Jeff,

Its been awhile since I last ran across this topic, but here it is.  

Its not advisable to use SMT connectors, if the card your using 
will be plugged and pulled continually (your guaranteed this with 
Smart Cards) in the field or ran under severe thermal environments.  
Its very, very likely the solder joints at the SMT connector will fracture. 
The stresses encountered are too much for tin/lead joints. 
If you choose to go that route, secure the connector via through hole
bolts at opposite ends of the connector or similar.    

Of the two, I would go with the Straddle connector.  If designed 
correctly the connector molding should mount flush to the Smart Card edge 
providing additional structure, in turn minimizing solder joint 
stress (push action)  The connector mounting (bolts) will provide 
structure on the pull action.  There is a disadvantage to using the connector 
in assembly, but I can't remember what it was.  Not that this helps you, 
but if I remember I will forward the warning.

It also depends on what type of PCMCIA you will assemble, Type I, II 
or III.  The smart card thickness and assembly types are all critical 
to the product type. 

John Gulley 
Compuroute Inc. 
Dallas, TX




> From:          "Baldwin, Jeff A" <[log in to unmask]>
> To:            TechNet <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject:       ASSY: PCMCIA Connectors
> Date:          Mon, 30 Sep 96 09:59:00 DST

> 
> We are interested in setting up a PCMCIA line at our plant.  There seem to 
> be two basic kinds of 68-pin connectors: straddle and surface mount.  Could 
> anyone give some advice on which is better, in terms of the assembly 
> process?  Also, does anyone have any experiences they could share about 
> attaching the connectors?  Thank you.
> 
> Jeff Baldwin
> [log in to unmask] 
> 
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