Pogo pins

Pogo pins (spring-loaded contacts) – compact, durable, reliable

Q: What are pogo pins typically used for (testing, docking, modular systems)?

Typical applications include test systems/test fixtures (e.g. ICT/FCT, PCB contacting), docking (repeatable docking for charging/connection) and modular systems with defined contact points for interchangeable units. Depending on the application, magnetic guidance, IP protection or high-current/RF variants may also be used.

Q: Which parameters are decisive for selection?

Typical selection criteria are current/voltage, contact resistance, stroke, spring force, pitch, tip geometry, plating, service life (contact cycles), environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, contamination, IP), mounting type (SMT/SMD or THT), and the nature of the mating contact surface.

Q: Are there different form factors of pogo pins?

Yes. Common variants include standard pogo pins, high-current pogo pins, waterproof versions (e.g. IP67/IP68), magnetic pogo pin connectors and HF/RF-capable solutions. They also differ in tip geometries (e.g. crown/dome/flat) and mounting types such as SMT/SMD (reflow) or THT – as a single pin or as a contact assembly.

Q: Are custom pogo pin solutions also possible?

Yes. Typical custom parameters include length, stroke, spring force, tip design, pitch, plating, insulation/sealing concept, and integration as a connector/assembly. In practice, this starts with a brief alignment of requirements (current, environment, service life, mating contact, assembly process), followed by samples/validation and final specification.

Q: Can pogo pins be soldered (SMT/SMD or THT)?

Yes. There are SMT/SMD variants for reflow processes as well as THT versions for through-hole mounting. Important distinction: often the device under test is not soldered; instead, pogo pins are part of the test/docking hardware and contact the mating surface without a fixed solder joint on the counterpart (e.g. pads on PCBs).

Q: How is contact resistance ensured?

A consistently low contact resistance is primarily achieved through the coordinated combination of plating/surface finish (often gold), contact force, suitable tip geometry and an appropriate mating contact surface. A defined compression (stroke) and a mechanical design that minimises lateral forces and micro-movements are also important. Specific values depend on the design and should be matched against the datasheet and the requirement.

Q: What needs to be considered for high-current pogo pins?

For high-current applications, contact area/tip geometry, contact force, thermal behaviour, suitable material and plating combinations, and the mating contact surface are decisive. Stable mechanical guidance and sufficient margin against heating and voltage drop are also important. Current ratings depend on the design and should be tested/validated based on the datasheet and the application.

Q: Are there waterproof pogo pins (IP67/IP68)?

Yes, there are versions with IP protection, e.g. for environments with moisture, splash water or cleaning processes. The achievable protection rating depends on the sealing concept, the integration (connector/assembly), the mating part and the real application (e.g. cycles, media, temperature).

Q: What advantages do pogo pins offer over conventional connectors?

Pogo pins (spring contact pins) enable compact, repeatable contacting for frequent docking or testing. With suitable mechanical guidance, they are more tolerant of small offset/angle deviations than classic plug/socket pairs. They are also suitable for high mating cycles and support modular concepts where units are regularly exchanged or docked.

Q: Are pogo pins suitable for vibration or mobile applications?

In principle, yes – provided the interface is mechanically designed correctly. Key factors are guidance/support, appropriate contact force, suitable material pairing/plating, and a design that reduces micro-movements (fretting) and lateral forces. For demanding environments, redundant contacts, suitable tip geometries and a defined docking mechanism are used as required.EN Question: Can pogo pins be assembled automatically?

Pogo pins (spring contact pins) are spring-loaded contact pins for repeatable, reliable contacting in test systems, docking interfaces, and connector applications. From standard spring contacts to waterproof (IP) and magnetic solutions, we support selection, engineering and sourcing – as a standard or custom design.

Your benefits:

Repeatable contacting through defined spring force and suitable tip geometries
Long service life: depending on design up to 1,000,000+ contact cycles with stable electrical characteristics
Compact form factor for space-saving, high-density designs
Flexible integration: SMT/SMD (reflow) and THT, as a single pin or as a contact assembly
Special variants: e.g. high-current and RF pogo pins as well as IP-rated and magnetic solutions
Custom options: length, stroke/spring force, tip design, as well as plating/surface finish and material pairing

Pogo pins: Contact Pins for Testing, Docking and Modular Systems

Whether test fixture, docking station or service interface: pogo pins are used wherever contacts must be made frequently, compactly and repeatably – often without conventional connector geometries with bulky plug/socket pairs. For stable electrical characteristics over many contact cycles, the overall system is decisive: spring contact pin, mating contact surface, and mechanical guidance.

Pogo pin connectors & contacting solutions

Many inquiries are not about “the one” pogo pin, but about a complete contacting solution: multiple spring contact pins in an array/strip, defined mating parts and mechanical guidance that reliably handles docking and tolerances. Such pogo pin connectors are particularly beneficial when positioning, repeatability and serviceability are key – for example in docking, testing or modular assemblies.

