Meaning
Interconnect system consisting of spring-loaded probes that make contact with a flat pad or terminal. The pogo pin interface is widely used in test fixtures and docking stations because it allows for high cycle counts and compensates for mechanical misalignments. Each pin contains a plunger, a spring and a barrel.
Spring Compression
Internal force within the barrel determines the quality of the connection. The plunger must be pushed back far enough to engage the spring and create the necessary contact pressure. This mechanism allows the interface to maintain a connection even if the two surfaces are not perfectly parallel.
Designers specify the travel distance to ensure that the pin stays within its optimal force range.
Internal Impedance
Resistance of the pin depends on the path the current takes through the internal components. Current can flow through the spring or directly from the plunger to the barrel. High quality versions use a biased tail or a ball inside the barrel to ensure the current follows the shortest path.
Maintenance Requirement
Contamination can build up inside the barrel or on the tip of the plunger. Regular cleaning is needed to prevent the pogo pin interface from becoming intermittent. Worn springs must be replaced when they can no longer provide the required force for a reliable connection.
