Connector Basics: Evolving Levels of Interconnection
As this is the first in a planned series of articles by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants LLC, we thought it would be best to begin with the “Levels of Interconnection” (LOI), which is about as fundamental as it gets. It must be remembered that at every interconnection point, at every level, there is a potential for failure, regardless of whether the connection is a permanent or separable one. Therefore, selecting the most reliable product to serve this interconnection function is critical to the utility of the equipment. There is little disagreement about the lower levels of interconnection, Levels 0 to 4, but as the connectivity leaves the internal equipment and enters the building wiring, some experts associated with building or facility wiring architectures believe that additional levels may be identified.
Levels of Interconnection
Level 0 – On-Chip Interconnection
This is a “device-level” interconnect that consists of integrating various elements, such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, etc., on an individual chip. These connections are permanent and are formed during IC fabrication. The functionality of these chip devices has increased exponentially over the last decade or two.
Level 1 – Interconnections from the Chip to the Package
This level pertains to the attachment of the IC chip to the lead frame of the various types of chip carriers. The chips may be attached by various manufacturing techniques including wire bonding; tape automated bonding (TAB); and flip-chip bonding. These connections are permanent. Packaging types are plentiful and include dual in-line package (DIP); pin grid array (PGA); ceramic leadless chip carrier (CLCC); small outline package (SOP); plastic leadless chip carrier (PLCC); quad flat pack (QFP); and ball grid array (BGA).
Level 2 – Printed Wiring Board (PWB) Interconnections
These board-level interconnections include the chip packages, connectors, and other component attachments to the PWB. Typically, the components are either thru-hole or surface-mount versions and are soldered to the board either by hand, wave, or reflow soldering. Reflow soldering can be accomplished by infrared, induction, hot-bar, or laser-heating methods. Some connections employ the use of press-fit pin technology into plated thru-holes. Both permanent and separable connections to the PCB are employed.
Level 3 – PWB-to-PWB Interconnections Within the Equipment
This level consists of interconnections between PWBs, which include backplanes and mother/daughtercards. A designer has many options for interconnections on this level, which include both board-to-board (BTB) and wire-to-board (WTB) applications. As a rule, these connections are separable to allow for ease of manufacturing and replacement/repair.
Level 4 – Interconnections Between Subassemblies in an Enclosure or System
Various types of connectors are employed at this level and are used to connect other assemblies, usually to a PWB. These assemblies may be fans, sensors, disk drives, etc. The interconnections are mostly separable for ease of manufacturing and replacement/repair.
Level 5 – Input/Output (I/O) Interconnections
This is the first level where the connectors are exposed outside of the equipment or at the I/O ports. Essentially, they are positioned at the outer plate of the box or system, ready to accept the external (Level 6) connections. They are used to connect audio, video, power, data, telephone circuits, etc. They often conform to specific industry standards, to assure that all producers design and manufacture connectors that can inter-mate to each other’s products. Generally, they are separable connections. This is also typically the level at which both fiber optic and wireless interconnections are introduced.
Level 6 – External Interconnections Between Systems and/or Peripherals
These interconnections are often in the form of cable assemblies and are frequently governed by industry standards to assure interoperability between connectors from various suppliers. Examples include USB and RS-232 products. They are separable connections. Fiber optic and wireless links also play a role at this level.
Level 7 – Interconnections at the Building Wall Plate
This level is usually not identified nor mentioned in the typical LOI discussion. However, an argument can be made for this level, since it is an integral part of the total wiring system, and the existence of defined interfaces is identified in the ANSI/EIA/TIA 568 and the ISO/IEC 11801 standards. It is the initial connection to the total building wiring architecture. These connections are almost always separable.
There is the potential to identify and establish a few more levels in the building wiring architecture, including interconnections such as the wiring closet, which utilizes punch-down blocks, cross-connects, patch cords, etc., and the building entrance locations, which often utilize surge and lightning protectors. However, it may be best to leave it here, with Levels 0 to 7, and address the other possible levels at another time.
In summary, every interconnection point represents a potential for failure, regardless of which level in the system architecture it occurs. Therefore it is imperative that the proper connector is chosen for each unique application to assure system reliability. The upcoming series of articles by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants LLC intends to describe and suggest ways to minimize the risks.
Bill Garver has 47 years experience in the connector industry, primarily in the management and direction of new product development and operational division management. He held the titles of division manager and director of development engineering at AMP. He developed new products throughout the full product life cycle, concept through introduction, for numerous industries, including consumer, commercial, computer, industrial, communications, and medical. Bill has vast experience with products for high-density, low-cost, insulation displacement, surface-mount, high-temperature, and environmentally sealed applications. Please contact him with questions or feedback on this article.
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