Pogo Pin

What is a Pogo Pin?

A pogo pin, or a pogo connector, is a spring-loaded contact used for electrical connections. Also known as pogo plugs, their primary function is to make and break electrical contact with a printed circuit board (PCB). Pogo pins are commonly found in consumer electronics such as phones, tablets, and laptops. Spring-loaded pogo pins are made up of a metal pin connected to a spring and kept inside a plastic housing. The spring allows the pin to make an electrical connection with the PCB when the two come into contact with each other. This makes the connection reliable and durable, even when the device is moved or jostled around. The pins can also be easily removed if needed. The most common type of pogo pin is a surface mount pin, which has a flat bottom surface that contacts the PCB when inserted. However, other types of pogo pins are available, including through-hole pins, which have a conical shape and fit into a hole drilled into pogo pins PCB.

How Does a Pogo Pin Work?

Pogo pins are an innovative and highly useful type of connector designed to make electrical connections with a minimal effort. A pogo pin socket or a magnetic pogo pin connector works by utilizing a combination of metal pins, rubber, and/or spring contact points. When the metal pin is pressed into the socket or connector, the contact point on the pin is compressed. This creates an electrical connection that allows current to flow through the pins. Depending on the type, the current can range from low current to high current pogo pins. The metal pins used in pogo pins are often made from copper or brass, while their contact points are typically made from rubber, steel, or other conductive materials. This allows for a reliable connection that can be easily made and broken without the need for any special tools. The type of pogo pin connector that is used may vary depending on the application. Magnetic pogo pin connectors are commonly used for data transfer applications, such as computer mice and keyboards. Meanwhile, pogo pin sockets are most commonly used in industrial settings, where high currents are required for power distribution and assembly operations.