Such contacting solutions are typically used for:

Test, programming & service applications
Temporary contacting for test fixtures, flashing, debugging, calibration and diagnostics of PCBs, assemblies and modules
Docking, charging & power transfer
Repeatable docking as well as battery/charging contacts for power and data transfer – also in connector and cable systems
Pluggable & modular connections
Board-to-board contacting and defined contact points for modular, replaceable units and cabled connections without conventional connectors
Space-critical & mechanically stressed applications
Reliable contacting with limited installation space, high cycle counts, and to compensate tolerances, movement and vibration
Environmentally exposed applications
Use in humid, dusty or vibration-prone environments, e.g. with IP-rated pogo pin variants

Below you will find the most important variants – including high-current, RF and SMT/SMD versions as well as IP-rated and magnetic solutions.

Pogo pins – Quick overview for fast selection

Quick overview of mechanics, electrical data, lifetime, materials, product categories and support.

Mechanics / Form factor

Form factor: Standard, sealed/waterproof (IP67/68), magnetic, RF-capable, high-current variants
Mounting style: SMT/SMD, THT, connector types, customer-specific assemblies (depending on the application)
Pitch: Distance between contacts (e.g., 0.8–2.54 mm, or custom)
Stroke: Spring travel / compression travel – affects contact reliability
Head / tip style: Crown, dome, flat, pointed, or custom depending on the target contact (flat pad, round contact, etc.)

Electrical specifications

Rated current / current carrying capacity: In A – typical standard range 0.5–15 A; high-current pins >30 A possible
Contact resistance: Typically <30 mΩ (depending on design and plating)
Voltage: Up to ~60 V depending on insulation and design

Service life & environment

Mating cycles: Lifetime specified in cycles (up to >1 million, depending on type)
Operating temperature range: e.g., −40 °C to +85 °C or higher depending on design
Ingress protection (IP rating): Water/dust protection – e.g., variants capable of IP67/IP68

Materials & surface finish

Contact plating: Gold plating typically 0.25–1.0 µm for reduced oxidation and low resistance
Barrel / plunger materials: Copper alloys, stainless steel (depending on material selection)

Special product categories

Standard pogo pins: Universal use
Sealed / waterproof pogo pins: For outdoor/humid environments up to IPX8
Magnetic pogo connectors: For self-alignment and convenient mating connection
High-current pins: For high power transfer, specialized designs
High-frequency pins: For RF/data transfer (e.g., 5G+)
Ultra-miniature pins: For compact electronics and miniaturized devices
Screw pins / mounting pins: Combined mechanical fastening + electrical contact function

Design & sourcing support

CAD data & footprints: 2D/3D CAD, footprint recommendations for PCB layout
Selection guidance: Parameter matching, variant comparison, risk notes
Samples & data: Samples, datasheets, 2D/3D CAD available
Sourcing / supply chain: Reliable supply chain, alternatives and obsolescence checks

Standard pogo pins

Standard pogo pins are the most common version and are used in numerous applications – from simple PCB contacting to complex docking interfaces. They are available in many designs and can be configured, for example, by pin diameter, stroke, spring force, and tip geometry.

Key selection parameters:

Installation height / available space and mechanical tolerances
Stroke and spring force matched to the contact surface
Tip geometry (e.g. crown/dome/flat) for pads or mating contacts
Plating/material pairing (contact stability, wear, corrosion)
Single contact vs array/assembly (guidance/positioning)
Optional: mounting method (e.g. SMT/SMD soldering vs other fixing methods)

Waterproof pogo pins (IP67/IP68)

For applications with moisture, splash water or cleaning cycles, IP-rated pogo pins are used. Not only sealing and materials are decisive, but also the correct integration into the housing and mating contact – so that the IP rating is achieved in real operation and contacting remains stable long-term.

Magnetic pogo pin connectors

Magnetic pogo pin connectors simplify mating when fast handling, defined positioning or a robust docking interface are important. Relevant factors are magnetic guidance, contact geometry and mechanical stability so that the contact remains repeatable over many cycles.

High-current pogo pins

High-current pogo pins (high-current contact pins) are designed for applications in which spring contact pins must transfer not only signals but also significant currents safely – e.g. docking interfaces, power handover points or power-near modules. The overall interface concept is decisive: contact area, spring force, materials/plating, thermal behavior and mechanical guidance.

Key selection parameters:

Current profile (rated current, peaks, duty cycle)
Contact area & spring force (stability, wear)
Material pairing / plating (corrosion, abrasion)
Mechanical guidance (avoid lateral forces, ensure repeatable docking)

High-frequency pogo pins (RF)

RF pogo pins are used when defined signal transmission characteristics are required in addition to mechanical contacting. Geometry, integration (pin/mating contact/environment), contact stability and repeatable mechanical guidance largely determine performance. For RF applications we therefore always consider the complete interface – not just the individual spring contact.

