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linux-automation / usbsdmux

USB-SD-Mux Project - Driver and Documentation
GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1
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[Hardware Feature Request] make SD connector flexible (Flex-PCB) #72

Open 2mkx opened 6 months ago

2mkx commented 6 months ago

Hi, my software colleague just came over to me "he needs this to debug - will it fit?" - but the SD socket is not at the edge of the board I'm designing. Moving it to the edge will create a mess :-/ My proposal / request would be if you could use a Semi-Flexible PCB design and just leave a few millimeters of the SD connector tongue flexible - just to allow a slight bend. The benefit for all other users would be the reduced stress onto the SD connector when a (compared to a simple SD card) PCB and heavy USB cable is added to the socket. Thanks :)

SmithChart commented 6 months ago

Hi @2mkx , thanks for the input! We have thought about this. But until now always dismissed the idea as difficult to handle in practice. You would have to insert the wobbly front portion of the device into the socket. Not sure how long a stiffened flex-pcb will withstand the forces. Maybe we can do a prototype one day.

Another option would be to use extension cables. We have used these two: Option 1 Option 2 (We are not affiliated with the shop. Those are just examples.). Both work in some situations. But especially fast SD-Card modes may be problematic.

Cheers, Chris

2mkx commented 6 months ago

Thank you for the fast answer :) One idea with the "wobbly front" would be to add a rigid stub to it - the flex-pcb manufacturers can remove the adhesive partially between the rigid and flex regions. After milling there would remain a "handle" at the stiffend SD connector. image Thank you for the links, indeed, they are quite long and I feel the same regarding highspeed signals.

cheers