I need to create a high current (~2A) connection between multiple closely stacked PCBs. Signal connections are made using a 0.5mm pitch, 4mm stack height mezzantine connector with a individual pin current rating of only 300mA. Using this connector to carry the 2A and associated ground would consume a lot of pins.
Therefore I am looking for alternative connectors that are both stackable and have higher current rating. I am considering spring contacts (both of pogo-type and simple metal latches) but wonder how well those will function when the PCB is subject to vibrations. Can someone share his/her experience? Note that those contacts should carry power, not signals.
Best Answer
If you have a vibration spec you are working to (for example, a relay might be rated to be fully functional under 10 to 55 Hz at double amplitude of 1.6 mm), you can probably mathematically guesstimate the vibration it would take to reduce the force (say) to half the nominal force. If you don't exactly know the mass of the sprung part, you can overestimate it to be safe. I suspect you'll be fine. Mechanical shock is another matter, but if you have a bit of capacitance maybe you'll be able to weather that without a glitch.
I base my optimism partly on the wide use of pogo-pin type connectors for DSLR batteries, cell phone batteries and such like. As Dave Tweed comments, there are no doubt detailed specifications available for parts used in these applications.