What’s the most remarkable thing about modern technology? It’s how small it has become. Every device gets thinner and lighter. And they do this without sacrificing performance. From smartphones to laptops, size is reducing.
But behind this smaller size are components that make tiny miracles possible. Take pogo pins, for instance.
These ultra-miniature connectors bring power or data signals into electronics. They achieve this with zero contact loss.
This makes them a reliable choice for any system. In this article, we’ll see different types of pogo pins.
Read: 7 Ways To Use Pogo Pins: Jumpstart Your Next Projects
What Is a Pogo Pin?
It is a unique component in electronics. It’s a type of electrical connector. The design is simple yet effective. A spring-loaded mechanism is a key feature.
This ensures reliable connection even under stress. Want to know its use? It’s versatile. You’ll find pogo pins on many devices. Charging ports, circuit boards, or even test equipment.
Their hallmark trait is that they maintain conductivity while ensuring physical flexibility. The name ‘pogo’ comes from the resemblance to a pogo stick.
Pogo Pin Structure
Pogo or spring-loaded pins are well-known for their robustness and ability to deliver and maintain an electrical connection that can resist mechanical shocks and vibrations.
These pins are versatile and find usage in many electronic applications and testing industries.
The pogo pin structure is quite straightforward. Two sharp, spring-loaded pins are encased within a slender cylindrical body.
This spring-loaded mechanism facilitates reliable and consistent connectivity. Interestingly, the size of these pogo pins varies greatly – from tiny 0.4mm ones to significantly larger 6mm versions.
Smaller pogo pins are typically employed in compact devices such as mobile phones due to their ability to fit into tight spaces.
Contrastingly, larger pogo pins are preferred for heavy-duty industrial use, where they’re subject to repeated utilization. Pogo pins are integral to today’s electronic world, offering high durability, tolerance, and a wide range of applications.
Pogo pins are a preferred connector solution for establishing a connection between two printed circuit boards or being used for testing purposes.
Read: Exploring The Applications Of Pogo Pins In Today’s Tech World
How Does It Work?
Pogo pins leverage a spring-loaded mechanism to establish temporary electrical links between two devices.
The metallic contacts on the pin’s tip come into contact with the copper traces on the PCB when a pogo pin is pushed against a printed circuit board (PCB). This interaction forms an electrical bridge, enabling data, power, or signal transfer.
What makes pogo pins unique is their ability to form a secure connection with the PCB. All while being durable enough to endure repeated usage.
The spring-loaded mechanism plays a crucial role here. When not actively engaged, the pogo pin is designed to retract into its housing.
This feature ensures that it does not make unnecessary contact with the PCB. This smart design helps avoid short circuits and other potential issues arising from metal-to-metal contact.
Read: Exploring The Uses Of Pogo Pins In Various Industries
11 Pogo Pin types:
Every Pogo pin type is unique. They have special features that make them perfect for certain uses.
Knowing the different types of pogo pins can help you select the perfect one for your requirements. Let’s look at 11 types of pogo pin.
1- IC pogo pins / Double head
IC pogo pins are typically used for testing individual integrated circuits (ICs). They are typically very small and have a fine pitch, meaning the pins are spaced very close together. This allows the pins to contact the small test pads on ICs.
IC Pogo Pins (Integrated Circuit Pogo Pins) are spring-loaded contact probes used for temporary electrical connections with integrated circuits (ICs) or other surface-mount components during the testing, programming, or debugging.
2- ICT pogo pins / Single head
ICT pogo pins are typically used for testing entire printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are typically larger and have a coarser pitch than IC pogo pins. This allows the pins to contact the larger test pads on PCBs.
ICT Pogo Pins (In-Circuit Test Pogo Pins) are spring-loaded contact probes used in In-Circuit Testing (ICT).
3- DIP Pogo Pin
These pogo pins are unique because of their longer body. Through-hole Pogo Pins can extend through the holes in a PCB and be soldered directly onto the board. Their design is especially useful in heavy-duty industrial applications with ample space.
4- Bending-type Pogo Pins
The bending-type pogo pins stand out due to their flexibility. These pogo pins can be molded into various shapes to accommodate tight spaces.
5- SMT/SMD Pogo Pins
Here, we have the smaller versions of the standard Pogo pins. Their small size enables them to be directly affixed onto a PCB.
6- Double-ended Pogo Pins
The distinguishing feature of these pins is the metal contact at both ends.
This feature allows them to establish two electrical connections at once. They are commonly found in test fixtures.
7- Solder Cup Pogo Pins
These pogo pins have a small cup at the end that can hold the solder. This feature enables them to be soldered directly onto a PCB without needing an extra step.
8- High-current Pogo Pins
For tasks that need a higher current, these pogo pins shine. They’re designed to handle larger currents, making them perfect for use in power supplies and charging stations.
9- Right-Angle Pogo Pins
These pogo pins have a right-angle bend that enables them to align perfectly with the surface of the PCB. This design is beneficial for use in limited space applications like smart phones.
10- Thread Screw Pogo Pins
Thanks to their threaded body, the thread screw pogo pins offer a secure connection. They can be screwed into place, making them the best choice for applications with a secure and sturdy connection.
11- Custom Pogo Pins
Finally, Manufacturers can create customized pogo pins to meet specific requirements, such as unique plunger shapes, materials, and sizes.
Pogo Pin Uses:
- Computer Peripherals: Pogo pins find their use in various computer peripheral devices.
- Electronic Testing Equipment: They’re also employed in electronic test equipment to ensure device functionality.
- Industrial Machinery: Various industrial machines utilize pogo pins for electrical connections.
- Telecommunication Equipment: Pogo pins are integral to many telecom devices.
- Consumer Electronics: From televisions to home appliances, pogo pins are everywhere in consumer electronics.
- Mobile Devices: Cell phones and GPS devices often rely on pogo pins for data transfer and charging.
- Cameras and Gaming Consoles: Digital and video game consoles also use these handy components.
- Medical Gear: Pogo pins play a role in health-related gadgets such as blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, heart rate trackers, infusion pumps, and medical sensors.
- Defense and Space Uses: Pogo pins are used in things like guidance systems, missile firing setups, and spaceship control systems.
Read: Pogo Pins: Function, Structure, & Applications In Electronics
Summing It Up
Discover the difference the right pogo pin can make in your device’s performance.
Explore our wide range of pogo pin types at Johoty – we have it all, from SMT/SMD to high-current pogo pins.
Don’t compromise on quality. Please browse our product range today and find the perfect pogo pin for your needs!
Read: A Comprehensive Guide To Pogo Pin Chargers
FAQs
What function do pogo pins serve in testing processes?
Pogo pins are used in testing processes to establish dependable connections for testing electronic components and circuit boards.
What are the uses of pogo pins?
Pogo pins are widely used to connect two PCBs, recharge batteries, and allow data communication across various devices.
How many types of pogo pins are there?
There are several variations of pogo pins, including but not limited to SMT/SMD, through-hole, double-ended, high-current, right-angle, bending-type, solder cup, and thread screw pogo pins.
What does a Pogo pin look like?
A standard pogo pin is small, cylindrical, and comprises three parts – a spring, a barrel, and a plunger.
What is a Pogo pin socket?
A ‘pogo pin socket’ is a connector designed to house pogo pins, providing secure and reliable electrical connections.
What is a pogo pin female?
The term’ pogo pin female’ generally refers to the receiving part of a pogo pin connection where the male pogo pin is inserted to form an electrical connection.
