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INA826EVM: Input Connector Options for INA826EVM

Takashi Matsumura
Intellectual 980 points

Part Number: INA826EVM

Hi TI Team,

Thank you for your support.

I’m working with the INA826EVM evaluation board and would like to use a connector for the input. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can a connector be attached directly to the board? If so, does it have to be an SMA connector?

2. Is it possible to connect a cable with a connector to the board? Would a BNC connector work in this case?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

 

Kind regards,

Takashi

T4876274 

  • 0
    TI__Intellectual 1980 points

    Hi Takashi-san,

    Thanks for reaching out! Firstly, the board is designed for two types of connections, via the test points populated throughout the board and via edge-launch SMA connectors that the user must populate themselves. The test point connectors are most commonly used with mini-hook connectors like shown below:

    SMA connectors don't necessarily have to be used for the SMA pads on the EVM, as you can find edge-launch connectors for BNC/SMB/etc. You are also free to solder on any other connection as you wish if it is physically possible to do so, just keep in mind any parasitics possibly introduced.

    Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Best Regards,

    Taylor Allan 

  • 0 in reply to Taylor Allan
    Intellectual 980 points

    Hi  

    Thank you very much for your support.

    I understand that a BNC edge connector can be used with this board. Could you please recommend the appropriate BNC and SMA connectors for use with it?

    The datasheet only mentions SMA connectors, so I would also appreciate any guidance regarding special precautions or considerations when using BNC connectors instead.

    Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

    Best regards,

    Takashi Mastumura

  • 0 in reply to Takashi Matsumura
    TI__Intellectual 1980 points

    Hi Takashi-san,

    There shouldn't be any issues besides making sure everything lines up geometrically between the pads of the PCB and the connector pins, as well as making sure the PCB thickness fits in the connector. The thickness of the INA826EVM is 62 mil or 1.6 mm.

    The real advantage to SMA connectors compared to BNC comes at high frequencies (GHz range) and since this part is used at much lower frequencies, this wouldn't be an issue.

    SMA connectors are generally seen as being a bit more mechanically stable, and edge-launch SMA connectors are cheaper and much more common to find than edge-launch BNC connectors. So if you are able to choose one or the other, I would choose SMA. But ultimately the differences are negligible and either should work for your system.

    I will check the PCB pad sizes before recommending to use a BNC connector, but here is an SMA connector that I have previously connected with this EVM specifically: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cinch-connectivity-solutions-johnson/142-0701-801/35280

    Best Regards,

    Taylor Allan

  • 0 in reply to Taylor Allan
    Intellectual 980 points

    Hi Tyler-san,

    Thanks so much for your detailed explanation and for checking the PCB pad sizes. I really appreciate your help!

    Our customer also needs to use a BNC connector, so if you could let us know any recommendations once you have a chance to look into it, that would be great.

    Best regards,

    Takashi

  • 0 in reply to Takashi Matsumura
    TI__Intellectual 1980 points

    Hi Takashi-san,

    So it looks like the distance between the pads is 0.44 inches, and this edge-launch BNC connector has a width between the ground pins of 0.43 inches, so it should fit on the board.

    Even though it should fit, it actually doesn't necessarily have to fit perfectly. Below is an example of how you can actually bend the pin of the BNC connector to fit just in case the sizes are slightly off. You can leave one of the ground pins unsoldered if necessary.

    There are SMA to BNC adapters you can buy to use with SMA connectors that will work just fine as well.

    Best Regards,

    Taylor Allan