Electronic – Connecting a DC barrel jack to a PCB board

connectorpcb

I am wondering how I can include a DC jack such as below in my PCB circuit:

DC jack

There are no such PCB packages in my library, so the first step, I presume, is to make a prototype with the exact dimensions as in the datasheet (correct me if I'm wrong).

What I am really confused about however is how to drill the holes in the PCB, given that I need a rectangular section instead of a circular one, for the three pins.

Best Answer

You didn't mention which PCB layout program you are using, but if it is Eagle, the part is available in the SparkFun library. See images below.

Power jack - schematics Power jack - board

I drill the holes with the 3.2mm drill bit. I then place the connector on the PCB, touch both the connector terminal and the PCB pad with the soldering iron (hot) and push the solder in until it makes a little blob, nice and round. It takes quite a bit of solder, like in the image below. Watch out not to push the solder directly into the hole or it will go into the connector and destroy it.

Power jack - soldered

Bear in mind that I make my boards at home, so I have no idea how that is done with production quality, but mine gets firm and steady.