As a result of combining the requirements of the past with the needs of today, VCC has developed the PCH 175, a right angle circuit board mount for both bi-lead and tri-lead LEDs. The PCH 175 is available with or without a LED.

 

Since their initial introduction several years ago, right angle mounting of discrete, tri-lead, multicolor LEDs has been a major problem. There are two different lead frame configurations being produced today by LED manufacturers. LED frames place the leads in line on either .050” or .100" centers. Mounting of the tri-lead LED is much more difficult than the bi-lead device in these lead frame configurations. The leads require a 90 degree bend and are then inserted into the circuit board, held in position with special tools which must be removed after the completion of the soldering operations. These multiple tasks are labor intensive and expensive. Right angle plastic mounts are still being used to mount dual lead devices. Present day LEDs, however, are available in various configurations and are no longer limited to only round shapes with two leads.

 

The patented design of the PCH 175 permits the mounting of the bi-lead as well as both configurations of the tri-lead LED while still maintaining the LED on standard .250" centers. The PCH 175 forms the bi-leads to meet conventional .100" circuit board pad spacing. In addition, the PCH 175 forms and holds the tri-leads in a triangular pattern which conveniently staggers the length of the leads for easier insertion into the PC board.

 

Because of its unique versatility, the PCH 175 permits the mounting of both the tri-lead and bi-lead LEDs in combination with one another. This greatly increases the design engineer’s latitude in the selection of color arrays and LEDs. The PCH 175 also serves as both a forming tool and mount in the installation of both bi-lead and tri-lead LEDs.

 

The design of the PCH 175 also includes tabs which lock the LED leads in position once formed by the housing, and a dove-tail interlocking feature which permits the mounts to be banded together in arrays. The device is manufactured with standoffs, which permit easy board cleaning of solder flux after wave soldering operations.

 

The PCH 175 is used in the mounting of diagnostic and logic indicator lights on circuit boards. The various styles of LEDs that can be accommodated include round, flanged, flangeless as well as rectangular shapes. As a result of these features, component inventory and manufacturing costs can be substantially reduced.

 

The PCH 175 housing is manufactured from a black thermoplastic material which has a UL listing of 94-V0.