The Influence of PCB Mounting/Interconnection Technologies into the Design of a Part

Abstract

The concepts which go out from the design activity are based on high knowledge [1], rules of designing [2] and previous experience. Until the product is closer to the series and after in the final customer environment, many processes have to be followed. In the development phase (the phase which contains the concept ideas), considering that a separate plastic connector assembled with Aluminum housing has more advantages [4], the current topic which is handled in this paper is to change the material to plastic and establish how the PCB is mounted and positioned inside the housing. More said which the optimal process for this application is. And this is the most challenging step, of choosing the optimal technology for the assembly (in this case 2 assemblies are considered: the PCB with the housing, which is the PCB mounting/ fixation, and the PCB holes with the connector pins, which is the PCB positioning). The material was changed due to higher properties of plastic which in automotive field brings strong added value. As known, in automotive field there are several processes for the mounting of PCB inside the housing like, snapping-on, clamping, screwing and press-fit. To position and to interconnect the PCB holes with the pins, processes like press-fit, spring contact and wave soldering. The selection of the proper process is made by implementing each of the processes requirements into the shape design of the connector, pins and housing.