Doesn't it require ENIG? I wanted edge connector for my pcb project but it adds $20 to the price of pcb, that's just too much. Anyone knows card edge alternative? I'm thinking pin header but that's not very user friendly. Edge card can be inserted blindly even if you don't see the connector, pin header would probably just bend irl.
I've done HDMI edge connectors like this using plain HASL without too much trouble. Just don't forget to remove all soldermask on the connector path, they'll dirty out quickly otherwise.
But, now I do ENIG everywhere because it's often the same price as lead-free HASL (or so close it does not matter), while looking way cooler. I've started to take quite seriously leaded stuff now, especially since low temperature lead-free solder exists (SAC305).
ENIG sounds expensive right? Double the cost of your board or w/e? IMO it's no big deal because::
- A: If you want a 6 or more layer board at some places, you have to get ENIG anyway, and solving routing puzzles isn't my idea of fun.
- B: The PCB price is a small portion of the overall price anyway; parts and SMT dominate. So you're paying 2x as much on 15% of the total or w/e.
