Abstract: Printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) are a fundamental component used in nearly all electronics. PCBAs provide electrical connections and mechanical support to electronic components and are generally made of copper layers laminated onto, though, and/or between one or more non-conductive substrate layers. Press-fit pin connections are often driven through the non-conductive substrate layers to connect power or ground across multiple conductive copper layers within a PCBA and/or connect electronic components on opposing sides of the substrate layer(s). Some new PCBA designs utilize fewer, but larger contact pins (e.g., power pins) in place of a greater number of smaller contact pins. With larger contact pin sizes, press-fit pin connections become more difficult to achieve with repeatable reliability in electrical connection without damaging surrounding features in a PCBA.

Abstract: Printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) are a fundamental component used in nearly all electronics. PCBAs provide electrical connections and mechanical support to electronic components and are generally made of copper layers laminated onto, though, and/or between one or more non-conductive substrate layers. Press-fit pin connections are often driven through the non-conductive substrate layers to connect power or ground across multiple conductive copper layers within a PCBA and/or connect electronic components on opposing sides of the substrate layer(s). Some new PCBA designs utilize fewer, but larger contact pins (e.g., power pins) in place of a greater number of smaller contact pins. With larger contact pin sizes, press-fit pin connections become more difficult to achieve with repeatable reliability in electrical connection without damaging surrounding features in a PCBA.