Tag-Connect, LLC
Tag-Connect TC2050-IDC Plug-of-Nails™ 10-Pin IDC Cable
Tag-Connect TC2050-IDC Plug-of-Nails™ 10-Pin IDC Cable
SKU: TC2050-IDC-M
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Key Features
Overview
The Tag-Connect TC2050-IDC is a 10-conductor, legged Plug-of-Nails™ programming/debug cable designed to land directly on a small PCB footprint, eliminating the need for a fitted header. A spring-pin tag-connector mates with pads and locating holes on the target board, while the opposite end terminates in a standard 0.1″ IDC ribbon for straightforward connection to adapters and debuggers.
This format is widely used for JTAG and ARM SWD tasks across MCUs, FPGAs and CPLDs. The legged design positively latches into the footprint for a secure, hands-free connection during extended debug sessions. For setups that favour a hand-held approach or maximum footprint minimisation, consider the TC2050-IDC-NL (no-legs). If you need a direct 0.05″ micro-header connection (e.g., ULINK2/FTSH-105), see TC2050-IDC-050. To connect from a 20-pin ARM header, pair this cable with the TC2050-ARM2010 adapter.
Engineers choose TC2050 because it saves board space, removes an extra BOM line, and standardises a reliable connection method across development and production. If your design uses thicker PCBs, a LONGLEGS variant is available. Follow the datasheet footprint guidelines to ensure reliable, repeatable contact.
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Why Engineers Choose The Tag-Connect TC2050-IDC Plug-of-Nails™ 10-Pin IDC Cable
Space & BOM Savings
Stable Hands-Free Debug
Toolchain Flexibility
Tag-Connect's TC2050-IDC "Legged" Plug-of-Nails™ programming cable is a 10-conductor cable fitted with a spring-pin Tag-Connector that conveniently plugs directly into your PCB and terminates in a 0.1″ ribbon connector.
- Plugs straight to your PCB – No mating connector or header required!
- Requires only a tiny footprint of pads and locating holes in your PCB.
- Zero Cost Per Board!
- Tiny Footprint!
- High-Reliability Spring-Pins make a Secure Connection and are rated for over 100,000 operations.
- Footprint has no height and can reduce the size and space requirements of your PCB.
- A great way to make test and debug signals available at no cost and with minimal board space.
Tag-Connect cables provide a simple, reliable means of connecting Debuggers and Programmers or other test equipment to your PCB's while lowering board costs and facilitating efficient production programming. Tag-Connect uses a specially designed (Patent Pending) connector which eliminates the need for putting a programming header or other mating connector on every PCB. Instead, Tag-Connect uses tried and tested spring-pins rated for over 100,000 operations to make a secure connection to a special footprint pattern of pads and locating holes in your PCB.
The legged version footprint takes about the same board space as two or three SMT resistors which means you can locate the footprint right next to the MCU if desired.
This 10-conductor cable has a TC2050 Tag-Connector on one end and a standard 0.1″ ribbon connector on the other and is suitable for use with most many MCUs / FPGAs and JTAG programming and debug operations.
A growing range of adaptors are available for specific and generic applications such as Xilinx SPARTAN and VERTEX FPGAs, TI MSP430 (TC2050-IDC-430), etc
Which cable fits your debugger? See our Tag-Connect cable guide.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
Part Number (SKU) |
TC2050-IDC-M
|
Manufacturer |
|
| Physical and Mechanical | |
Weight |
0.1 kg
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| Other | |
EAN |
5055383624713
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Questions and Answers
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Does It Support Both JTAG and SWD?
Yes. The cable is commonly used for JTAG (IEEE-1149.1) and ARM SWD workflows when wired via the matching adapter.
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How Many Mating Cycles Can I Expect?
The spring-pins are rated for over 100,000 operations when used within the datasheet guidelines.
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Any Footprint Do’s and Don’ts?
Follow the Tag-Connect datasheet. The main footprint rules are below.
Feature Requirement Contact pads 10 pads, 0.031″ (0.787 mm) diameter, 0.050″ (1.27 mm) pitch Alignment holes 3 non-plated holes, 0.039″ (0.991 mm) diameter Leg latch holes 4 non-plated holes, 0.0935″ (2.375 mm) diameter Keep-out Keep the area between the pad rows clear; no other track within 0.020″ of a pad Solder paste None on the pads Plating Leg and alignment holes may be plated and used as vias if the minimum finished hole size is kept -
Is There a Hands-free Option for No-legs Footprints?
Yes. Use a retaining clip or fixture with the TC2050-IDC-NL to hold the plug in place during debug.
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What Does “legged” Mean on the TC2050-IDC?
It refers to the four plastic retention legs that latch into four leg holes in the PCB footprint (in addition to the three alignment holes), giving a stable, hands-free connection during longer debug sessions.
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How Is This Different From a Standard 10-pin Cortex Header?
The cable lands on a small footprint, so the target PCB doesn't need a mating header. That saves space and removes a BOM part, while still supporting JTAG/SWD via adapters.
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Is It Compatible with SEGGER J-Link, ST-Link, ULINK and Similar Tools?
Yes, through the right adapter or cable. For 20-pin 0.1″ ARM headers (SEGGER J-Link, ST-LINK/V2, and the ULINK2 20-pin header) use the TC2050-ARM2010 adapter with this cable. For 0.05″ micro-headers use the separate TC2050-IDC-050 family of cables instead of this one.
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When Would I Choose the No-legs TC2050-IDC-NL Instead?
Choose the no-legs TC2050-IDC-NL for the smallest footprint, or when you prefer a hand-held or clip-retained connection in production programming.
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