SMD pogo pins (for SMT assembly)

SMD pogo pins are designed for SMT assembly and reflow soldering and are particularly suitable for compact PCB interfaces. They are a good choice when manufacturability in series production, repeatable assembly and minimal installation space are key – for example, PCB-level docking contacts or test-near interfaces.SMD-Pogo-Pins sind für SMT-Bestückung und Reflow-Löten ausgelegt und eignen sich besonders für kompakte PCB-Interfaces. Sie sind sinnvoll, wenn Serientauglichkeit, reproduzierbare Montage und geringer Bauraum im Vordergrund stehen – etwa bei Docking-Kontaktierung auf Leiterplattenebene oder bei testnahen Schnittstellen.

Layout and process notes (SMT/SMD):

Footprint/pad layout (coplanarity, solder volume)
Mechanical concept (guidance/support against lateral forces)
Process window (reflow, cleaning, mechanical load)
Tip geometry/plating matched to the mating surface

Custom pogo pin solutions

If standard sizes do not fit, pogo pins and contact assemblies can be designed as custom solutions – e.g. for special stack heights, specific tip geometries, IP requirements or defined electrical targets (current/signal). We support specification, variant comparison, sampling and sourcing – with a focus on a robust series solution.

Our strengths

Technology leader in pogo solutions: extensive know-how in pogo pin design and modular connector design, including automated manufacturing processes
Durable quality & high cycle life: pogo pins with lifetimes of up to 1 million cycles with consistently low contact resistance
Flexible designs for any application: from miniature form factors <1 mm to high-performance power & signal transfer – precisely matched spring contacts for every installation situation
High vertical integration & quality assurance: all products undergo 100% electrical & mechanical testing and are designed for long-term stability and environmental resistance

Applications

Test systems & test fixtures: For ICT, FCT, wafer-level tests and PCB contacting – precise, repeatable contacting without soldering on the DUT
Portable & mobile devices: Interconnect solutions for wearables, smartwatches, headsets or mobile scanners – depending on design also with magnetic guidance and IP protection
Automotive & e-mobility: Charging contacts, onboard electronics and ECU testing – robust, vibration-resistant and designed for repeatable docking
Medtech: Contacting in diagnostic systems, patient interfaces and medical docking solutions – for frequent mating cycles and defined contacting
Industrial & automation: Contacting of moving parts, modular systems or robust sensor/actuator connections – reliable even under load and in harsh environments (depending on design)

Industries at a glance

Conclusion:

Pogo pins (spring contact pins) are a robust solution for compact, repeatable contacting – from standard variants to high-current, RF and SMT/SMD designs as well as IP-rated and magnetic interfaces. For stable electrical characteristics over many contact cycles, the coordinated interface of pin, mating contact and mechanical guidance is decisive. We support you from selection through reliable sourcing.

More product images

Pogo pins and contact assemblies – product image

Spring-loaded contacts (pogo pins) in different designs

Pogo pins (spring-loaded contacts) – close-up

Spring-loaded contacts (pogo pins)– close-up

Send us your non-binding
product inquiry.

If you share the key requirements, we will propose suitable variants and check availability as well as alternatives.

Application: test, docking, modular interface, power, RF
Mounting: SMT/SMD (soldered), THT, connector, assembly
Mechanics: overall height, stroke, spring force, pin count/pitch (if known)
Environment: IP requirement, contamination/cleaning, temperature
Targets: current/signal, required cycles/service life

FAQs

What are pogo pins typically used for (testing, docking, modular systems)?

Typical applications include test systems/test fixtures (e.g. ICT/FCT, PCB contacting), docking (repeatable docking for charging/connection) and modular systems with defined contact points for interchangeable units. Depending on the application, magnetic guidance, IP protection or high-current/RF variants may also be used.

Which parameters are decisive for selection?

Typical selection criteria are current/voltage, contact resistance, stroke, spring force, pitch, tip geometry, plating, service life (contact cycles), environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, contamination, IP), mounting type (SMT/SMD or THT), and the nature of the mating contact surface.

Are there different form factors of pogo pins?

Yes. Common variants include standard pogo pins, high-current pogo pins, waterproof versions (e.g. IP67/IP68), magnetic pogo pin connectors and HF/RF-capable solutions. They also differ in tip geometries (e.g. crown/dome/flat) and mounting types such as SMT/SMD (reflow) or THT – as a single pin or as a contact assembly.

Are custom pogo pin solutions also possible?

Yes. Typical custom parameters include length, stroke, spring force, tip design, pitch, plating, insulation/sealing concept, and integration as a connector/assembly. In practice, this starts with a brief alignment of requirements (current, environment, service life, mating contact, assembly process), followed by samples/validation and final specification.

