TF-CONN-2.54-10P
TF-CONN-2.54-10P 2.54mm pitch board-to-board connector with 10 pins for electronic interconnections.
Product Overview
Description
The TF-CONN-2.54-10P is a reliable board-to-board connector with 2.54mm standard pitch and 10 pins.
This connector provides secure electrical connections between PCBs in consumer electronics and industrial equipment.
The phosphor bronze contacts with gold plating ensure low contact resistance and long mating life.
Product Series
TF
Primary Application
PCB interconnections
Key Features
- Standard 2.54mm pitch for compatibility
- High current capacity up to 3A per pin
- Gold plated contacts for reliability
- Polarized design prevents mis-mating
- Operating temperature -40C to +105C
- UL94 V-0 housing material
Specifications
| Connector Type | Board-to-Board |
|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.54mm |
| Pin Count | 10 |
| Current Rating | 3A per pin |
| Voltage Rating | 250V AC/DC |
| Contact Material | Phosphor Bronze |
| Plating | Gold over Nickel |
| Mating Cycles | ≥500 |
Applications
PCB interconnections
Electronic system design
Industrial controls
Industrial automation and control
Consumer electronics
Consumer electronics
Power supplies
Electronic system design
Communication equipment
Communication and interface
Test and measurement
Data acquisition and conversion
FAE Expert Insights
"The TF-CONN-2.54-10P connector provides reliable board-to-board connections at a competitive price point. The 2.54mm pitch is a standard that provides good balance between density and ease of assembly. I have used these connectors in various industrial and consumer applications with good results. The 3A current rating per pin is sufficient for most signal and moderate power applications. For higher current, multiple pins can be paralleled. The gold plating provides reliable contact over the rated 500 mating cycles. One consideration: ensure proper PCB mounting with adequate solder fillets for mechanical strength. For high-vibration applications, consider adding mechanical retention features or using additional mounting hardware. The polarized design helps prevent mis-mating during assembly. Overall, this is a cost-effective solution for board-to-board connections where high density is not required."
Standard pitch and reliable contacts make this ideal for board-to-board connections in industrial and consumer applications
— Tom Huang, FAE - Interconnect Products, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between board-to-board and wire-to-board connectors?
Board-to-board (BTB) connectors connect two printed circuit boards together, typically in a vertical or parallel configuration. They have mating contacts on both sides and are soldered to each PCB. Wire-to-board (WTB) connectors connect wires to a PCB, with contacts on one side for wires and the other side for PCB mounting. BTB connectors are used for: Modular designs with multiple PCBs. Stacking boards in limited space. Connecting main board to daughter boards. WTB connectors are used for: External connections to the PCB. Power input and signal I/O. Removable connections for service. Choose BTB for internal PCB-to-PCB connections. Choose WTB for external connections and interfaces.
Select board-to-board connectors for internal PCB connections. Select wire-to-board for external connections and I/O interfaces.
How do I determine the current capacity for my connector application?
Connector current capacity depends on several factors: Rated current per contact - typically specified in the datasheet (e.g., 3A for TF-CONN-2.54). Number of contacts carrying current - parallel contacts share current. Ambient temperature - higher temperature reduces current capacity. Wire gauge - for WTB connectors, wire size affects current. Contact resistance - higher resistance causes heating at current. For the TF-CONN-2.54-10P with 3A per pin rating: A single pin can carry 3A at room temperature. Multiple pins can be paralleled for higher current (e.g., 3 pins = 9A capacity). Derate by 20-30% for high temperature applications. Always verify the temperature rise under actual operating conditions. For safety-critical applications, use additional derating margin.
Calculate total current requirement and divide by current per pin. Use multiple pins in parallel for high current. Apply temperature derating as needed.
What is contact plating and why does it matter?
Contact plating is a thin layer of metal applied to the base contact material to improve performance. Common plating materials include: Gold - excellent corrosion resistance, low contact resistance, best for reliability. Tin - lower cost, good for low-frequency signals, subject to fretting corrosion. Nickel - underplating for hardness and diffusion barrier. Silver - excellent conductivity, tarnishes in sulfur environments. The TF-CONN series uses gold plating over nickel for optimal performance. Gold plating benefits include: Stable contact resistance over time and mating cycles. Excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments. No oxide formation ensuring reliable contact. Suitable for low-level signals and dry circuits. Higher cost but justified for reliability-critical applications. For consumer electronics with short life and benign environments, tin plating may be acceptable.
Choose gold plating for high reliability, harsh environments, and long service life. Tin plating may be acceptable for cost-sensitive consumer applications.
What are the key considerations for connector PCB layout?
Proper PCB layout ensures reliable connector performance: Pad size - follow manufacturer's recommendations for proper solder joint strength. Keep-out areas - ensure clearance for connector housing and mating. Trace width - size traces appropriately for current carrying capacity. Via placement - use multiple vias for high current paths to inner layers. Solder mask - ensure proper mask definition around pads. Silkscreen - mark pin 1 and connector orientation for assembly. Mechanical support - for large connectors, consider additional mounting holes. High-speed signals - for high-speed connectors, follow impedance control and length matching guidelines. Power and ground - provide adequate power and ground pins to minimize voltage drop. Always review the connector datasheet for specific layout recommendations and reference designs.
Follow manufacturer layout guidelines for pad size, keep-out areas, and trace routing. Contact us for layout review and recommendations.
How many mating cycles can a connector withstand?
Mating cycle life depends on connector type, contact plating, and application conditions. Typical ratings include: Consumer grade - 50-100 cycles. Industrial grade - 250-500 cycles. High reliability - 1000+ cycles. The TF-CONN series is rated for 500 mating cycles with gold plating. Factors affecting cycle life: Contact plating material and thickness - gold provides best durability. Contact normal force - higher force increases wear but improves reliability. Environmental conditions - dust, moisture, and vibration reduce life. Mating alignment - misalignment causes accelerated wear. Current through contacts - arcing during mating/unmating damages plating. For applications requiring frequent mating, choose connectors with higher cycle ratings and consider using protective covers when unmated.
Select connector cycle rating based on expected mating frequency in your application. Use protective measures to extend connector life in harsh environments.
What environmental factors affect connector reliability?
Environmental factors significantly impact connector reliability: Temperature - high temperature accelerates material aging and reduces current capacity. Humidity - moisture can cause corrosion and leakage currents. Vibration and shock - mechanical stress can cause fretting corrosion and contact loosening. Dust and contamination - particles interfere with contact mating. Chemical exposure - corrosive gases and liquids attack contact plating. UV exposure - degrades plastic housings over time. The TF-CONN series is rated for -40C to +105C operation. For harsh environments: Use sealed connectors for moisture protection. Select appropriate plating for chemical exposure. Add mechanical retention for high vibration. Use protective covers when connectors are unmated. Consider conformal coating for additional protection. Always specify connectors based on the actual operating environment, not just nominal conditions.
Consider all environmental factors in your application when selecting connectors. Contact us for recommendations on harsh environment applications.