What is Card-Edge Connector

By Bester PCBA

Last Updated: 2023-09-25

Table of Contents

What is Card-Edge Connector

A card-edge connector is a type of connector designed to facilitate the connection between a PCB and a matching socket. This connector is commonly used to establish a reliable and secure connection by plugging the traces on the edge of the PCB into the corresponding female connector. Unlike other connectors, it eliminates the need for a separate male connector, reducing costs and simplifying the overall connector system. Additionally, card-edge connectors are known for their robustness and durability, making them suitable for applications where reliability and longevity are crucial factors.

Typically, a card-edge connector consists of a pattern of exposed copper regions located at the periphery of the PCB. These copper regions form one-half of the mating connector pair, while the matching socket provides the other half. The exposed copper regions on the PCB create a contact interface that ensures proper electrical connectivity when inserted into the socket.

One common application is in desktop PCs, where they are used to connect accessory cards, such as graphics accelerators, to the computer motherboard. They offer a relatively low-cost and high-density interconnect option for PCB system applications where durability is not the primary concern.

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