High-Speed Board-to-Board Connector: What Engineers Wish Procurement Teams Knew
2025-02-25
High-Speed Board-to-Board
Richmon
Seamless communication between engineers and procurement teams is essential to ensure successful project purchasing and connector selection. Understanding high-speed board-to-board connectors will streamline the procurement process and align both parties toward the common goal of delivering high-performance electronics systems.
Table of Contents
What High-Speed Board-to-Board Connectors Are and Why They Matter
High-speed board-to-board connectors are designed for critical applications in electronics, providing reliable data transmission between circuit boards in systems that require high-speed performance. These connectors are pivotal for industries like telecommunications, automotive, computing, and industrial automation, where data rates must be high and signal integrity is crucial.
For Procurement Teams: Selecting the right high-speed connectors isn’t just about the product’s price. It’s also about ensuring that the connector matches the specific needs of the system. A wrong choice can lead to costly system failures, project delays, and performance bottlenecks.
Why Engineers Care About the Key Features of High-Speed Connectors
- High-Speed Data Transmission: These connectors support data rates as high as 56Gbps and beyond. They are essential for systems that need to handle large amounts of data quickly, such as in high-frequency trading platforms, telecom networks, and automotive systems.
- Signal Integrity: Engineers prioritize minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensuring clean signal transmission. Effective shielding and impedance matching are crucial for this purpose.
- Mechanical Robustness: High-speed connectors must be able to withstand vibrations, mechanical stresses, and environmental factors. This ensures that the connector performs reliably over time, even in harsh environments.
Common Procurement Challenges in High-Speed Connectors and Solutions
When it comes to sourcing high-speed board-to-board connectors, procurement teams face several challenges. Engineers have specific requirements, and understanding these requirements is critical for a smooth procurement process.
- Compatibility with Existing Systems: Engineers often struggle to find connectors that fit with legacy systems or meet particular design specifications. Procurement teams should use parametric search tools and consult with engineers early on to ensure compatibility with the system.
- Cost vs. Performance Trade-offs: While high-speed connectors can be expensive, the performance benefits often outweigh the initial cost. Procurement teams should prioritize connectors with long-term reliability, performance, and scalability in mind.
- Supply Chain Concerns: High-speed connectors are in demand, and supply chain issues can delay procurement. Procurement teams need to stay informed about market trends and potential disruptions that may affect lead times and pricing.
Industry Trends in High-Speed Connectors: What Procurement Teams Should Know
- Rising Data Rates: As data transmission requirements grow, connectors are evolving to handle speeds up to 112Gbps with PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level). Procurement teams need to be aware of this trend to ensure the connectors they select are future-proof.
- Miniaturization & Compact Designs: As systems become smaller, connectors are being designed with smaller pitches and lower profiles. Procurement teams should anticipate future needs for compact and space-saving solutions in smaller systems.
- Emerging Technologies: Optical connectors and flexible stacking systems are becoming more popular. These technologies allow for faster data transmission and reduced space requirements. Procurement teams should consider the integration of such components in their sourcing strategies.
For instance, SAMTEC offers a range of high-speed board-to-board connectors with excellent data rates and signal integrity solutions tailored to industries that demand superior performance and miniaturization. You can learn more about SAMTEC’s connector solutions here.
Best Practices for Procurement Teams to Communicate with Engineers
- Vendor-Neutral Search: Engineers appreciate when procurement teams use neutral search tools to find connectors that meet specific performance criteria. This ensures that all potential options are considered before making a decision.
- Early Collaboration: The procurement team should engage with engineers early in the design process to clarify connector specifications and avoid any compatibility issues later. Regular communication can help prevent misunderstandings.
- Evaluating Long-Term Value: Instead of focusing solely on the upfront cost, procurement teams should look at the long-term value of a connector. A slightly higher initial cost may lead to a more reliable system and reduce overall operational costs over time.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About High-Speed Board-to-Board Connectors
Misconception 1: High-speed connectors are always too expensive.
Solution: Procurement teams can look beyond initial costs and evaluate the long-term benefits of connectors, including their reliability and lifespan, which can ultimately reduce maintenance costs.Misconception 2: High-speed connectors are only needed for niche applications.
Solution: High-speed connectors are essential for a wide range of applications, including automotive systems, telecommunications, and consumer electronics, where fast and reliable data transmission is critical.
How Successful Companies Use High-Speed Connectors
Let’s take a look at how high-speed connectors are utilized in various industries:
- Telecommunications: Telecom companies rely on high-speed connectors to ensure smooth data transmission across vast networks. These connectors enable the efficient transfer of data for communication services, cloud computing, and data centers.
- Automotive Systems: High-speed connectors are used in automotive systems, especially in autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These connectors ensure reliable data transfer between electronic components in a high-speed, high-vibration environment.
- Industrial Applications: In industrial automation, high-speed connectors are crucial for controlling systems that require quick data processing, such as robotics and process control systems.
Technical Specifications Comparison for Better Procurement Decisions
Below is a comparison of different high-speed board-to-board connector specifications:
| Pitch | Mated Height | Data Rate | Current Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5mm | 8-30mm | Up to 32Gbps | 3A/pin (Power) |
| 0.8mm | 4-10mm | Up to 2.5Gbps | 0.5A/pin (Signal) |
| 1.27mm | 7-17mm | Up to 28Gbps | 2.7A/contact |
| 1.5mm | 5-11mm | Up to 56Gbps | 1.2A/contact |
Answering Common Questions: What Engineers Need Procurement Teams to Know
What are the key factors engineers look for when selecting high-speed connectors?
Data rates, signal integrity, and mechanical robustness.How do high-speed connectors maintain signal integrity?
By using shielding, impedance matching, and robust contact designs.What are the most common applications for high-speed board-to-board connectors?
Telecommunications, automotive systems, computing, and industrial applications.How do procurement teams ensure compatibility with existing systems?
By using vendor-neutral search tools and consulting with engineers early in the process.What are the future trends in high-speed connectors?
Rising data rates, miniaturization, and the increasing use of optical and flexible stacking systems.
Key Takeaways for Engineers and Procurement Teams
For engineers and procurement teams, effective communication is the key to selecting the right high-speed board-to-board connectors. By understanding each other’s needs, aligning on performance requirements, and using the best tools, both teams can ensure the success of their projects.
Are looking for reliable, high-performance connectors for your projects?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Richmon for expert guidance and sourcing solutions.
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