Sockets Use Washers To Sidestep Secondary Soldering Operations

A common problem with soldering mixed-technology boards and self-nesting sockets such as PC/104 and PC/104+ connectors is the inability to process them without hand soldering or secondary reflow operations. This issue is resolved by the incorporation of brass washers that lock onto the company's sockets or terminal tails during the manufacturing process. The washers contact the solder paste screened onto annular rings on the board and, when reflowed, the solder wets the lead and plated-through holes, leaving the balance of the tail solder-free for reliable mating with another socket.