Backplane Blade Power Header, Press-Fit, 4 Positions
The TE Connectivity 120954-1 is a 4-position blade power header from the UPM (Universal Power Modules) series, designed for backplane power distribution. It uses press-fit termination — no solder required — which makes it suitable for high-reliability, solderless backplane assemblies where rework and field replacement are factors. The single-row, right-angle orientation places the blade contacts parallel to the PCB, routing power directly into the backplane from a daughtercard edge. Rated for 250V and a wide operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C, this header is built for industrial and telecom environments where thermal cycling is a given. The housing carries a UL94 V-0 flammability rating, meeting the flame-retardant requirement for equipment installed inside an enclosure. Contact finish is gold or gold-palladium — gold on the mating interface supports repeated mating cycles in a backplane context where boards are swapped during service. A board guide feature on the housing helps align the header during blind-mating into a backplane midplane, reducing the risk of bent blades. The connector is gray in color and ships in tube packaging.
Press-Fit Assembly and Backplane Fit
Press-fit termination means the compliant pin is pressed into a plated through-hole on the backplane — no wave solder, no flux residue, and the joint is rework-friendly if a pin needs replacement. The right-angle orientation places the header at the board edge, so the mating receptacle (a UPM blade receptacle, not included) approaches from the opposite side of the backplane. The board guide feature on the housing provides mechanical alignment during mating, which is critical in a multi-slot backplane where several headers engage simultaneously.