15. Surface-Mount Socketing System (SurfMate)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
SurfMate is a surface-mount connector system for use with
pin‑compatible Maxi, Mini, Micro Family converters and
input / front-end modules. For the first time, circuit-board designers
and assemblers have the ability to surface mount high-density
DC-DC converters having current ratings up to 50A. (Table 15.1)
SurfMate utilizes a pair of surface-mounted headers that contain
sockets to accept the input and output pins of the module.
(Table 15.2) The SurfMate header assembly is compatible with any
thickness PC board, does not increase the module mounting height
above the board, and is available for all three standard module size:
Maxi, Mini and Micro (full, half and quarter bricks).
SurfMates are available packaged in standard recyclable
JEDEC-style trays for use with automated pick-and-place equipment
and are compatible with standard reflow solder operations. After
reflow, the modules are simply inserted into the SurfMates. Any
secondary soldering operation used for through-hole sockets or
pins can now be entirely eliminated – reducing manufacturing time
and eliminating dual processes.
This unique interconnect scheme combines the inherent flexibility
of component power designs with the manufacturing efficiency of
surface-mount assembly.
Printed Circuit Board Design and Solder Guidelines for the
SurfMate Socketing System
Recommended PCB layout drawings for SurfMates are provided
on the Vicor website. All unspecified PCB dimensional tolerances
comply with ANSI/IPC-D-300 for Class “B” boards. DXF versions
of the PCB outlines are available in the Accesorries section of
the Vicor website.
Recommended PCB Construction: The SurfMate system is
capable of very high current-carrying capacity. We therefore
recommend a multilayer PCB with three-ounce copper and
internal power and ground planes. Consult the drawings for the
recommended size and quantity of via holes for carrying current to
the internal planes.
Solder Mask and Pad: Two solder mask keep-out areas are
recommended. The larger area encompasses the complete pad
area at either end. It ensures the proper height of the three‑ounce
solder pads to the surrounding laminate. This provides for the
optimum gap between the SurfMate and the
PCB 0.0042in ±0.0004in [0,106mm ±0,010mm], minimizing
the solder paste thickness required for quality solder joints.
Without this solder mask keep-out area, the gap may widen,
(see “Flush‑Mounted Pads”), requiring thicker solder paste to fill
the larger gap.
Solder Paste: Solder paste thickness requirements will vary
depending on whether the board pads are flush or elevated
from the laminate.
Elevated Pads (preferred): The ideal height for elevated pads
is 0.0042in [ 0,106 mm] ±10%. This can be achieved by using a
three-ounce copper surface layer. With this height, a minimum
solder paste thickness of 0.006in should be used. Thicker stencils of
between 0.008in [0,203mm] and 0.012in [0,305mm] are preferred.
Flush-Mounted Pads: For boards with flush-mounted pads
a minimum of 0.010in [0,254mm] solder paste should be
used. Preferred thickness is between 0.012in [0,305mm] and
0.016in [0,406mm].
Placement: SurfMate locating pins will engage in the
corresponding PCB holes with a light push of the SurfMate into
the solder paste. The SurfMate should not be taped or adhered in
place. The surface tension of the solder during reflow will center
the SurfMate parts on the PCB, resulting in accurate positioning.
Equipment and Solder: Soldering of SurfMates should be
done using either an infrared or convection oven reflow process.
Solder type Sn63Pb37, or equivalent, with a eutectic temperature
of 361°F [183°C] should be used. Higher temperature solder is
not recommended.
Standoffs: Mounting standoffs are required for SurfMate
applications. The location for standoff holes is shown on the PCB
layout. A selection chart of recommended standoff kits is provided
in this section.
Module Pins: SurfMates must be used with modules with the “S”
or “F” pin style.
Module Insertion / Extraction: Sockets and modules are
rated for up to five insertions and extractions before requiring
replacement. When installing a module, lightly place it into position
so that all pins are properly aligned over each socket. Then apply
even pressure by uniformly tightening each of the mounting
screws through the mounting slots on the baseplate into the pcb
mounted standoffs. For module removal, Vicor highly recommends
the use of our Module Exchange Tool in order to ensure that the
sockets are not damaged during the module removal process.
Removing the module at an angle should be avoided as this can
damage the sockets.
The smaller solder mask keep-out areas are circular and are
located on each pad, for the solder joint between the PCB and the
SurfMate. The remainder of the pad has a covering of solder mask.
The solder paste is dispensed in a rectangular area covering the
soldering area and part of the solder mask area. During soldering,
the paste will migrate away from the solder mask area to the
soldering area, providing ample volume for quality solder joints.
Each pad features a non-plated through hole in the center of the
pad to provide a venting function. It is normal for the solder joint to
have a slight void centered on this through hole.
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Rev 5.6
Page 73 of 87 07/2022
15. Surface-Mount Socketing System (SurfMate)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
SurfMate: Surface-Mount Sockets
Full Brick (Maxi)
Board
Thickness
Mounting
Style
Input
All
Surface
Mount
22100
Half Brick (Mini)
Output
Five
Sets
Input
22101
16017
22100
1.
Parameter
Quarter Brick (Micro)
Output
Five
Sets
Input
Output
Five
Sets
Pin
Style
22102
16021
22103
22104
16025
S, F
2. 3.
