The Role of Stepped Edge Connectors in Modern PCB Design.
In the world of printed circuit board (PCB) design, as technology advances and functionalities grow, the complexity of the board increases. Designers are often faced with the challenge of accommodating thicker PCBs, as they add more layers to enhance the board’s capabilities.
However, what happens when the board needs to interface with existing connectors that are designed for a specific thickness, such as a 1.6mm edge connector in PCIe slots? 

This is where stepped down edge connectors, or more commonly known as stepped down gold fingers, come into play. In simple terms, these connectors allow a PCB that is thicker than the standard 1.6mm specification to still fit into connectors that only accept 1.6mm edge connector thickness. For example, you might have a PCB with a thickness of 2.00mm, but with gold fingers designed to match the 1.6mm standard, ensuring compatibility with existing interfaces. 

Stepped down edge connectors provide a critical solution for modern PCBs, ensuring that the board’s increased thickness doesn’t hinder its integration with established systems.  

With the capability to design these thinner contact points, manufacturers offer a seamless way to bridge the gap between advanced board designs and legacy connector standards. Interested in learning more or exploring how this can benefit your project? 

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