Impact Backplane Header — 120-Position Grid
The TE Connectivity 2007821-1 is a 120-position male-pin header from the Impact series, arranged in a 10-column by 12-row grid. The 0.075" (1.91mm) pitch is the Impact standard, giving a dense signal footprint that routes through a backplane without consuming excessive board real estate. Termination is press-fit, meaning the compliant pin compresses into a plated through-hole without solder. This is the standard backplane assembly method — it avoids the thermal stress of wave soldering, supports rework by pressing the header out, and keeps the PCB flat for multi-board stacking. The header mounts through-hole, with the press-fit tail extending below the board surface.
Signal-Density Ratings and Fit
Rated at 0.75A per contact and 30VAC/DC, this header is a signal-density interconnect, not a power delivery path. For power distribution on the same backplane, the Impact family offers dedicated power modules with higher-current contacts.
Press-Fit Assembly and Tooling
Press-fit termination requires a controlled insertion force — typically applied by an arbor press or automated press with a load cell. The compliant pin design (TE's standard Impact eye-of-the-needle) accommodates a PCB hole size range specified in the TE application drawing. No solder, no reflow profile, no flux cleaning — the assembly step is purely mechanical. For high-volume lines, TE offers dedicated insertion tooling and anvil sets; for prototype or low-volume builds, a manual press with a flat anvil and a backing plate works, provided the board is supported to prevent flex. The header ships in bulk packaging (tray), not tape-and-reel. For a pick-and-place line, this means the header is placed by a dedicated press station, not a component mounter. Plan for a separate press cell in the assembly flow — the header cannot be reflowed alongside SMT components.
Mating and Backplane Compatibility
This header mates with the Impact series right-angle receptacle (female) connectors. The 10x12 column-row grid is standard across the Impact backplane ecosystem — the receptacle counterpart will have the same 120-position count and 0.075" pitch. Keying and polarization are built into the Impact housing geometry; the male header has a shrouded shell that aligns with the receptacle before the contacts engage, preventing pin stubbing during blind-mate card insertion. Compatibility with standard Impact backplanes is direct — this is the standard male header for the Impact series. No adapter or interposer is needed. The press-fit tail length is designed for standard backplane PCB thicknesses (typically 0.093" to 0.125"); verify the board thickness against the TE application specification for the specific compliant pin length.