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- April 20, 2023
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 05 mins
PCB gold fingers – what are they and how are they used
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are crucial components of modern electronics, and they are used in everything from smartphones to automobiles. PCBs contain various electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and transistors. It contains conductive tracks that connect these components to the power source.
PCB gold fingers are small, rectangular-shaped areas, on the edge of a PCB that serves as the connection points between the PCB and external devices, such as connectors or sockets. In this article, we’ll know about the uses and making process of PCB gold fingers.
What are PCB gold fingers?
PCB gold fingers, also known as gold-plated edge connectors. Gold fingers are used to connect the circuit board to other components. For example, connectors to cards.
Gold fingers are made with a layer of gold plating, which serves as a reliable and durable interface for electrical connections. The gold plating provides several advantages, including excellent conductivity, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for high-reliability applications.
PCB gold fingers are used in various electronic devices, such as computer motherboards, graphics cards, memory modules, and other high-performance electronics.
Is there gold in circuit boards?
Yes, circuit boards contain gold. Gold is used in various components on a circuit board. For example, gold-plated switches and connectors.
However, the amount of gold in a standard PCB is short, and the cost of extracting isn’t worth comapre to the effort. Therefore, most PCBs are replaced with other components, such as copper and aluminum.
What is PCB gold finger beveling?
PCB gold finger beveling refers to the procedure of shaping the edges of the gold fingers on a printed circuit board (PCB) into a specific angled profile. This angle is typically between 30 to 45 degrees. And, it is designed in such a way as to make it easier to insert the connector and socket.
What is a PCB gold finger connector?
A PCB gold finger connector is an electrical component. Also, it acts as an intermediary between a PCB and an external device. The gold finger connector is designed in such a way as to make communication between the external accessories to the PCB.
Types of connectors:
1. Edge connectors
2. surface-mount connectors
Edge connectors: Edge connectors consist of a series of metal contacts. It is designed to make direct contact with the gold-plated fingers on the PCB. The edge connector is inserted into a mating socket on another device.
Surface-mount connectors: Surface-mount connector is another type of PCB gold finger connector. It is used on PCBs with gold fingers placed elsewhere on the board, rather than along the edge. The surface-mount connector can be discovered in compact electronic devices, where space is limited, and a low-profile connection is desired. They are widely used in applications such as mobile devices, medical equipment, and automotive electronics.
Applications of PCB gold fingers
PCB gold fingers have lots of uses in digital electronics. Some common applications of PCB gold fingers are:
- Computer motherboards: The gold fingers motherboards allow the computer to connect with other components, such as the CPU and memory modules.
- Memory modules: Memory modules (DIMMs and SIMMs) use gold fingers to connect to the motherboard.
- Consumer electronics: A lot of consumer electronics, such as smartphones and tablets, use gold fingers to link with peripherals.
- Automotive: PCB gold fingers are used in the Engine control units and diagnosis-based tools such as OBD, and TPMS.
- Industrial equipment: PCB gold fingers acts in industrial equipment, such as automation systems and control panels.
Advanced PCB plating – the gold finger process
Gold Finger Plating refers to the coating of gold on the printed circuit board. The gold finger plating has multiple steps and a complex process:
- Etching: The fingers are etched with a solution that roughens the surface, allowing the gold plating to adhere more effectively.
- Activation: The fingers are coated with a thin layer of a chemical solution that prepares the surface for the electroplating process.
- Electroplating: The fingers are immersed in an electroplating solution that contains gold ions. An electric current is applied to the solution, causing the gold ions to be deposited onto the surface of the fingers.
- Post-treatment: The gold-plated fingers are rinsed with water and dried. A final inspection is carried out to ensure that the plating is uniform and free of defects.
- Purifying: The printed circuit board is cleaned properly to remove any debris. The cleaning process is important because waste interferes in the plating process.
Overall, the gold finger plating process requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that the gold plating is uniform, durable, and reliable. The process can be customized to meet specific requirements for thickness, purity, and conductivity, depending on the application.
PCB gold finger design
PCB gold fingers design is necessary to ensure proper communication. The blueprint must contain the connector type, pin pitch, and spacing requirements. Also, the gold finger width, length, and thickness are considered to ensure reliable and stable connections.
It is also essential to avoid sharp edges or corners in the gold fingers, as it can cause the gold plating to peel or wear off over time. Rounded edges and beveled corners are recommended to ensure long-lasting and reliable connections.
Creating gold finger PCBs – a step-by-step guide to bling up your circuit boards
- Design the PCB with gold fingers, you need the pin pitch, connector type and spacing conditions.
- Apply a layer of copper plating to the PCB to create the conductive tracks and pads.
- Etch the PCB to remove excess copper and define the gold finger areas.
- Clean the gold finger areas to remove any debris or contaminants.
- Apply a layer of nickel plating to the gold finger areas to improve bonding.
- Apply a layer of gold plating to the nickel layer to provide a durable and reliable connection.
- Bevel the gold fingers to secure easy insertion into connectors or sockets.
What are PCB gold fingers?
PCB gold fingers, also known as gold-plated edge connectors. Gold fingers are used to connect the circuit board to other components. For example, connectors to cards.
What is PCB gold finger beveling?
PCB gold finger beveling refers to the procedure of shaping the edges of the gold fingers on a printed circuit board (PCB) into a specific angled profile. This angle is typically between 30 to 45 degrees. And, it is designed in such a way as to make it easier to insert the connector and socket.
What are the applications of PCB gold fingers?
- Computer motherboards
- Memory modules
- Consumer electronics
- Automotive
- Industrial equipment
Conclusion
PCB gold fingers are essential components of modern electronics. You get reliable and stable connections between PCBs and external devices. Gold fingers need proper design and manufacturing techniques. For a wide range of applications, gold fingers can provide long-lasting and reliable connections.
