I'm planning to make some devices which I want to easily connect together.
Normally cables are used, but I wonder if there exists something like a 'clicable' connector, where the output of one enclosure 'clicks' into the input of another enclosure. Like a connection without or with a very short and solid 'cable'.
Of course I can use a cable from one component/microcontroller from one enclosure to the other, but than I cannot detach them. I want to have a detachable solution, without the excess of a cable.
Pins needed:
- GND (by default)
- VCC (that would save an adapter for the second device)
- TX (to transmit the signal)
- Maybe RX (for some acknowledgement, but maybe not necessary because of the short distance).
So 3 pins would do probably.
The transmission speed is probably 250 kbs, but maybe I extend it later to 1 mbps max.
Best Answer
3 Formats come to mind:
1 - Pogos and magnets
(Image is from http://www.foxlink.com/)
When you mentioned "click" the magnet action came to mind. This is the least exerted force one, and also easiest to unplug. Not very dense, a bit expensive.
Some examples of products which use this are LitteBits and the old Macbook charger.
2 - Board to board / Mezzanine connectors
This is probably the highest density option, missing the "click" action. Potentially the stiffest connection.
(Image is from http://www.hirose.com/)
3 - Edge connectors
I bet you remember these? They are cheap on the PCB side (and I personally have found to be expensive on the connector side unless you use PCI-express). Also missing the "click" factor.
(Image from Wiki Commons)
Other alternatives
Or just use pin headers protruding from the enclosure. I've also done a short-term project with springs and magnets in cheap a pogo-ish way - very cheap and has the "click" action.
Also, as in the MacBook charger, if you get at least N*2-1 connections, you can make the connector orientation indifferent. (As in, instead of VCC, GND, TX, you do VCC, GND, TX, GND, VCC, so you can flip it.)