How can I connect my small PCB with sensor to the bigger PCB?

My small PCB is mounting a very sensitive fragile sensor on the top surface that has to be wire bonded to the PCB, so I am trying to design a smaller PCB that can be surface mounted to the bigger PCB. How can I get some kind of thin footprint for interconnecting the two PCB boards?

December 4, 2023

You can just put plated half holes on the edge of the small board and then solder it directly to the large board. This skips having a connector all-together. Many board manufacturers can do this.

#PCB Design

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Is paste mask layer, both top and bottom layer, necessary for THT components?

I know the paste mask layer is also called the stencil layer. It’s only used for assembly. I want to know if the paste mask layer (both top and bottom layer) is necessary for through hole components. For SMD components I know the paste mask layer is required to solder the components. Is it necessary for through hole components?

Oliver Smith November 27, 2023

Do you use SMT or THT for USB mini B connector?

This question is about the advisability of continuing to use a USB mini-B right angle surface mount connector in my pcb designs. On occasion we see one of these connectors peel back or delaminate off the pcb. Immediately the question is asked, why didn’t you use a through hole connector?

Oliver Smith December 11, 2023

How much larger should a plated-through hole be than lead diameter to get good solder wetting?

I’m designing a new PCB where I have a whack of connectors that have to line up with the metalwork. There are some problematic connectors. All 4 pins are round. I want to have the holes as small as possible while allowing for good solder adhesion over the full length of the pin. I’m looking for guidance on how much clearance around the component lead I should have in order to get good solder wetting and adhesion.

Oliver Smith December 4, 2023

How can I connect my small PCB with sensor to the bigger PCB?

Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Is paste mask layer, both top and bottom layer, necessary for THT components?

Do you use SMT or THT for USB mini B connector?

How much larger should a plated-through hole be than lead diameter to get good solder wetting?

Read Detailed Advice From Blog Articles