BigDumbDinosaur wrote:
One thing with using edge connectors is the need to provide mechanical support to avoid flaky connections or, worse yet, accidentally busting the edge off the mating PCB when you clumsily bump it at an inopportune moment.
For that reason, when I build the next POC unit, I am going to use 0.025" square pins and a mating socket for the expansion port. I can arrange the pins so the card will be self-supporting, and can also arrange things so it isn’t possible to plug in the card in the wrong direction.
I have been thinking about this for a while. Having a PCB with an edge connector and then a connector that accepts heavy cords like VGA-cables etc must put an enormous stress on the edge connector and socket. Also my apartment is a total mess so bumping is a high probability
. Interesting, if/when you get around to building this, updates are most appreciated.
BigDumbDinosaur wrote:
The other thing with slots is if long-term reliability is important, the PCB “fingers” probably should be gold-plated. That is a not-inexpensive feature when having your PCBs made.
Yikes, on PCBWay, clicking "Edge connector: yes" added $370 to the cost on a 100x100mm 4-layer PCB design. (Their explanation makes me assume it's the gold plated option: "Edge connectors achieve electrical connection by contacting the golden fingers on the PCB. If your design includes golden finger, please check 'Yes' for this item and select the surface finish method and bevelling angle for it. Otherwise, please check 'No'.")