TSW-109-30-T-Q

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

• Can Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q be used to connect a 3.3 V logic board to a 5 V logic board? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q is a passive 18-position, two-row header and does not provide level translation, voltage regulation, or signal protection. The connected devices must have compatible logic thresholds, and the mating cable or receptacle must preserve the intended pin-to-pin wiring. Because no voltage rating is specified for Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q in the provided data, the system designer should verify creepage, clearance, insulation, and signal-voltage limits for the complete connector system.
• What mating connector should I select for Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q in a board-to-board design? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q uses two rows on a 2.54 mm pitch with 5.08 mm row spacing, male square pins, and an unshrouded design. The mating part must have 18 corresponding contacts, compatible 2.54 mm pitch and 5.08 mm row spacing, and a female contact geometry that accepts the 0.320 inch mating length. Verify the required mated height, contact engagement, keying, and whether the mating connector supports the board orientation used in the assembly.
• Is Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q suitable for applications that require a keyed or protected connector? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q is unshrouded and has no listed keying, latch, or polarization feature. It can be used where the cable or mating assembly is controlled mechanically, but it does not by itself prevent reversed insertion, lateral offset, or accidental contact with adjacent conductors. A shrouded or latching alternative may be better for field-serviceable equipment, vibration-prone assemblies, or connectors that must tolerate repeated blind mating.
• How should Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q be mounted on a PCB with a 1.6 mm board thickness? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q is a through-hole, solder-termination header with a 0.710 inch post length. The PCB footprint should match the two-row 2.54 mm pin pattern and the manufacturer’s recommended finished-hole diameter, land size, and solder fillet requirements. The available post length extends substantially beyond a typical 1.6 mm PCB, so the assembly should be checked for underside clearance, soldering method, connector seating, and interference with the chassis or neighboring boards.
• Can Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q carry a specified power current through all 18 contacts? The provided data does not list a current rating for Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q, so a per-contact or total connector current cannot be established from the product description alone. Power distribution should account for contact resistance, temperature rise, PCB trace capacity, solder-joint heating, and whether adjacent contacts carry return current. For higher-current designs, obtain the manufacturer’s derating data or select a connector family with a defined current rating and a suitable contact system.
• Is Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q appropriate for high-speed digital or differential signals? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q is a general-purpose unshrouded header, and the provided information does not specify controlled impedance, crosstalk, insertion loss, or return-loss performance. It may work for low- to moderate-speed signals when traces are short and the interconnect is validated, but it should not be assumed suitable for USB 3.x, PCIe, high-speed SERDES, or other impedance-controlled interfaces. High-speed validation should include the mating connector, cable, pin assignment, ground-return arrangement, and measured eye or S-parameter performance.
• Can Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q replace a 2 x 9 2.54 mm header from another manufacturer? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q can be a mechanical replacement when the other header has the same 18-contact, two-row layout, 2.54 mm pitch, 5.08 mm row spacing, through-hole termination, pin length, and board-side orientation. Differences in insulation height, pin protrusion, contact finish, plastic body dimensions, and solder-tail length can affect mating engagement and enclosure clearance. The replacement should be checked against the exact mating receptacle rather than only the nominal position count and pitch.
• What are the practical differences between Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q and a shrouded 2.54 mm 2 x 9 header? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q is unshrouded, which allows simpler access and may reduce the connector envelope, but it provides no housing-based polarization or cable retention. A shrouded 2 x 9 header generally improves mating guidance and can support keyed ribbon-cable connectors, while adding height, width, and possible board-edge restrictions. The choice depends on whether assembly access, cable orientation control, retention, and protection from accidental shorts outweigh the lower-profile open-pin format of Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q.
• How does the tin finish on Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q affect long-term industrial use? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q uses tin on both the mating contact and post, with phosphor bronze contacts and a PBT UL94 V-0 insulator. Tin contacts are commonly used for cost-sensitive, low- to moderate-duty separable connections, but mating durability, fretting under vibration, contact resistance growth, and environmental exposure must be evaluated for the application. Equipment exposed to corrosive gases, condensation, substantial vibration, or frequent service cycles may require a connector with specified plating thickness, durability, sealing, or positive retention.
• Can Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q operate across the full -55°C to 105°C range in an industrial controller? Samtec TSW-109-30-T-Q has a listed operating-temperature range of -55°C to 105°C, but the complete assembly must remain within the limits of the mating connector, solder joints, PCB materials, cable insulation, and surrounding components. Thermal cycling can change contact force and solder-joint stress, while vibration and contamination can affect an unshrouded connector. Qualification should cover the actual mating hardware and include thermal cycling, vibration, humidity, and contact-resistance checks when the controller is intended for long-term industrial service.