What Are Gold Fingers in PCB?

Introduction

Gold fingers are gold-plated connectors located on the edge of a printed circuit board (PCB). These connectors are used to establish electrical connections between a PCB and another board or device, such as a motherboard or expansion card.

1. Why Are They Called "Gold Fingers"?

The term "gold fingers" comes from their gold-plated, finger-like appearance on the PCB edge. The gold plating enhances conductivity and ensures a low-resistance connection.

2. Key Functions of Gold Fingers

• Provide highly conductive electrical connections.
• Enable plug-and-play functionality in devices.
• Protect against corrosion and wear due to frequent insertion and removal.

3. Where Are Gold Fingers Used?

Gold fingers are commonly found in:

• Computer components (RAM, graphics cards, PCIe slots).
• Industrial equipment (automation controllers, interface cards).
• Medical devices (diagnostic and imaging equipment).

Conclusion

Gold fingers improve the durability, conductivity, and performance of PCB connectors, making them a critical feature in high-performance electronics.