The PCH, PCV and SMD Series P-C-Lite^® sockets provide a simplified method of connecting LEDs to circuit boards without directly soldering their leads. These products are available with or without LEDs.

 

PCB mounting of single and multiple array LEDs has caused manufacturing problems ever since the LED was first introduced. These include but are not limited to overheating and failure of LEDs in soldering operations and inability to replace or change LEDs in existing fixed arrays in manufacturing or field service. In addition, fixed arrays that are currently available severely limit the engineer in design flexibility. All of these problems result in increased production costs and necessity of maintaining an extensive and expensive inventory.

 

VCC's single, dual, and triple mount LED sockets address these deficiencies. LEDs are now inserted directly into the sockets, no longer subject to high temperatures of IR ovens or wave soldering machines. These versatile sockets, used singularly or in combination, permit a variety of both number and various color selection of LEDs in the array. This reduces inventories of fixed arrays as well as allowing the engineer maximum flexibility in his array design. Single LEDs in the array can now be easily replaced or exchanged during the manufacturing process or in field service providing substantial savings in assembly, labor and equipment downtime.

 

These devices are available for both thru-hole and circuit board mounting. The PCH and PCV Series are used for horizontal and vertical thru-hole mounting respectively, while the SMD Series is used for horizontal surface mounting.

 

The sockets are molded from U.L. listed thermoplastic and contain tin-plated, phosphor-bronze contacts. A unique feature of the contacts allows them to automatically adjust to varying sizes and shapes of LED leads.

 

These sockets also allow for extensive flexibility in the choice of LEDs. This includes varying shapes such as round, rectangular etc., with the only requirement being dual leads on .100" centers. Further flexibility is even more apparent in the unit's unique capability in the mounting of IR and phototransistor type devices. Emitter and detector can now be mounted into the same socket side by side while being activated by use of a reflective surface on the outside of the box, thus simplifying measuring and counting applications.

 

Additional features for the PCH, PCV and SMD sockets include polarity identification, standoffs, lock type vibration security and multiple mounting of LEDs with the insertion of one socket. Applications range from circuit board status indicators, front panel illuminators, logic status indicators and fault detectors for troubleshooting of complex circuits.