Spade Connectors

Applications of Board Connectors

• Industrial automation control boards and expansion modules
• Embedded processor and carrier board connections
• Automotive electronic control units and subsystems
• Telecom and networking equipment backplane connections
• Medical electronics and diagnostic equipment
• Consumer electronics with modular PCB assemblies
• Data acquisition and signal interface modules

Key Technical Specifications

• Contact pitch and pin count
• Current and voltage rating
• Signal integrity and impedance characteristics
• Mechanical retention and locking method
• Connector mating cycle life
• Operating temperature and environmental rating
• PCB mounting style and soldering method

Types of Board Connectors

• Board-to-board connectors
• Wire-to-board connectors
• Backplane connectors
• High-speed signal board connectors
• High-current power board connectors

Lifecycle and Replacement Considerations

Board connectors are usually selected early during PCB layout and mechanical design because board spacing, signal routing, and enclosure design depend on them. When a connector reaches end-of-life, finding a drop-in replacement can be difficult. Differences in footprint, height, or pin layout may require PCB redesign and mechanical validation.

This is common in industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, and embedded computing equipment where products remain in operation for many years. Maintenance teams often require the same board connector to maintain compatibility with installed hardware without redesign.

Delays in sourcing compatible board connectors can result in production delays, increased maintenance costs, and system downtime in field deployments.

Maketronics assists global engineering and procurement teams with reliable sourcing of both active and obsolete Board Connectors.