## Bridging the Gap: An Introduction to Samtec HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM Board Stackers Samtec, Inc. is a globally recognized leader in the interconnect industry, and their diverse product portfolio includes a comprehensive range of board-to-board connectors. This introduction focuses specifically on the HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM board stacker, highlighting its advantages, key features, and target applications. This specific product is a testament to Samtec's commitment to providing reliable, high-performance solutions for demanding electronic environments. **Advantages: Precision and Reliability in a Compact Footprint** The HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM offers several compelling advantages, making it a strong choice for stacking PCBs. Primarily, it excels in providing a secure and reliable connection in a space-constrained environment. Its key benefits include: * **High Mating Cycle Performance:** Designed for durability, this board stacker can withstand a significant number of mating and unmating cycles, ensuring long-term performance and operational longevity. This is crucial for applications requiring frequent board changes or testing. * **Optimized Signal Integrity:** Samtec's design expertise translates into excellent signal integrity. The connector is meticulously engineered to minimize signal loss, crosstalk, and impedance mismatches, critical for high-speed data transmission and sensitive analog circuits. This reduces the risk of performance degradation and ensures accurate data transfer. * **Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Compatibility:** The SMT design simplifies board assembly, allowing for automated pick-and-place processes. This significantly reduces manufacturing time and costs, improving overall efficiency. * **Compact and Flexible Design:** The compact footprint allows for efficient space utilization, making it suitable for applications with limited board real estate. The flexible design facilitates various board-to-board configurations. * **Vibration Resistance:** Samtec connectors are constructed with quality materials and designs that offer excellent vibration resistance, ensuring stable connections in rugged environments. * **Wide Operating Temperature Range:** Engineered to perform across a wide range of temperatures, assuring reliable operation in diverse operational environments. **Product Highlights: Key Features That Define Excellence** The HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM showcases several features that distinguish it within Samtec's broader product line: * **Pitch:** Featuring a 0.8 mm pitch, this board stacker allows for a high density of interconnects, crucial for applications demanding compact design and high data transfer capabilities. * **Number of Contacts:** This specific model, as the product code suggests, includes a specific number of contacts (usually between 1 and 100), offering flexibility to meet diverse signal needs. * **Stack Height:** The specific stack height of 2.85 mm provides a pre-determined distance between stacked boards, ensuring proper clearance for components and signal routing. * **Material Selection:** Constructed using robust and high-quality materials, it ensures long-term durability and reliable performance. * **Polarization Features:** Designed with features to ensure proper mating and prevent incorrect connections, further enhancing reliability. **Application Scope: Where Reliability Meets Innovation** The versatility of the HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM makes it ideal for a wide array of applications. Its compact size, high signal integrity, and rugged design make it a preferred choice across numerous industries: * **Medical Devices:** Reliable connections are paramount in medical equipment. The HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM's precision and durability make it suitable for diagnostic equipment, patient monitoring systems, and other life-critical devices. * **Industrial Automation:** In automated manufacturing environments, where equipment is subject to vibration and harsh conditions, the ruggedness and reliability of this board stacker are highly valued. * **Test and Measurement Equipment:** The connector's high signal integrity ensures accurate and reliable data acquisition in testing instruments. * **Telecommunications:** Modern telecommunications equipment demands high-speed data transfer and robust performance. The HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM provides the connectivity required. * **Consumer Electronics:** Its compact design enables use in space-constrained environments such as mobile phones, tablets, and other portable devices. * **Military and Aerospace:** High-reliability and resistance to harsh environments are critical. The HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM offers the performance and durability required for these applications.

In summary, the Samtec HW-17-08-F-D-285-SM is a powerful solution for board-to-board connectivity, offering a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and space efficiency. It is a testament to Samtec's commitment to providing leading-edge interconnect solutions for a rapidly evolving electronics landscape.