Hello,
I am building a front panel for a PCB which has LEDs, Audio Jacks and a vertical USB connector/receptacle. ( USB A or B is acceptable for my case since USB C features are not required ) The audio jacks bodies are 10mm in height between the PCB and front panel, and I plan on using 10mm LED light 'tubes' from the front panel to the surface mount LEDs on the PCB.
The problem I am facing relates to the USB connector being only 5mm in height. This height does not match the height of the audio jacks and LED tubes, and will result in the USB connector being 'inset' too far into the front panel. I can also source USB connectors which are 16mm or even 15mm, however these will protrude too far out from the front panel. I also need to ensure the USB connector will be strong enough to withstand the user connecting/disconnecting so it would be preferable to find a way to fasten it to the front panel as to not have all tension put onto the soldered USB pins. I find micro/mini USB C connectors may be too fragile to take the wear and tear and am considering using older/larger USB A or USB B connectors. ( like the ones used on desktop PCs or the USB A like connectors on a printer. )
I have looked at various USB connectors but am unclear on the best way to go about this. My current 'solution' is to build a small carrier board PCB for the USB connector, and add a male pin header on the bottom which could raise the USB connector about 5mm ( PCB thickness of 3mm and male pin header plastic of 2.5mm ) This will still result in the USB connector being slightly offset from the front panel. I see some USB connectors with flanges which seem to be designed to sit on top of the front panel for added strength, but my solution would not align the connector precisely enough for the flanges to prevent some movement. Over time, I see a potential problem of the solder points of the connector failing due to constant movement.
Does anyone have advice on the best way to go about this?
Many thanks!
I am building a front panel for a PCB which has LEDs, Audio Jacks and a vertical USB connector/receptacle. ( USB A or B is acceptable for my case since USB C features are not required ) The audio jacks bodies are 10mm in height between the PCB and front panel, and I plan on using 10mm LED light 'tubes' from the front panel to the surface mount LEDs on the PCB.
The problem I am facing relates to the USB connector being only 5mm in height. This height does not match the height of the audio jacks and LED tubes, and will result in the USB connector being 'inset' too far into the front panel. I can also source USB connectors which are 16mm or even 15mm, however these will protrude too far out from the front panel. I also need to ensure the USB connector will be strong enough to withstand the user connecting/disconnecting so it would be preferable to find a way to fasten it to the front panel as to not have all tension put onto the soldered USB pins. I find micro/mini USB C connectors may be too fragile to take the wear and tear and am considering using older/larger USB A or USB B connectors. ( like the ones used on desktop PCs or the USB A like connectors on a printer. )
I have looked at various USB connectors but am unclear on the best way to go about this. My current 'solution' is to build a small carrier board PCB for the USB connector, and add a male pin header on the bottom which could raise the USB connector about 5mm ( PCB thickness of 3mm and male pin header plastic of 2.5mm ) This will still result in the USB connector being slightly offset from the front panel. I see some USB connectors with flanges which seem to be designed to sit on top of the front panel for added strength, but my solution would not align the connector precisely enough for the flanges to prevent some movement. Over time, I see a potential problem of the solder points of the connector failing due to constant movement.
Does anyone have advice on the best way to go about this?
Many thanks!
