Tag-Connect, LLC
Tag-Connect TC2030-IDC-10 6-Pin Plug-of-Nails Cable, 10-Inch
Tag-Connect TC2030-IDC-10 6-Pin Plug-of-Nails Cable, 10-Inch
SKU: TC2030-IDC-10
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Key Features
Overview
The Tag-Connect TC2030-IDC-10 represents the extended-length variant of the industry-standard TC2030 programming interface, providing engineers with additional cable reach whilst maintaining the space-saving benefits of the Plug-of-Nails™ connector system. By eliminating the requirement for a mating header component on every PCB, this solution delivers significant cost savings and board space optimisation across production runs.
The legged design incorporates four precision-moulded plastic retention clips that engage securely with the PCB footprint, providing reliable hands-free operation essential for debugging workflows and extended programming sessions. The spring-loaded pogo pins are rated for over 100,000 connection cycles, ensuring long-term reliability in both development and production environments.
Also available in 6-inch length for applications requiring minimal signal path length, and no-legs variant for maximum footprint efficiency.
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Why Engineers Choose the Tag-Connect TC2030-IDC-10 6-Pin Plug-of-Nails Cable, 10-Inch
Extended Reach Capability
Hands-Free Debugging
Production Cost Savings
Professional 10-Inch Programming Cable with Secure PCB Connection
The TC2030-IDC-10 is Tag-Connect's 6-pin "Legged" Plug-of-Nails™ programming cable featuring a generous 10-inch (254mm) length and fitted with a 6-pin 0.1" pitch ribbon connector. This extended cable length provides enhanced flexibility for programming and debugging operations whilst maintaining the reliable connection quality expected from Tag-Connect products.
Legged Design for Secure Connection
The "Legged" or "With Legs" version features four plastic retention clips that snap directly into a specially designed footprint of holes and pads on your PCB. This self-securing mechanism provides hands-free operation during extended debugging sessions, eliminating the need for manual pressure to maintain connection integrity.
| Pin | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VCC | Target power supply |
| 2 | SWDIO/TMS | Serial Wire Debug I/O / Test Mode Select |
| 3 | nRESET | Target reset (active low) |
| 4 | SWCLK/TCK | Serial Wire Debug Clock / Test Clock |
| 5 | GND | Ground reference |
| 6 | SWO/TDO | Serial Wire Output / Test Data Output |
PCB Footprint Requirements
The TC2030 footprint requires six contact pads arranged in a 2×3 configuration with 0.050" (1.27mm) spacing, plus four retention holes for the plastic legs and three alignment holes. The complete footprint occupies approximately 0.39" × 0.24" (9.9mm × 6.1mm) of PCB real estate.
Compatible Applications
- ARM Cortex-M microcontroller programming via SWD protocol
- Atmel AVR programming with ISP (In-System Programming)
- Renesas microcontroller programming (requires TC-Renesas adapter)
- General-purpose SPI, I2C, and serial signal access
- Custom test point access for production testing
The 10-inch cable length is particularly beneficial when working with larger development boards, test fixtures, or when the programmer must be positioned away from the target PCB. For high-speed signals, shorter cable lengths are generally preferred, making the standard 6-inch TC2030-IDC more suitable for critical timing applications.
Which cable fits your debugger? See our Tag-Connect cable guide.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
Part Number (SKU) |
TC2030-IDC-10
|
Manufacturer |
|
| Physical and Mechanical | |
Weight |
0.1 kg
|
| Other | |
EAN |
5055383690909
|
Questions and Answers
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What Debugger/programmer Compatibility Does This Cable Offer?
The 6-pin 0.1 in IDC connector works with many standard programmers, including the Atmel AVRISP mkII directly and ST-LINK/V2 and J-Link through the ARM20-CTX adapter.
Programmer Connection Note Atmel AVRISP mkII Direct SPI, PDI, aWire, debugWIRE ST-LINK/V2 Via ARM20-CTX SWD SEGGER J-Link Via ARM20-CTX SWD Tag-Connect lists specific supported debuggers on its solutions pages, so check yours there.
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How Do I Prevent Solder Paste From Interfering with the Connection?
Set the solder paste layer to zero-sized openings over the six contact pads.
Check the paste layer. CAD tools often treat bare pads as SMT pads and add paste openings by default, so check the paste layer and remove them manually. -
What Is the Pin Spacing and Overall Footprint Dimensions?
The contact pads sit on a 0.050 in (1.27 mm) pitch in a 2 x 3 arrangement, and the legged hole pattern spans roughly 0.24 x 0.29 in (6.1 x 7.5 mm).
Item Value Pad pitch 0.050 in (1.27 mm), 2 x 3 Pad diameter 0.031 in (0.79 mm) Hole pattern, legged About 0.24 x 0.29 in (6.1 x 7.5 mm) Footprint area, legged About 0.09 sq in (Tag-Connect figure) Allow finger access on two sides for the legs.
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Can I Retrofit Existing Boards Designed for Traditional Headers?
No. The TC2030 needs its own footprint of pads and holes, so a board laid out only for a header cannot take it.
If you are still designing, plan for the Tag-Connect footprint from the start.
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What Is the Expected Lifespan of the Pogo Pin Contacts?
Tag-Connect's cycle testing shows the spring pins last well over 100,000 operations; the ribbon cable usually wears out first. That is ample for both development and production use.
Treat this as a test result rather than a published rating.
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What Is the Difference Between TC2030-IDC-10 and TC2030-IDC-NL-10?
The TC2030-IDC-10 has four plastic legs that clip into the PCB for hands-free connection; the NL-10 has no legs and needs hand pressure or a retaining clip.
TC2030-IDC-10 (legged) TC2030-IDC-NL-10 (no legs) Retention Four legs clip into holes, self-securing Held by hand, or use a TC2030-CLIP or fixture Best for Development; also suited to production programming Fast production programming Footprint Legged footprint Fits the legged footprint -
Can I Use This Cable with ARM Cortex Microcontrollers?
Yes, for ARM Cortex SWD, using the ARM20-CTX adapter on a 20-pin ARM debugger.
Cortex-10 debuggers. The 0.1 in IDC cable does not mate with a 0.05 in Cortex-10 debugger header. For debuggers with a Cortex-10 header, use the TC2030-CTX instead. -
What PCB Footprint Modifications Are Required for the Legged Version?
The legged version needs holes for its four retention legs as well as the contact pads and locating holes; the no-legs version needs only the pads and locating holes.
Feature Legged No legs Contact pads 6 6 Alignment-pin (locating) holes 3 3 Leg latch holes 4 None Exact sizes are in Tag-Connect's footprint drawings.
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Is the 10-inch Length Suitable for High-speed Programming Protocols?
Yes, for most applications. The 10 in cable is longer than the standard TC2030-IDC, so for very high-speed protocols a shorter cable gives better signal integrity.
Cable Length TC2030-IDC About 225 mm / 8.8 in overall on Tag-Connect's drawing TC2030-IDC-10 10 in / 254 mm on the product page; 265 mm / 10.5 in overall on the drawing PICkit 3. Tag-Connect's PICkit 3 page cautions against the longer -10 cables with that programmer because of its drive strength. -
Can This Cable Be Used for Production Programming?
Yes. Tag-Connect describes its legged cables as ideal for both debugging and production programming, and the legs hold the connection hands-free.
Tag-Connect's cycle testing shows the spring pins last well over 100,000 operations; the ribbon cable usually wears out first.
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