PA160-E4 Spring Test Probe Pogo Pin - Conical Bullet Head

Specifications:

• Model: PA160-E4

• Tip Style: Conical / Bullet Head (E4)

• Tip Diameter: 2.0 mm

• Barrel Diameter: 1.36 mm

• Total Length: 24.5 mm (Standard)

• Full Stroke: 4.0 mm

• Spring Pressure: 140 grams (at full stroke)

• Current Rating: 3 Amperes (Continuous)

• Contact Resistance: < 50 mΩ

• Materials:

   

• Plunger: Heat-treated Beryllium Copper (Gold Plated)
• Barrel: Phosphor Bronze (Gold Plated)
• Spring: Gold-plated Music Wire

Key Applications

• ICT (In-Circuit Testing): Primary probe for testing component values on assembled PCBs.
• FCT (Functional Circuit Testing): Used in custom test jigs to simulate real-world signals.
• Programming Jigs: Creating temporary data connections for flashing firmware on ESP32 or STM32 boards without soldering.
• Battery Charging Docks: Reliable contact points for high-cycle charging interfaces.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects: If you’ve been struggling with hand-held multimeter probes for testing 50+ points on a PCB, you’re ready for a dedicated fixture.
• Feature Upgrade: The PA160-E4 unlocks Automated Quality Control. By mounting these in a custom acrylic or 3D-printed plate, you can test an entire board in seconds.
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. Requires a "Receptacle" (R160 series) and a precision-drilled 1.7mm hole in your probe plate.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• Mounting: These probes are designed to be used with the R160 Receptacle.
• Drilling: Use a 1.7mm drill bit for the receptacle press-fit.
• Safety Warning: Ensure the 3A current limit is not exceeded during high-power testing to prevent spring annealing (loss of tension).

Package Includes: 

1 x PA160-E4 Spring Test Probe Pogo Pin - Conical Bullet Head

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between PA160 and P160?
   PA denotes a high-grade gold-plated version (ProSpec), whereas P usually refers to standard nickel-plated variants.

2. Do I need a receptacle for this?
   Yes, the R160 series receptacle is recommended for easy replacement and wiring.

3. Can this probe handle 5V signals?
   Yes, it handles up to 3A current and is ideal for 3.3V, 5V, or 12V logic testing.

4. How many cycles is this rated for?
   Typically 100,000+ cycles under standard operating conditions.

5. What is the drill size for the mounting hole?
   1.7mm for the receptacle.

6. Is the tip sharp enough to pierce solder mask?
   The E4 conical tip is designed for pads and through-holes, not for piercing thick mask. Use a spear-head (LM) for that.

7. What is the tip diameter?
   2.0mm.

8. Is it compatible with 2.54mm pitch?
   No, the PA160 series is larger. For 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, use the P100 series.

9. Is the spring replaceable?
   No, the spring is internal. You replace the entire probe if the spring fails.

10. What is the stroke length?
    Full travel is 4.0mm.

11. Can I use this for high-frequency RF testing?
    It is suitable for low-to-mid range frequencies; dedicated RF probes are better for GHz signals.

12. Is it gold plated?
    Yes, both plunger and barrel are gold plated for low resistance.

13. What is the barrel diameter?
    1.36mm.

14. How do I wire it?
    The wire is soldered to the tail of the R160 receptacle, not the probe itself.

15. Does it come with the receptacle?
    No, receptacles are sold separately.

16. Can it handle 220V?
    |No, this is for low-voltage DC testing only.

17. What happens if I compress it past 4mm?
    You may permanently deform the internal spring.

18. Is this probe RoHS compliant?
    Yes.

19. What is the spring force?
    140g, which is the "Standard" force for reliable contact.

20. Can I use this for battery terminals?
    Yes, as long as the charging current is under 3A.