Pogo pin

A pogo pin (also known as a spring-loaded pin) is a type of electrical connector mechanism that is used in a wide variety of applications in electronics testing, interconnections, and battery charging. It consists of a cylindrical barrel containing a spring and a plunger. The plunger is designed to move within the barrel, and the spring provides a force that pushes the plunger outward. This spring force creates a reliable electrical contact when the pogo pin is pressed against a contact pad or terminal.

Pogo pins are characterized by their ability to maintain a stable electrical connection despite minor variations in height or alignment. This tolerance is due to the spring's ability to compress and compensate for differences in surface levels.

Key features of pogo pins include:

• Spring-loaded design: The internal spring ensures a consistent and reliable contact force.

• Durability: Pogo pins are typically constructed from durable materials such as brass or steel with gold plating to resist corrosion and wear.

• Compact size: They are available in various sizes, making them suitable for densely populated circuit boards.

• High current capacity: Depending on their size and construction, pogo pins can handle significant current loads.

Pogo pins are commonly used in:

• In-circuit testing (ICT): For making temporary electrical connections to test points on a printed circuit board.

• Programming connectors: Enabling quick and reliable programming of embedded systems.

• Battery charging contacts: Providing a secure and consistent connection for charging batteries in devices like mobile phones and laptops.

• Board-to-board connections: Establishing temporary or permanent electrical connections between printed circuit boards.

• Burn-in sockets: Used for aging and testing integrated circuits.

• Custom connectors: Implemented in situations where standard connectors are not suitable due to space constraints or unusual requirements.

The choice of pogo pin depends on factors such as required current capacity, operating voltage, mechanical durability, and the specific application.