What are PCB jumpers?

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What are PCB jumpers?

PCB jumpers, also known as solder jumpers, are small pieces of wire or conductive material that are used to create a temporary or permanent connection between two points on a printed circuit board (PCB). Jumpers are typically used when a circuit requires a connection that cannot be made using a trace on the PCB, or when a connection needs to be made after the PCB has been assembled.

Jumpers can be created using a variety of materials, including thin wire, conductive ink, or small pieces of metal or foil. They are typically placed on the surface of the board, and are often soldered in place to create a permanent connection.

There are two main types of jumpers: shunt jumpers and cut jumpers. Shunt jumpers are typically used to create a temporary connection between two points on the board. They consist of a small piece of metal or foil that is inserted into a pair of jumper pins or pads on the board. When the jumper is in place, it creates a connection between the two points.

Cut jumpers, on the other hand, are used to create a permanent connection between two points on the board. They are typically created by cutting a trace on the board, and then soldering a small piece of wire or conductive material across the cut.

Overall, jumpers are an important tool for PCB designers and assemblers, allowing for flexibility in circuit design and assembly. They are used in a wide range of electronic applications, from consumer electronics to industrial control systems and medical devices.