Specification Value
Reference
Compatibility
F
Short RoHS pins
S
Short ModuMate pins
100g EOL min
GR-1217-CORE, R5-23
Number of Mating Cycles
5 max [d]
Exception to GR-1217-CORE
which specifies 25 mating cycle
Module Engagement Force
32lbs per connector set max
GR-1217-CORE, R5-31,32
Module Disengagement Force
32lbs per connector set max
GR-1217-CORE, R5-31,32
50A Maxi [a], Mini; 25A Micro
(Based on 248°F [120°C] max socket temp
& 86°F [30°C] max temperature rise of contact)
Gold plating standards and accepted
industry standards such as
IICIT, EIA, Bellcore guidelines
Low-Level Contact Resistance
0.080in [2,03mm] dia socket (LLCR)
400μΩ max
GR-1217-CORE, 6.2.1
Low-Level Contact Resistance
0.150in [3,81mm] dia socket (LLCR)
300μΩ max
GR-1217-CORE, 6.2.1
Low-Level Contact Resistance
0.180in [4,57mm] dia sockets (LLCR)
200μΩ max
GR-1217-CORE, 6.2.1
248°F [120°C] max
Max continuous-use
temperature for gold plating
86°F [30°C] max
GR-1217-CORE [b]
EIA-364-70A [c]
Module Pin Style
Mechanical
Contact Normal Force
Electrical
Current Rating
Thermal
Max Socket Temperature
Temperature Rise
Environmental
Shock and Vibration
SurfMate products are tested in random vibration environments to best simulate the broad spectrum of
frequencies and amplitudes that may be encountered in typical applications. Actual system resonant frequencies
will depend on PCB construction and mounting details. For critical or unusual shock and vibration environments,
the performance of the system should be independently verified.
Table 15.1 — SurfMate specifications and materials
[a]
For 80A operation with Maxi, contact Applications Engineering.
GR-1217-CORE issue 1, November 1995 Generic requirements for separable electrical connectors used in telecommunications hardware.
A module of NEBSFR, FR-2063
[c] ANSI/EIA-364 American National Standards Institute / Electronic Industries Association (Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association)
[d] The module and socket must be replaced after five mating cycles.
[b]
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Rev 5.6
Page 74 of 87 07/2022
15. Surface-Mount Socketing System (SurfMate)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
Materials
Ratings
Headers
Material: Vectra E150i LCP
Liquid Crystal Polymer
Flammability
UL94 V-0/5VA
Thermal Stability (short term)
500°F [260°C]
Thermal Stability (long term)
392°F [200°C]
Solder Cap
Material
260 cartridge brass (70Cu, 30Zn)
Plating
100μin min Cu, followed by 50 – 100μin min low stress sulfamate-based electrolytic nickel,
followed by 20μin min soft gold
Sockets
Material
Brush Wellman Alloy #25 C17200 deep draw quality or equiv. 0.010in thick
Plating
Woods nickel strike followed by 50μin min low stress sulfamate-based electrolytic nickel,
followed by 20μin min hard gold, followed by 10μin min soft gold
Table 15.2 — SurfMate specifications and materials
SurfMates
Figure 15.1 — SurfMates; five-pair sets
Figure 15.2 — SurfMates; individual part numbers
Package
Maxi
Mini
Micro
Notes
Five-Pair Sets
16017
16021
16025
Inputs and outputs for five modules
Input
22100
22100
22103
Output
22101
22102
22104
Sold only in multiples of 35 Maxi, Mini or 40 Micro
Shipped in JEDEC trays
Individual Part Numbers
Table 15.2 — SurfMate specifications and materials
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Rev 5.6
Page 75 of 87 07/2022
15. Surface-Mount Socketing System (SurfMate)
Design Guide & Applications Manual
Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies
Module Exchange Tool
Used in facilitating the proper extraction of modules from InMate or SurfMate sockets.
Removal without using the Exchange Tool may cause damage to the sockets.
Description
22829
22827
Part Number
Maxi Exchange Tool
22827
Mini Exchange Tool
22828
Micro Exchange Tool
22829
22828
Standoff Kits for SurfMate Mounted Modules
Figure 15.3 — Slotted baseplate; height above board
with standoff
Heat Sinks
Figure 15.4 — Through-hole or threaded baseplate;
height above board with standoff
Module Kit #
100 Piece Kit
Through Hole
20178
20188
Threaded
20179
20189
Through Hole
20176
20186
Threaded
20177
20187
No Heat Sink
20184
20186
20176
20186
Slotted Baseplate
Through-Hole Baseplate
Threaded Baseplate
Through Hole
Threaded
No Heat Sink
N/A
N/A
20184
20186
Table 15.4 — Standoff kits for SurfMate mounted modules: part numbering and packaging;
module kits contain enough standoffs and screws for one module. 100 piece kits contain standoffs only.
Standoff Kits for SurfMate-Mounted Modules
Board
Thickness
Mounting
Options
Slotted
Baseplate
Through-Hole
Baseplate
Nominal
[Min / Max]
Mounting
Style
Through-Hole
Heat Sink
Threaded
Heat Sink
Through-Hole
Heat Sink
Threaded
Heat Sink
Through-Hole
Heat Sink
All
Surface
Mount
Kit-20178
Kit-20179
Kit-20176
Kit-20177
Kit-20176
Bag-20188
Bag-20189
Bag-20186
Bag-20187
Bag-20186
Kits include six (6) standoffs and screws. Mini and Micro modules require a minimum of four (4) standoffs.
Bags of one hundred (100) do not include screws; #4-40 thread hardware required.
Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide
Rev 5.6
Page 76 of 87 07/2022
Threaded
Baseplate