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.
Downloads
Why Engineers Choose The Tag-Connect TC-FOOTPRINT Demo PCB - Footprint Evaluation Board
Cost Reduction Verification
Design Risk Mitigation
Space Optimisation Confidence
Questions and Answers
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How Does Tag-Connect Technology Compare to Bed-of-Nails Test Fixtures?
Tag-Connect gives programming and debug access through a reusable cable that plugs into a footprint on the PCB, so there is no physical connector on the board and no fixture is needed for access.
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Can Tag-Connect Footprints Be Placed on the Underside of PCBs for Further Space Savings?
Yes. Tag-Connect says its footprints have no height and can often be placed on the back of a PCB. They do not need to sit at the board edge, so they can go where a traditional connector could not reach.
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What File Formats Are Available for the Footprints Demonstrated on TC-FOOTPRINT?
Tag-Connect's Footprint Downloads page provides a library zip for Altium, Mentor Graphics PADS and EAGLE, plus PDF footprint drawings.
CAD package Library on Footprint Downloads Altium Yes, in the shared zip Mentor Graphics PADS Yes, in the shared zip EAGLE Yes, in the shared zip Check: The libraries are supplied as is and compiled from several sources. Check hole sizes, pin numbering and the paste-mask layer against the latest datasheet before use. -
Is the TC-FOOTPRINT Suitable for Evaluating Interfaces Used in Medical Devices?
Yes, as a way to evaluate the footprint technology. Tag-Connect lists uses including consumer appliances, Bluetooth beacons and medical devices, including implantable ones, and a footprint adds no connector cost per board.
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How Many Mating Cycles Can Tag-Connect Spring Pins Withstand in Production Environments?
Tag-Connect says its spring pins easily last well over 100,000 operations in cycle testing. That is far more than typical production programming needs, in our view. The TC-FOOTPRINT is a PCB with sample footprints, so use it with a cable to try the fit before committing a design.
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What Is the Difference Between the Legged and No-legs Tag-Connect Footprints Shown on This Board?
Legged footprints have extra holes for the cable's retention legs, and no-legs footprints do not. The TC-FOOTPRINT shows both so you can compare sizes.
Legged No legs Extra holes Four non-plated leg-latch holes plus alignment holes Alignment holes only Connection Secure over long sessions One-off, short-duration operation TC2030 footprint area 0.09 sq in 0.02 sq in -
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, plus the EC-10 Edge-Connect footprint. Use it to evaluate the TC2030, TC2050 and TC2070 cable families.
Cable family Pins Footprints on the board TC2030 6 Legged and no legs TC2050 10 Legged and no legs TC2070 14 Legged and no legs EC-10 Edge-Connect 10 One footprint -
How Much PCB Space Do Tag-Connect Footprints Actually Require Compared to Traditional Headers?
Much less. The TC2030-NL footprint needs only 0.02 sq in, compared with about 0.52 sq in for an RJ12 connector, a 96 per cent reduction.
Interface Board area TC2030-NL footprint 0.02 sq in TC2030 legged footprint 0.09 sq in RJ12 connector 0.52 sq in Traditional 10-pin programming headers generally need more space than the TC2050 footprint, although Tag-Connect publishes no area figure for them.
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Can I Use the TC-FOOTPRINT to Verify My CAD Footprint Libraries Before PCB Fabrication?
Yes, as a physical reference, but treat the datasheets as the dimensional reference. Tag-Connect supplies its footprint library as is, so check hole sizes, pin numbering and the paste-mask layer against the latest datasheet before fabrication.
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