Can pogo pins be soldered (SMT/SMD or THT)?

Yes. There are SMT/SMD variants for reflow processes as well as THT versions for through-hole mounting. Important distinction: often the device under test is not soldered; instead, pogo pins are part of the test/docking hardware and contact the mating surface without a fixed solder joint on the counterpart (e.g. pads on PCBs).

How is contact resistance ensured?

A consistently low contact resistance is primarily achieved through the coordinated combination of plating/surface finish (often gold), contact force, suitable tip geometry and an appropriate mating contact surface. A defined compression (stroke) and a mechanical design that minimises lateral forces and micro-movements are also important. Specific values depend on the design and should be matched against the datasheet and the requirement.

What needs to be considered for high-current pogo pins?

For high-current applications, contact area/tip geometry, contact force, thermal behaviour, suitable material and plating combinations, and the mating contact surface are decisive. Stable mechanical guidance and sufficient margin against heating and voltage drop are also important. Current ratings depend on the design and should be tested/validated based on the datasheet and the application.

Are there waterproof pogo pins (IP67/IP68)?

Yes, there are versions with IP protection, e.g. for environments with moisture, splash water or cleaning processes. The achievable protection rating depends on the sealing concept, the integration (connector/assembly), the mating part and the real application (e.g. cycles, media, temperature).

What advantages do pogo pins offer over conventional connectors?

Pogo pins (spring contact pins) enable compact, repeatable contacting for frequent docking or testing. With suitable mechanical guidance, they are more tolerant of small offset/angle deviations than classic plug/socket pairs. They are also suitable for high mating cycles and support modular concepts where units are regularly exchanged or docked.

Are pogo pins suitable for vibration or mobile applications?

In principle, yes – provided the interface is mechanically designed correctly. Key factors are guidance/support, appropriate contact force, suitable material pairing/plating, and a design that reduces micro-movements (fretting) and lateral forces. For demanding environments, redundant contacts, suitable tip geometries and a defined docking mechanism are used as required.
EN Question: Can pogo pins be assembled automatically?

Are pogo pins suitable for automated assembly?

Yes, depending on the design. SMT/SMD pogo pins are typically designed for SMT processes (including reflow); footprint, coplanarity and solder paste deposition are particularly important. THT variants can also be processed automatically depending on the design. The right option depends on mechanical loads, available space, process requirements and volumes.

Are pogo pins suitable for HF/RF?

Yes, for certain applications there are RF-/HF-optimised contact solutions. Defined impedance routing, mechanical stability, suitable geometry and the connection method are decisive. Whether an RF solution is appropriate depends strongly on frequency range, layout and system requirements.

Five good reasons to choose pogo pins from etronics

Engineering Support

We support you throughout development and the entire product lifecycle with our engineering expertise and years of experience.

Short development and Production times

Thanks to our large production capacities, we meet even demanding lead times and delivery schedules.

Quality is our top priority

We strictly follow established quality standards and apply rigorous selection and testing processes for our partners – including validation upon request.

Fast delivery from our Swiss warehouse

Our warehouse ensures your flexibility. For many customers, we hold stock and can deliver replenishments to their facility within two days.

Small series? No problem.

We also manufacture small and very small series of customized spring contact solutions – tailored to your specific needs.

A smooth process from start to finish:
Professional project execution

1. Your inquiry

2. Feasibility check & Solution development

3. Customized quotation

4. Project kickoff & Order placement

5. Prototyping & Sample production

6. Sample approval & Optimization

7. Series production & Quality assurance

8. Delivery & Logistics solutions

Explore more categories

Membrane keypads

Durable, hygienic, and fully customizable – highly resistant, easy to clean, and designed to meet your specific needs.

Resistors by MIBA

MIBA high-performance and precision resistors: non-inductive, compact, and reliable.

Displays

Premium TFT, OLED, and LCD displays – fully customizable, offering excellent contrast and energy efficiency.

Touch Panels

Capacitive and resistive touch panels – robust, highly accurate, multitouch-enabled, and easily integrated into your device design.

Silicone Keypads

Durable and tactile input solutions – fully customizable silicone keypads with excellent chemical resistance.

Custom Cable Assemblies

Individually manufactured to exact specifications and industry standards – safe, precise, and perfectly fitting.

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Single- & multilayer, HDI, FR-4, rigid-flex, and aluminum PCBs – precisely manufactured and of the highest quality.

Crystals & Oscillators

Reliable timing components: precision crystals and oscillators – frequency-stable, compact, and long-term reliable.

Memory Components

High-performance memory solutions: asynchronous SRAMs, serial PSRAMs, and low-power memory.

Cooling Solutions

Efficient thermal management with air and liquid cooling, heat pipes, and heat sinks – fully customizable to your needs.