ARM SWD headers

[alanambrose]

Pah, I don't understand, the standard SWD header seems to be the Samtec FTSH-105-01-L-DV-K. But no-one seems to stock them. What _do_ the ARM community do? Last time I had to order I paid a £16 extra charge for Farnell to ship them in from the US. The main distributors either don't seem to carry them or don't have them in stock. The minor distributors Arrow, Avnet, Verical etc don't seem to want to process orders from Europe. What gives? I'm sure I'm not the only ARM user using these headers.

TIA, Alan

[dannyf]

I'm sure I'm not the only ARM user using these headers.

I don't think you are.

However, you are likely one of those privileged few who insist on using that particular part,

ie., it is just a multi-pin connector, low-speed too (relatively speaking).

[AndyC_772]

IIRC I ordered them from Toby last time I needed some.

http://www.toby.co.uk

[Jeroen3]

I sampled a few from samtec, including cable. The first time I needed them.
Now I would order them on eBay. http://www.ebay.nl/sch/i.html?_nkw=FCI+-+20021121-00008C4LF+-+HEADER%2C+VERT%2C+1.27MM%2C+SMT%2C+8WAY

Yes, they are expensive. But on limit board size much better dan the 2.5mm pitch version, or the wrong polarity single row version.

[gxti]

You don't need that exact part, you just need a header with the same pitch and a similar shroud. I've used this in the past: http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?KeyWords=1175-1629-ND

Personally, I don't use any header at all on my target boards, I use this: http://www.tag-connect.com/TC2030-CTX-NL

[MagicSmoker]

...
Personally, I don't use any header at all on my target boards, I use this: http://www.tag-connect.com/TC2030-CTX-NL

I second this recommendation. I switched over to the tag-connect pogo pin adapters a few years ago and haven't looked back.

[JDubU]

I second this recommendation. I switched over to the tag-connect pogo pin adapters a few years ago and haven't looked back.

Have you used the "No Leg" version?  Does it make reliable connections?

[jmag999]

The no-leg versions are ok for occasional debug, especially if you get the clip that holds it in place.  But I don't like them for long term debugging.  The can fall off, and it's easy to lose the clip.  Good for small scale production though.

[alanambrose]

Thanks for the tips - interesting re the tag-connect, a bit ugly but I guess it saves space. Still can't see why the actual parts are so bloody precious given that presumably arm and samtec hatched a deal for the standard.

Alan

[zapta]

Thanks for the tips - interesting re the tag-connect, a bit ugly but I guess it saves space.

I looked at it once and it doesn't save much space compared to 2x3 0.1" header footprint and pogo pins.

[philpem]

The problem I've had with the "locking" Tag-Connect headers is that after a few insertions (or a ham-handed technician getting hold of your prototype to "check something") the locking clips tend to break off.

[MagicSmoker]

I second this recommendation. I switched over to the tag-connect pogo pin adapters a few years ago and haven't looked back.

Have you used the "No Leg" version?  Does it make reliable connections?

Yes, the no-leg version makes a reliable connection but you do have to hold it in place. Each pin is spring-loaded so alignment isn't too critical.