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www.ERNI.com/contact/
catalog E 074484
05/02
Edition 4
PCB requirements
In manufacturing the PCB board for the press-fit technique it
is essential that the recommended DIN PC board specifica-
tions be met. The dimensions of the plated through drillholes
and their hole design are described in DIN 41 611 as well as
DIN IEC 60 352-5.
The quality and long-term performance of a press-fit connec-
tor are influenced by the following factors:
a.) Base material of the PCB.
To meet UL requirements, epoxy glass fabric type
Hgw 2372.1 to DIN 7735, FR 4, should be used.
b.) Adherence to drillhole tolerances.
For optimum and uniform plating of the metallization of the
pcb, a selective rack technique, flexible anode arrangement
and continuous plating bath monitoring are suggested.
c.) Drillhole diameter and positioning.
Maintaining the correct roughness of the drillhole wall and
restricting drill bit travel are critical production processes.
d.) PCB hole and layout requirements.
A minimal residual ring width of 0.1 mm, finished hole
tolerances, layer thicknesses and a high quality consistent
conductive pattern are all critical.
e.) Insertion and retention forces.
Measurement of these forces should be checked.
Insertion and retention forces
The design of the press-fit zone of the ERNIPRESS connec-
tors performs a dual function. On the one hand this design
has high elasticity and therefore can accomodate large hole
tolerances. On the other hand, the press-fit zone’s design
ensures high edge loadinge at the copper layer of the PCB
hole resulting in a gas-tight, corrosion-proof and mechanically
secure connection.
Due to the special shape of the press-fit zone, insertion forces
are not detrimental to the hole plating.
Retention forces of the contacts in the PCB hole are sufficient
to withstand the torques which occur during wire wrap termi-
nation. Typical average values for retention force are between
40 – 70 N per contact depending upon PCB thickness.
For more details please refer to the data sheet entitled
ERNIPRESS – Long-term Test Programme to DIN 41 611/
IEC 60 352-5 for Compliant Press-fit Zones“.
Press-fit PCB hole design
Connectors Series TMC
Compliant press-fit zone EE
1)
Restring width
Diameter of finished
plated-through hole
Diameter of drilled hole
max. 15
m
Sn/SnPb
min. 25
m Cu
1
+0.09
-0.06
1.15 ±0.025
min.
0.1