Gold Finger PCB

Gold finger PCB is used to achieve better data and signal transfer between the motherboard and other devices. This PCB has a specific plating process that requires strict standards of production.

The inner layers towards the edges of Gold fingers must not contain copper to prevent exposure during the beveling process. They also need to maintain a 1 mm distance from plated through holes (PTH).

Plating Process

Gold fingers are the connecting points between two Printed Circuit Boards. In the world of computers, these are what connects the motherboard with other devices like monitors, memory cards and speakers. They Gold finger PCB can also be found in other electronic equipment as well, as a way of interconnecting them.

They are made of a hard material called flash gold. This is the hardest of all gold types, and it gives the PCB gold finger its strength. It can withstand up to 1,000 plug-out and plug-in cycles without wearing out. It is also resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which makes it perfect for harsh environments.

The plating process must be adhered to in order to ensure the integrity of a gold finger. The metal must be plated with 5 to 10% cobalt for maximum rigidity. It should be deposited at a thickness of 0.002-0.015 mil. The plated pads should be inspected for the presence of nickel and a visual test must be conducted to ensure that the contact edges are smooth, clean and free from excess plating. The tape test is a good way to check the adhesiveness of the gold plating.

In addition to these steps, the inner layers must not contain copper. This will prevent the beveling process from exposing the copper and creating problems. There should also be a distance of 0.5 millimeters between the gold fingers and the main board outline.

Beveling

The beveling process is an integral part of the production of Gold finger PCBs. This involves shaved edges in a specific pattern that creates a stronger interlacing pattern. The beveling also helps the Gold fingers stay firmly in place within the socket. This is important because it prevents the fingers from becoming disconnected or even falling off. The beveling process is performed by hand and adheres to strict industry standards.

In addition to the beveling process, it is essential to maintain a 1 mm gap between the gold fingers and any plated holes or pads. This is crucial for proper function and to ensure that the gold fingers are not covered by solder mask or silk screen printing. It is also advisable to avoid copper materials in the inner layers of the PCB near the gold finger connectors. Copper can cause extra exposure during the beveling process and increase the risk of corrosion.

During the plating process, nickel is first plated to the connector edges of the gold fingers. Then, between one and two microns of hard gold is plated over the nickel. Cobalt is often added to the gold in order to enhance its surface resistance. Finally, the surface finish is applied last. The final product is then inspected under a magnifying lens and subjected to adhesion tests.

Length

PCB gold fingers are a vital component of modern electronics, connecting motherboards with modules such as graphics or sound cards. These modules can then communicate with each other and transmit signals and commands. Without this communication, modern devices would not function properly.

They are long, thinly separated connectors that are made of a soft and malleable metal called gold. It is also a very durable material that can withstand wear and tear. Gold is also highly conductive and has the ability to transmit signals quickly. This makes it an ideal choice for PCBs.

There are two types of gold finger PCBs: Uniform and segmented. Uniform gold fingers have uniform lengths and spacing. They are usually found in memory card readers and other similar products. Segmented gold fingers have unequal lengths, with some fingers being longer than others. These are usually used in connection ports in industrial machines, such as robot arms.

While designing a circuit board with gold fingers, it is important to take into account various factors, including thickness, chemical composition, appearance, and adhesiveness. In addition, it is also essential to ensure that the gold fingers do not make contact with solder masks or screen printing and that they adhere to IPC standards. PCBONLINE can help you achieve this with its reliable PCB production process. Its team of experts can complete your project to the highest quality standards.

Surface Finish

Gold fingers are neat, narrow rows of conductive PCB pads along the edge of a PCB, found on one or both sides. These plated connections are also referred to as “fingers.” PCBs with gold fingers are often used for applications where the device is inserted or removed frequently, such as memory sticks and graphics cards.

Gold finger connectors are made from an alloy of copper and gold. They are also plated with nickel Gold Finger PCB Supplier to boost conductivity and reduce corrosion. The nickel layer is then brushed and polished to achieve the desired surface finish. Typically, a visual test is performed using a magnifying lens to ensure the edges are smooth and free of excess plating.

The gold thickness on PCBs varies depending on the application and design of the circuit board. The plated gold must be thick enough to provide the necessary strength and protection against damage from repeated insertions, removals and exposure to heat.

The two most common surface finishes for gold fingers are ENIG and electroplated hard gold (EHG). ENIG is a RoHS compliant finish that provides a flat solderable surface. However, it is thinner and less resilient than EHG, making it less suitable for wear applications. EHG is a much thicker metal, typically measuring at 30Us, and is highly resistant to corrosion. It’s an ideal surface finish for a gold finger connector, and it can be plated on both sides of the circuit board.