End Launch Connector – Things You Need to Know

A coaxial connector called an End Launch Connector connects a coaxial cable to a test board. The connection is attached to a PCB board's end or edge and transmits microwave radiation from a coaxial cable to a circuit on a PCB board. The three significant configurations shown in the figure are Angled End-Launch connections, Vertical End-Launch connectors, and Horizontal End-Launch connectors.

Unlike vertical-mount or right-angle (perpendicular) mount connections, end launch connectors are frequently favoured over standard connectors because their design lowers reflections.

High-frequency or high-performance applications use these connections. Regular commercial links, which are terminated by soldering to the PCB board, may be used for most applications below 6 GHz since they are more cost-effective and readily accessible.

End Launch Connector Applications: End launches high-frequency transfer signals from coaxial cable to microstrip transmission lines or coplanar waveguides. End launch connections transfer RF energy from a coaxial transmission line to the planar transmission line's structures. End-launch applications require careful consideration of connection design, mounting, and board launch architecture. Reviews such as PCB material, thickness, and connection choices are critical for decreasing reflection losses.

How to mount the end launch connector to the circuit

The following are the procedures required to install the end launch connectors to a circuit board:

When hand soldering, a fixture should be utilized as a guide. The institution keeps the insulator and contact of the connection in the right place. During clamping, it shields the connection from harm.

Place the connection on the circuit board with the contact pin aligned with the signal trace's center. Ensure that the connector's axis is parallel to the board's plane and that the connecting legs and contact pins are flush with the circuit board's top.

A little part of the Teflon insulation protrudes from the connector's rear mating plane. While soldering the central conductor pin to the trace, it functions as a seal. Clamp the connection firmly against the board's edge. It forces the insulator seal against the board edge, thus creating a barrier between the inner and outer conductors and avoiding solder bridging. Before attaching the center pin to the trace, solder the ground legs and ground posts to the top and bottom of the board, making the connection in the correct location.

Once the connection body is correctly grounded to the board, a small quantity of solder can bind the center contact pin to the trace. The solder must flow throughout the length of the exposed pin to ensure a secure electrical and mechanical connection. Remove any surplus solder that isn't needed for a secure connection.

Remove all flux and other residues from the trace space between the signal side ground legs since any flux present impacts performance.

In this article, you would have got all the information about end-lunch connectors and how to connect them to the circuit board. Continue navigating our website to learn about the SMA endlaunch connector and GPPO cable assembly.