Tag-Connect, LLC
Tag-Connect TC-FOOTPRINT Demo PCB - Footprint Evaluation Board
Tag-Connect TC-FOOTPRINT Demo PCB - Footprint Evaluation Board
SKU: TC-FOOTPRINT-PCB
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Key Features
Overview
The Tag-Connect TC-FOOTPRINT is an essential evaluation tool for electronic design engineers considering Tag-Connect Plug-of-Nails™ solutions for their PCB designs. This compact demonstration PCB features sample footprints for TC2030, TC2030-NL, TC2050, TC2050-NL, TC2070 and TC2070-NL configurations, covering both legged and no-legs variants across 6, 10 and 14-pin arrangements.
Comprehensive Footprint Collection
Each footprint on this demonstration board represents real-world implementation patterns that engineers can directly reference when creating their own PCB layouts. The board includes both spring-pin contact pads and alignment holes, allowing hands-on testing of Tag-Connect cables to verify mechanical fit and electrical connectivity before committing to production designs.
Space-Saving Design Philosophy
The TC-FOOTPRINT demonstrates how Tag-Connect solutions eliminate the need for traditional programming headers on PCBs. Each footprint requires minimal board space - as little as 0.02 square inches for the TC2030-NL configuration - making them ideal for space-constrained designs where conventional connectors would be impractical.
For engineers evaluating the complete Tag-Connect cable range, this demonstration board provides invaluable hands-on experience with different footprint options. The board also includes an EC-10 Edge-Connect™ footprint, showcasing Tag-Connect's castellated edge connector technology for ultra-compact applications.
Why Choose TC-FOOTPRINT: This low-cost evaluation tool eliminates guesswork when selecting appropriate Tag-Connect solutions, ensuring optimal footprint implementation and reducing design revision cycles in your embedded systems projects.
Why Engineers Choose The Tag-Connect TC-FOOTPRINT Demo PCB - Footprint Evaluation Board
Cost Reduction Verification
Design Risk Mitigation
Space Optimisation Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Question?
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Is the TC-FOOTPRINT suitable for evaluating automotive or medical device programming interfaces?
Is the TC-FOOTPRINT suitable for evaluating automotive or medical device programming interfaces?A: Yes, the TC-FOOTPRINT demonstrates the same footprint technology used across industries including automotive and medical applications. The robust spring-pin connections and reliable mechanical alignment shown on this demo board meet stringent requirements for critical applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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How many mating cycles can Tag-Connect spring pins withstand in production environments?
Tag-Connect spring pins are rated for over 100,000 mating cycles, far exceeding typical production programming requirements. The TC-FOOTPRINT allows hands-on evaluation of connection reliability and mechanical durability before implementing these interfaces in volume manufacturing.
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What file formats are available for the footprints demonstrated on TC-FOOTPRINT?
Tag-Connect provides comprehensive footprint libraries for major CAD packages including Altium, KiCad, Eagle, Mentor Graphics PADS, and Cadence OrCAD. These libraries correspond to the physical footprints demonstrated on the TC-FOOTPRINT board, ensuring seamless design integration.
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Can Tag-Connect footprints be placed on the underside of PCBs for further space savings?
Yes, Tag-Connect footprints have zero height requirements, allowing placement on either side of the PCB. The TC-FOOTPRINT's compact design demonstrates this flexibility, showing how programming interfaces can be positioned where traditional connectors would be impossible to access.
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How does Tag-Connect technology compare to expensive bed-of-nails test fixtures?
While bed-of-nails fixtures cost thousands of pounds and require custom tooling, Tag-Connect provides similar functionality with reusable cables costing under £50. The TC-FOOTPRINT demonstrates how this technology achieves professional-grade programming and debugging capabilities at a fraction of traditional fixture costs.
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What is the difference between the legged and no-legs Tag-Connect footprints shown on this board?
Legged footprints include additional holes for plastic retention clips, providing secure connections ideal for extended debugging sessions. No-legs footprints eliminate these holes for minimum space requirements, perfect for production programming where connections are brief. The TC-FOOTPRINT shows both variants for size comparison.
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Can I use the TC-FOOTPRINT to verify my CAD footprint libraries before PCB fabrication?
Absolutely. The TC-FOOTPRINT serves as a physical reference for validating CAD footprint dimensions, pad sizes, and alignment hole positions. This verification step prevents costly PCB revision cycles by ensuring your footprint libraries match the actual connector specifications before production.
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How much PCB space do Tag-Connect footprints actually require compared to traditional headers?
The TC-FOOTPRINT demonstrates remarkable space savings. The TC2030-NL footprint requires only 0.02 square inches compared to approximately 0.52 square inches for an RJ12 connector - a 96% reduction. Traditional 10-pin programming headers require significantly more space than the compact TC2050 footprint shown on this demo board.
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What Tag-Connect cable variants are compatible with the TC-FOOTPRINT demo board?
The TC-FOOTPRINT includes sample footprints for TC2030, TC2030-NL, TC2050, TC2050-NL, TC2070, and TC2070-NL cables, covering all major 6, 10, and 14-pin configurations. Both legged and no-legs variants are represented, allowing comprehensive evaluation of the complete Tag-Connect cable range.