrical connectivity and signal integrity. This takes away hassles with implementing the PC/104 interface and allows all connectors on the board to share a common solderless or self-soldering technology.
To get more info: Read the TEKA PC/104 Interconnect Tech Bulletin
