Wave Soldering 19Pins HDMI Connector

Connector Characteristics

Structure and Pins: The 19-pin HDMI connector supports single-wire transmission of uncompressed high-definition audio and video signals and control data. Its pins are divided into four major categories: TMDS data channels (pins 1-3, 7-9, 14-16), TMDS clock channels (pins 5, 6, 10-12), DDC communication channels (pins 14, 15), and hot-swappable detection (HPD) and power management (pins 16, 17, 18, 19).

Appearance and Types: There are various types, such as right-angle and straight types. For example, the HDMI-019A is a 19-pin female right-angle HDMI Connector, which is suitable for wave soldering, but it needs a PCB assembly fixture to protect and support it during the assembly process.

Wave Soldering Process

Pre-treatment: First, clean the PCB and the 19-pin HDMI connector to remove surface oxides and contaminants. Then, apply flux to the pads on the PCB where the connector will be soldered. The flux helps to improve the wettability of the solder and prevent oxidation during the soldering process.

Placement: Accurately place the 19-pin HDMI connector on the corresponding pads of the PCB. This can be done manually or using automated placement equipment. For through-hole connectors, the pins need to be inserted into the holes on the PCB; for surface-mount connectors, they need to be positioned precisely on the pads.

Wave Soldering: Pass the PCB with the placed connector through the wave soldering machine. The wave soldering machine has a molten solder bath, and the solder is pumped up to form a wave. When the PCB passes through the wave, the pins of the connector are wetted by the molten solder, forming a reliable solder joint.

Post-treatment: After wave soldering, clean the PCB again to remove the remaining flux and other contaminants. This can be done using solvents or water-based cleaning methods. Then, conduct inspection and testing on the soldered connectors to ensure that the solder joints are good and the electrical performance of the connector meets the requirements.

Key Points and Precautions

Thermal Management: The 19-pin HDMI connector may be sensitive to heat. During wave soldering, it is necessary to control the temperature and time to avoid damage to the connector caused by excessive heat, such as melting of the plastic shell or damage to the internal electrical components.

Flux Selection: Choose a suitable flux with good wettability and cleaning properties. Poor-quality flux may lead to problems such as insufficient soldering, solder bridges, and residue, which will affect the performance and reliability of the connector.

PCB Design: The design of the PCB also affects the wave soldering effect. For example, the layout of the pads, the distance between the pins, and the thickness of the PCB should be designed according to the requirements of the wave soldering process and the connector to ensure uniform soldering and avoid short circuits and other problems.

HDMI Connector's Product Functions

Signal Transmission: Enables 48Gbps ultra-high-speed transfer of 8K@60Hz HDR video, object-based audio (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X), and CEC/HDCP 2.3 control signals via TMDS differential pairs, achieving < 0.005% ber for cinematic and gaming applications.

Device Interconnectivity: Features universal HDMI 2.1 compatibility across Sony/Samsung TVs, gaming consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X), and NVIDIA/AMD GPUs, enabling seamless multi-device ecosystems with auto-lip sync and VRR synchronization.

Functional Expansion: Supports advanced protocols including:

CEC: Unified remote control across AVRs and smart displays

eARC: Lossless audio transmission up to 32 channels

HDCP 2.3: Military-grade encryption for 4K Blu-ray/streaming content

QMS/QFT: Eliminates blackout during resolution/frame rate switching

KKG Electronics, each part of the use of temperature-resistant materials, high-temperature testing equipment 260 ℃ for 5 minutes, the appearance of the product does not change!   

Consumer Electronics & Home Theater Systems

Wave soldering ensures the reliable, high-volume production of devices like Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and A/V receivers. The process creates robust electrical and mechanical bonds for the HDMI port, which is essential for handling frequent plug-and-unplug cycles while maintaining signal integrity for 4K/8K video and immersive audio.

Professional Broadcasting & Video Production Equipment

In studios and control rooms, equipment such as video switchers, camera control units, and broadcast monitors demand absolute signal reliability. The durable connection formed by wave soldering prevents failure under constant use, ensuring uninterrupted high-bandwidth data transmission critical for live production environments.

Industrial Computing & Automation Systems

HDMI interfaces are integral to industrial PCs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and control panels. Wave soldering provides the strong, vibration-resistant solder joints necessary for the connector to withstand harsh factory conditions, including temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress, guaranteeing long-term operational stability.

Digital Signage & Public Information Displays

From airport flight boards to retail advertising screens, these systems operate continuously. The mass-production efficiency of wave soldering allows for cost-effective manufacturing of media players and display controllers, with the process delivering the consistent quality and durability required for 24/7 operation.

Automotive Infotainment & Telematics

Modern vehicles feature multiple HDMI inputs for passenger displays and diagnostic ports. Wave-soldered HDMI connectors meet the automotive industry's stringent requirements for thermal endurance and shock resistance, ensuring reliable in-vehicle entertainment and data system performance.

Q: What is wave soldering for a 19-pin HDMI connector?

A: It's a process where the PCB passes over a molten solder wave, connecting all 19 pins simultaneously for efficient, reliable joints.

Q: Why use wave soldering for HDMI connectors?

A: It ensures consistent, high-strength solder joints across all pins, which is crucial for HDMI's high-speed data integrity and mechanical durability.

Q: What are key challenges in this process?

A: Solder bridging between closely spaced pins and thermal shock are common issues. Precise process control is essential to prevent defects.

Q: How to prevent solder bridging?

A: Using a solder pallet (mask) to shield non-soldered areas and optimizing solder wave height & temperature are effective strategies.

Q: What PCB design factors are important?

A: Proper pad geometry, component orientation, and thermal relief pads help manage heat and ensure uniform solder flow.

Q: Is wave soldering suitable for all HDMI connector types?

A: It's best for through-hole (THT) versions. Surface-mount (SMT) HDMI connectors typically require reflow soldering instead.