Electronic – Low cost connector for two stacked PCBs

boardconnectorpcb

I know we should not ask for product advice here, but I searched a lot for a specific board connection solution lately and it almost drives me crazy that I have only found so little options.

I need to connect two PCB spaced/stacked 26-28mm apart with at least 50 pins carrying each max. 1A current at lowest possible cost. Both boards can only be assembled on TOP side (Because both boards are on the same panel.) SMT and THT is ok, but no press fit. I need to be able to disconnect the boards. Special requirement: I can not turn one board head over heels because of other connectors that must remain the same orientation. So I need something like a header for the lower board and a reverse mount socket for the upper board.

Single row connectors would be ok.

First I thought about standard ribbon cable, but this seems to be way more expensive than other solutions. Then I thought about standard FFC/PFC cable. The standard 0.5mm pitch types are cheap, but I would need way more than 50 pins to distribute the >1A current of some of the power lines, which makes it expensive.

Then the Samtec BSW-125-04-T-D and TSW-125-18-F-D came to my attention. This is a standard 2-row 2.54mm SMT header (TSW) combined with a reverse entry SMT socket (BSW.) Together, this solution costs about 5.50 USD at 1kpcs median at octopart.

So my question is: Can anyone name a "type" of connection or even a product that could beat the 5.50 USD mark from above? Maybe you have met other connection systems that I haven't thought of.

Best Answer

DW-50-14-T-S-1100 are US$3.20 at quantity 1 from Digikey. I have used them before (with fewer pins) and they do the trick.

Samtec DW

I have also used card-edge connectors like these. It'll probably be more pricey since you'll have to assemble the harnesses but it may still come under your price point.

Stock edge connectors