Power transfer through stacked PCBs? Ideas?

Thread Starter

Juhahoo

Joined Jun 3, 2019
302
Any ideas how should I transfer power through several stacked PCBs so that they are NOT using any screws or threaded parts so they would be just plug-in type connectors soldered to PCB in reflow oven?
Current range is around 20Amps +15Volts, space between boards around 15mm.


1638971801909.png
Something like this would be a perfect solution. One single connector contains male and female portion

1638971972111.png
 

AnalogKid

Joined Aug 1, 2013
10,986
That is the basis behind the original PC-104 connector system. It used 0.025" square posts, so it was good for about 2 A per pin. Board spacing was 0.6 ". One version was made with hi-temperature plastic, and had little solder donuts around each pin that flowed in the oven. Others were press-fit.

ak
 

Thread Starter

Juhahoo

Joined Jun 3, 2019
302
That is the basis behind the original PC-104 connector system. It used 0.025" square posts, so it was good for about 2 A per pin. Board spacing was 0.6 ". One version was made with hi-temperature plastic, and had little solder donuts around each pin that flowed in the oven. Others were press-fit.

ak
I thought of that first but, it just isnt really a high amp power connector, but...nowadays PC104 system can pass 5Amps per pin, so using 10 pins, 50Amps can be reached. It can also pass some signals/control making it versatile.
One option is to use double sided SMD stackers, but I have to use vias in between :(
Since single pin PCB through stackers aren't existing, the best idea so far is the above mentioned PC104 with through stacking option from Samtec.
 
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MrChips

Joined Oct 2, 2009
30,706
20A is very high. What are you powering?
You cannot do this with regular pin headers. You need to reconsider this approach.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,617
If this is just a power pair etc, You maybe could look at the RC XT60 connectors, M & F, they are just a tad more in height.
60A rated. Digikey PRT-10474 for the M,F pair, solder to a PCB copper plane.
 

Thread Starter

Juhahoo

Joined Jun 3, 2019
302
If this is just a power pair etc, You maybe could look at the RC XT60 connectors, M & F, they are just a tad more in height.
60A rated. Digikey PRT-10474 for the M,F pair, solder to a PCB copper plane.
I have used previously in high current applications RC connectors between two boards, but none of the RC solutions cant be used between multiple stacked boards very easily, for prototypes its fine.
I'm considering some sort of custom bushbar system instead of stacked connectors like so..

1638997108488.png
1638997207424.png

It could be used in the middle of the board if there is a slot where the bushbar can be routed. This would be more protected rather than on the edge of the board.

1638997503663.png
 
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