Simulation study on dynamic mechanical performance of off-center pin and socket of high-speed backplane connector

High-speed electrical connectors are widely used in electronic, communication, and computer equipment, ideally requiring precise alignment of the pin and socket. However, achieving perfect alignment during practical use is often challenging because the centers of the pin and socket may not align during the insertion process. This misalignment can lead to issues such as contact failure and socket damage. Therefore, this study establishes an equivalent pin-and-socket connector model to investigate the contact mechanics between centered and off-center pin and socket during the insertion and extraction process. The results indicate that the off-center pin and socket make the insertion and extraction process more unstable than the centered pin and socket. Additionally, the forces required for insertion and extraction increase significantly for the off-center pin and socket.