High Density, Ultra Small, Board to Board connectors from I-PEX offer excellent signal integrity for today's high speed systems. NOVASTACK^® series connectors are available in various profile heights and can support both power signals and high speed data signals up to the maximum frequency of 20GHz. Integrated 360 degree metallic ZenShield^® provides EMI shielding in smaller, compact boards operating at high speeds and saves cost as well. Break out test boards for plug and receptacle with RF connectors are also offered for comprehensive Signal Integrity testing. This page answers frequently asked questions about Board to Board connectors and addresses key design concerns of engineers by highlighting features and benefits of these products.

 

1. What is the maximum operating frequency and data rates in the application? 

Data rates play a critical role in today's smaller and faster electronic systems. It is important to maintain the high data rate for signals going between multiple printed circuit boards, when stacked in high density, compact devices for optimal performance. Data rates are typically determined by maximum operating frequency and are specified in Gbps. NOVASTACK^®  series of products can support maximum frequency of 20 GHz and data rates up to 80 Gbps using PAM4 signaling. USB, MIPI, LVDS, eDP, Thunderbolt and PCIe are some of the commonly supported proctocols by NOVASTACK^®  series products.
Learn more: High Data Rates

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2. Why is Shielding important in Board to Board connectors? What is ZenShield^® in NOVASTACK^® series connectors?

Objective of effective shielding in high performance board to board connectors is to minimize this unwanted signal from components near by, interfering with the desired signal in connector  and also to keep most of the energy of desired signal well with in the connected channels without being radiated outwards and affecting the circuits in close proximity. The ZenShield^® is a 360-degree EMC/ EMI shielding metallic cover offered in NOVASTACK^® series board to board connectors. This shielding design prevents electromagnetic noise radiation not only from the contact points of the plug and receptacle, but also from the board mounting part (SMT positions) of the signal terminals.
Learn more: EMI Shielding 

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3. Why is high density important for Board to Board connectors? What is the impact of high density on Signal Integrity?

NOVASTACK^® series connectors are available in pin counts ranging from 10 pins to 70 pins with pin pitch as small as 0.35 mm. These ultra small, light weight connectors facilitate modern, compact portable systems with out compromising the connectivity, where every square mm and every mg matters. Availability of multiple stack up heights from 0.6 mm up to 1.5 mm typical provides design flexibility in multi-board systems. Connectors with integrated power pins can handle currents up to 1 A / pin and eliminate the need for separate power connectors in design and save board space and cost.
Learn more: High Density

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4. Can I use the Board to Board Connectors to deliver power signals alongside the high speed data signals? What is the current rating of connectors? 

It has become more critical to deliver high power signals reliably alongside the high speed signals in modern, compact electronic devices between multiple boards without compromising the system performance. NOVASTACK^® series connectors are offered in hybrid signal and power pin options in different pin counts from 10 pins to 60 pins and can handle up to 6 A per power pin in high power variants. These hybrid connectors are offered with Hold Down power pins, dedicated power supply contacts and high current contact pins and save board space and cost, offering design flexibility while keeping the total heat dissipation of connector low.
Learn more: Current Ratings and Power Pins

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5. What are some of the advantages of using different profile heights of Board to Board Connectors in design?

Using board-to-board connectors with varying profile heights provides designers with the flexibility to optimize performance, reliability, and space efficiency in complex multi-board systems. Design flexibility, improved air flow and thermal management, reduced mating/ demating interference, efficient use of space for lower EMI, enhanced mechanical stability, scalability of systems and support for multi-function systems are some of the key advantages of using these connectors with varying profile heights.
Learn more: Profile Heights

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6. What are the key transmission standards, protocol signals supported by these connectors? 

Various high speed signal protocols and industry standards supported by NOVASTACK^® series of board to board connectors. Customers can also select the connector suitable for their applications by using the selection table at I-PEX website : https://www.i-pex.com/product/filter?field_category_target_id=6
Learn more: Signal Protocols and Standards

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7. What are some of the accessories available for these connectors?

I-PEX offers the break out test boards for NOVASTACK^® 35-HDH, NOVASTACK^® 35-HDP, and NOVASTACK^® 35-HDN series connectors to measure the signal integrity performance including S parametric losses of complete interconnect assemblies i.e. the losses in coaxial cable itself or just for the plug and receptacle only.  Each board has either plug or receptacle mounted on one side of the board and 2.92 mm RF connectors mounted on the other side of the board. Pins of receptacle or plug are connected to the RF connectors via high speed signal traces.
Learn more: SI Test Boards

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8. Looking for a custom board to board connector solution? 

I-PEX can offer customized board to board connector solutions based on specific requirements of a certain application. Data rates, pin count and size of connectors can change depending on the signal transmission protocol, available board space, signal routing and lay out of board. Similarly, a custom EMI shield may be required for connectors in some applications that are sensitive to noise and Emissions from other components. Profile heights and configuration of high speed data and power pins can also be customized to meet the customer requirements. 

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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