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EdgeWedge™ PCB Connector

Back in September 2020 when my company (MMC - Metric Mind Corporation) was still active, I've designed and patented new type of uncommitted PCB connector meant for temporary circuit access, such as ICSP or SWD programming, JTAG scanning, debugging etc. The US patent 11764503B2 was granted on Sep. 19 2023. The connection is done through the edge of the PCB using castellated holes located around PCB corner. Its name EdgeWedge™ comes from the principle of firmly holding connector in place by wedging PCB corner with castellated holes between slanted vertical pins of the connector. Calibrated spring-loaded action is provided by flexibility of the PCB material.

The idea of using castellated holes for this purpose is not new, see for instance Edge-Connect™ family of connectors offered by Tag-Connect company. What's new is this:

True zero space required on the PCB surface, no retaining holes, contact pads, nothing. Nevertheless, connector will reliably latch in place with positive click with no chance it will accidentally unplug itself.
Connector cost. While edge-connect type will run close to $100, EdgeWedge™ adapter can be easily made for less than half of that.
DIY style. EdgeWedge™ connector can be made by anyone using common materials. Plans and drawings presented here and can be downloaded for free. Try this with Edge-Connect™ or any other connector type...
Flexibility. EdgeWedge™ can be implemented with any number of contacts. The mating connector fitted on the other side of adapter can be any type to match your programming or debugging tools: the example on this page utilizes two common mating connectors: 6 pin modular jack and 6 pin header as this particular adapter shown here is meant for Microchip's programming/debugging tools such as ICD2/3/4 or PICKIT2/3/4. Granted, adapter can be used with other tools, as it consists of just straight through uncommitted connections between both ends.

If you'd like to make your own adapter, you can download gerbers here.

Here below are few videos inroducing EdgeWedge™ in action:

Usage Connecting Programmers Connecting to the side of a PCB

Recently I unexpectedly stumbeled aross the review of the EdgeWedge by the EEVBlog owner Dave Jones. He appears to like it very much; I value the opinion of as bright and seasoned engineer as Dave.

If your browser refues to connect to youtube due to its security policy settings, here is a local copy of that Dave's mailbag video segment of the Bog #1649 reviewing the EdgeWedge.

December 2024