Gold Finger PCB
Gold finger PCB are plated narrow connectors on the edges of a circuit board. They are used for power supply and signal transfer.
These connections are usually made of either ENIG or Electroplated Hard Gold. The latter is much harder and thicker than ENIG and better suited to the abrasive conditions of frequent PCB use.
Electrical Conductivity
Gold is one of the most electrically conductive materials available. It is also a highly durable material, allowing it to withstand harsh environments and conditions. It is therefore a great choice for use as a plating on PCBs. The process of creating gold finger PCBs involves a series of steps, including copper electroplating, acid etching, and gold plating. The copper layer is necessary to provide a suitable base for the gold plating. It is then etched to remove excess copper and create a rough texture that will allow the gold to adhere to the surface.
The edges of the gold finger PCBs are beveled. This is an important step in the process, as it allows them to grip the contact points of other circuit boards. The beveling is performed in a pre-planned pattern, which ensures that the angles of the gold fingers correspond to the opposing slopes in the insert slots. This ensures that the connections made by the gold fingers are strong and reliable.
Next, the gold is plated on the Gold finger PCB edge connecting fingers of the PCBs. The amount of gold plated on each finger depends on the thickness of the finger, but the standard is 3 to 50 microns of pure gold. This is a hard form of gold called flash gold, which provides strength to the PCB.
Durability
Gold finger PCBs are a key component of many technical devices and circuit boards. They are designed with specific specifications to ensure they fit together properly. For instance, they are beveled to help with the insertion process. This allows them to fit into a particular slot in the motherboard. The beveling angle depends on the size of the gold finger and the device it is being used for. In addition, they are plated with nickel to boost the conductivity between copper and gold. They also undergo a series of inspections and tests to make sure they are in good condition.
In order to ensure a smooth and durable connection, circuit board fabricators plate the copper on the edge connectors with a thin layer of nickel. They then apply a layer of gold, usually flash gold, which is the thickest type of gold. This makes it more resistant to abrasions and wear. The edges of the edge connectors are also beveled to ensure they can withstand repeated insertion and removal of the devices.
Without these components, it would be impossible for modern-day computer systems to function. For example, a motherboard without corresponding slots for graphics and sound cards would not be able to update itself as it ages. It is also impossible to add ports and other expansions without these connections.
Corrosion Resistant
Gold finger PCBs are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in hardware components that will be inserted and removed frequently. They are also able to endure high temperatures without losing their Gold Finger PCB Supplier conductive properties. For this reason, they are often used in electronics that must operate in harsh environments.
The production of Gold finger PCBs involves a series of meticulous steps. The various standards involved will ensure that each circuit board that rolls off the production line is equipped to conduct signals flawlessly. This will also help ensure that the gold fingers on a circuit board match up perfectly with their corresponding sockets on a given motherboard.
In order to maintain the corrosion resistance of Gold fingers, they are plated with a layer of nickel. This layer of nickel is softer than copper, and it can be easily soldered onto the gold. In addition to this, it is a good idea to add a layer of hard gold. This type of gold is harder and thicker than ENIG, and it can withstand the abrasive effects of frequent usage.
After the layers of nickel and gold have been applied, they need to be beveled. This process is designed to ease the insertion of the gold finger into its socket. Typically, the beveling height is specified in the design of a circuit board.
Easy to Assemble
In the modern interconnected world of computers and other electronic devices, signals must be transmitted between different components without loss. Gold finger PCBs are responsible for this, and they are crucial to the functioning of all electronic devices. They also play a critical role in transmitting bulk electric power to the devices they connect. However, the gold fingers of a PCB can get damaged due to wear and tear or corrosion. Hence, it is essential to follow the design specifications of PCB gold fingers to ensure that they work flawlessly.
Typically, the gold fingers on a PCB are plated with nickel for boosting conductivity. The thickness of the nickel varies, but it can be between 2 and 5 microns. For better performance, it is advisable to use a combination of nickel and cobalt. This will increase the strength and durability of the gold fingers.
The edges of the gold finger connectors are often beveled to enable quick insertions. The beveling should be done carefully to avoid damaging the gold fingers. In addition, the inner layers of the PCB should be copper-free. The presence of copper creates additional exposure during beveling and is unnecessary. It is also a good idea to posit the plated through holes (PTHs) of the PCB in a location that has a 1 mm distance between them and the gold fingers.
