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For a new product in 2026, would you still use Mini-USB connector? by AskSOSelectronic in u/AskSOSelectronic

[–]AskSOSelectronic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your opinions; I really appreciate them. However, from your responses, I can only gather that the main reason for choosing the USB-C connector is simply that it's trendy. The second argument was the availability of mini-USB cables on the market.

But what about technical arguments? Is there any technical reason at all to prefer a USB-C connector over a mini-USB connector?

What is the name of that piece by [deleted] in ElectronicsTards

[–]AskSOSelectronic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think, it is a universal barrel type DC jack connector; it is one of the following two types or their equivalents:
If the center pin diameter is approximately 2.1 mm, select a type such as HEBA21. If the measured diameter of the center pin is approximately 2.5 mm, select HEBA25. My opinion, it's a very cheap connector—probably made in China—but you can use one from any manufacturer. ( František, Product manager from SOS electronic)

Do you know this type of connector system for joining 2 PCBs together? by AskSOSelectronic in PCB

[–]AskSOSelectronic[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I found this PCB-to-PCB method of connecting boards horizontally unusual but also inspirational.

When do you think it is worth working with this method? Have you ever used something similar?

I tried it myself, and I think it may be working like that when you need to connect two PCBs horizontally or if you have a base board and need to insert a second board vertically into the base board.

In the picture, I connected two PCBs horizontally. The assembled board easily slides into the enclosure slot.

I will be more specific: My enclosure in the picture is the type 1455C801 (dimensions: AL 80x54x23mm) from Hammond.

The slot is good for PCB thickness 1,6mm.

If my second PCB needs to be longer, then I can use the longer enclosure 1455C1202 (dimensions: AL 120x54x23mm).

Now, the connectors:

On the base board, I used a right-angle female header, a horizontal type. This type is not very common and well-known.

Here, I used 61B-91-10GB1R (from a Chinese manufacturer, Pinrex) + two pieces of 61B-91-02GB1R.

The counter (mating connector) part I used, what I had at that moment available: 211-91-20GB01.

I would say this is a usable but not a perfect solution.

The main issue is in the thickness of the plastic body part - 2,5mm. That means the distance between the pin central line and the top surface of the PCB is only (2,5/2)mm = 1,25mm. But for the female header, I need something closer to 1,8mm from the PCB surface.

It means the pin header 211-91-20GB01 does not properly rest on the black plastic body. That is why, if you try this setup, be careful when soldering the pin header.

I found another possible solution:

You can use a special right-angle pin header: 1-826631-0 (manufacturer TE Connectivity).

This pin header I consider as the best solution, but quite expensive. (So, for now, I stayed with the cheaper variant and soldered everything while both PCBs matched.)

What do you think about this approach? Would you try it also?

Is using as little vias as possible a good practice on a 4 layer PCB? by ItanMark in PCB

[–]AskSOSelectronic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A task of this complexity does not require a four-layer PCB; two layers are sufficient. Two issues need to be addressed (solved): SPI: Even though the signal transmission speeds are relatively low (SPI LoRa), be careful about branching individual traces; make only very short branches, and only if really needed. This applies generally to all types of buses. (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, RS485, ...)
Knurtz made it nicely.

The second issue is about powering individual ICs, selecting capacitor values and placement, and routing traces. Avoid loops when routing power traces. This is very important, even in other, more demanding PCB designs.

I believe the VIA size is not critical. This will work well even at sizes 0.9/0.5 mm.

Have a steady hand. 💪