In our modern high-tech world, devices are constantly sending signals back and forth. For any command to actually happen, communication between two or more circuit boards is essential. Without a way to connect them, none of this instantaneous cross-talk would be feasible. This is where PCB gold fingers come in – they act as the connecting contacts that let mainboards and components like graphics cards or sound cards talk to each other. It’s a huge step forward from older electronics, where modules tended to be separate islands that didn’t interact smoothly. Gold fingers enable one circuit board to immediately understand the processes happening on another. In dit artikel, we’ll look at PCB gold fingers from different aspects. Let’s get started with the definition.
Gold fingers refer to the gold-plated connectors running along the edges of a printed circuit board. Their purpose is to allow a secondary PCB board to interface with the motherboard of a computer or device like a smartphone. Since gold is highly conductive, it is used for the contact points on the board that need to transmit signals. Eigenlijk, gold fingers on PCB serve as bridges enabling different chips and components to communicate through established protocols. Critical functions like WiFi, RAM, and processors all depend on clear channels between computer chips and circuit boards to carry out instructions.
There are two main surface treatment methods for gold fingers:
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (AKKOORD) -It stands out as a widely adopted gold finger method due to its cost-effective process that enables viable soldering The downside is that it results in thinner, softer surfaces prone to wear from repeated connections.
Electroplated Hard Gold – Allows for much thicker gold films (in de omgeving van 30 microns typically) but is more expensive to manufacture. This type is reserved for specialty applications where durability is critical.
Gold fingers on printed circuit boards come in a few main types:
PCB gold fingers have a variety of common uses that enable connections between components in computers and other devices. Here are some of their most widespread applications:
For any connected device to function, its own circuit board needs power. The gold fingers and slots on the motherboard facilitate this power transfer. They essentially empower modular PCBs to operate and provide functionality to both stationary and portable computing products.
Beveling of the gold fingers is an important process, as it optimizes them for easier insertion and better connectivity. The beveled shaping and layered plating are key to producing gold fingers that can reliably interface with ports and slots. On printed circuit boards, PCB gold finger plating is done after the solder mask application but before the final surface finish. The primary steps in the plating procedure are:
Beveling – The edges of the gold fingers are beveled at angles of 30-45 degrees typically. This angled shaping makes it easier for the fingers to insert into their matching slots and connectors.
Gold Plating – One to two microns of hard gold is plated onto the nickel. Cobalt is often added to the gold to reduce surface resistance.
Nickel Plating – First, three to six microns of nickel are plated onto the connecting edges of the fingers as a base layer.
The Association Connecting Electronics Industries IPC provides standards for the design and fabrication of printed circuit board gold fingers. These guidelines have evolved over time through various IPC publications.
The key aspects of PCB gold finger standards include:
Gold Plating Composition – To maximize durability, the gold plating should incorporate 5-10% cobalt. This increases hardness along the contacting edges.
Plating Thickness – Acceptable gold plating thickness ranges from 2 naar 50 microinches. Thinner platings around 2-3 microns are often used for prototypes. Thicker platings of 5-10 microns provide longer life for high insertion cycles.
Visual Inspection – Gold fingers should exhibit a smooth, clean finish under magnification with no visible contaminants or nickel.
Adhesion Testing – An adhesive tape test can validate proper plating adhesion. No gold residue should be visible on the tape after application and removal from the fingers.
Bij MOKO Technology, we’ve been producing printed circuit boards for almost 20 jaar. In that time, we’ve honed our skills in all aspects of PCB-fabricage – from rapid prototypes to medium and small production runs. One area we excel at is manufacturing high-quality gold fingers on circuit boards. We follow industry standards closely to ensure the gold plating has the right hardness and adhesion. If you have any questions about our gold finger fabrication capabilities, alsjeblieft Klik hier to contact us.
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