PCB micro-USB connector with some vertical clearance

[djacobow]

Hi All,

I'm used to using micro-USB connector on my boards that work fine when mounted at the edge. They are very low profile and as long as the connector is on the edge, the fact that the mating USB cable has a large rubber housing around it is not an issue.

I'm trying to design a board now where I have to put the USB connector "inboard" from the edge, and am trying to find a connector that will work. A "vertical" connector could work, but even better would be a horizontal connector that has just a few extra mm of clearance height off the board. Searches on Mouser have not been fruitful so far.

I know this is a strange need. Maybe too strange?

[thm_w]

So, why does it have to be inboard from the edge.
I assume you can't route out that edge to allow the mating connector to reach the connector right?

You can see a big list of connector here, I dont see any that are lifted up: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32919252236.html
Vertical does exist: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32994957006.html
This one has a very slight raise, probably not enough: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/204926-1103?qs=55YtniHzbhBOQihiQOeiLg%3D%3D

Daughter board to raise the connector up is another option (with through hole or castellations).

[djacobow]

So, why does it have to be inboard from the edge.
I assume you can't route out that edge to allow the mating connector to reach the connector right?

This board is mean to be decorative; it's part of a holiday ornament. The connector at the edge would spoil the aesthetics with a wire hanging out the side, visible from the front.

[zitt]

I had a similar issue; mainly because my pcb need micro usb in the near center of the board.

I went with a molex vertical usb connector with thru hole tabs ... as I HATE when any SMT connector rips from the board during debug.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=micro%20usb%20vertical
( https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex/1051330011/WM10134CT-ND/4356669 )

[djacobow]

I had a similar issue; mainly because my pcb need micro usb in the near center of the board.

I went with a molex vertical usb connector with thru hole tabs ... as I HATE when any SMT connector rips from the board during debug.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=micro%20usb%20vertical
( https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex/1051330011/WM10134CT-ND/4356669 )

Thanks. I'm going to make a footprint for this one. I found another one, from Wurth that costs about 2x as much from legit places, though I did find it a sketchier places like Ali for much less. That one is all TH, pins and studs. I think I'd like this semi-SMT one better.

[Kasper]

I had a similar issue; mainly because my pcb need micro usb in the near center of the board.

I went with a molex vertical usb connector with thru hole tabs ... as I HATE when any SMT connector rips from the board during debug.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=micro%20usb%20vertical
( https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex/1051330011/WM10134CT-ND/4356669 )

Thats a good pick. I use that or similar but with circular holes instead of slots

[wraper]

https://www.newark.com/gct-global-connector-technology/usb3145-30-1-a/micro-usb-2-0-type-b-receptacle/dp/84X0187?CMP=AFC-OP

[zitt]

Here's my micro usb USB footprint if it helps anyone. Eagle 7.5+