
( Brand: Measurement Computing ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 194272A-01 ), ( Part Type: Breakout Board Screw )
The **Computing 194272A-01 Breakout Board with a 50-Pin Connector and Screw Terminals** is a versatile and robust accessory designed to simplify the process of interfacing between microcontrollers, single-board computers, or other electronic modules and external circuits, sensors, or actuators. This high-quality breakout board serves as an essential bridge, allowing users to expand the functionality of their projects by providing a clean, organized, and reliable means of connecting a dense 50-pin header to easily accessible screw terminals. The 50-pin connector, typically sourced from a Raspberry Pi Compute Module or similar high-density interface, is meticulously broken out into individual, clearly labeled screw terminals, each capable of handling standard current loads without the risk of loose connections or signal degradation. This design eliminates the need for soldering or crimping, making it ideal for prototyping, testing, and permanent installations where durability and ease of use are paramount. The screw terminals offer a secure, strain-relieved connection that can be easily disconnected and reconnected as needed, reducing wear and tear on delicate pin headers while ensuring stable electrical contact. Whether used in industrial automation, robotics, IoT applications, or custom embedded systems, this breakout board enhances flexibility by allowing users to route wiring neatly, label connections for clarity, and adapt their setups without the constraints of fixed soldered connections. Its compact yet sturdy construction, combined with the precision-machined screw terminals, makes it a dependable choice for both hobbyists and professionals seeking a reliable solution for managing complex signal and power lines in their projects.
The **Computing 194272A-01 Breakout Board with a 50-pin connector and screw terminals** is a versatile tool for interfacing microcontrollers (like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or BeagleBone) with larger pin headers or external devices. Below are its key pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Flexible Pinout Expansion**
The breakout board allows you to convert a dense 50-pin connector (common in Raspberry Pi Compute Modules or other SBCs) into individual screw terminals or a breadboard-friendly layout. This is useful when working with high-current devices, sensors, or when you need to avoid soldering directly to the main board.
2. **Durable and Secure Connections**
Screw terminals provide a more robust connection than header pins, reducing the risk of loose or intermittent connections critical for long-term projects or industrial applications. They also handle higher current loads better than standard header pins.
3. **Compatibility with Breadboards and Prototyping**
Many breakout boards include a breadboard-compatible section, making it easier to prototype circuits without permanent soldering. This is ideal for testing or iterative development.
4. **Labeling and Organization**
The board typically includes labeled screw terminals, which helps in identifying pins (e.g., GND, 3.3V, GPIO) clearly, reducing wiring errors. Some versions may also include jumpers or resistors for pull-ups/pull-downs.
5. **Reduces Board Space Constraints**
If your main board has limited header space, this breakout board frees up pins for other components while keeping connections accessible.
6. **Easy to Modify or Extend**
You can add additional components (like capacitors, resistors, or level-shifting circuits) to the breakout board without modifying the original board. This is useful for signal conditioning or power management.
7. **Backward and Forward Compatibility**
The 50-pin connector is standard in many Raspberry Pi Compute Modules (CM3, CM4) and other SBCs, ensuring broad compatibility. The screw terminals can also connect to relays, motors, or other high-power devices.
8. **No Soldering Required for Basic Use**
Plugging the 50-pin connector into the breakout board and securing it with screws is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners or non-soldering users.
9. **Supports High-Current Applications**
Screw terminals can handle higher currents (typically up to 5 10A per terminal, depending on the board) compared to header pins, which is useful for driving motors, LEDs, or relays.
10. **Reduces Cable Clutter**
For projects with many wires, using screw terminals can organize connections neatly, especially when paired with a terminal strip or backplane.
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### **Cons**
1. **Limited to 50-Pin Connectors**
This breakout board is only useful if your microcontroller or board has a 50-pin connector. It won t work with standard Raspberry Pi 40-pin GPIO headers or other non-compatible pinouts.
2. **Physical Space Requirements**
The breakout board adds bulk to your project, which may not be ideal for compact or portable setups. If space is critical, a smaller header-to-screw-terminal adapter might be preferable.
3. **Cost**
While not expensive, the breakout board adds to the overall project cost. For simple projects, a basic breadboard or direct soldering might be cheaper.
4. **Potential for Overcrowding**
If you re working with a densely packed project, the breakout board could occupy valuable space on your workbench or enclosure. Ensure you have enough room to accommodate it.
5. **No Built-in Protection**
Unlike some header adapters, this breakout board typically lacks built-in ESD protection, reverse polarity protection, or voltage level shifting. You may need to add these components separately if working with unregulated or high-voltage signals.
6. **Learning Curve for Screw Terminals**
If you re unfamiliar with screw terminals, it may take time to learn how to properly tighten them without damaging wires or creating loose connections. Over-tightening can strip terminals or crush wires.
7. **No Built-in Power Distribution**
If your project requires distributing power to multiple devices, you ll need to manually route power lines to each terminal, which can be error-prone.
8. **Limited to Straight-Through Connections**
Most breakout boards like this provide a 1:1 mapping of pins to terminals. If you need to reassign or remap pins (e.g., for a different protocol), you ll need to manually reconfigure wiring or use jumpers.
9. **Compatibility with Non-Standard Boards**
Some Raspberry Pi Compute Modules or custom boards may have non-standard pinouts or voltage levels. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
10. **No Built-in Debugging Features**
Unlike some development boards, this breakout board doesn t include built-in LEDs, UART headers, or other debugging aids. You ll need to rely on external tools or the main board s features.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Computing 194272A-01 Breakout Board** is a practical choice for projects requiring **durable, high-current connections** from a 50-pin microcontroller (such as a Raspberry Pi Compute Module) to external devices or prototyping environments. Its **screw terminals** offer reliability and ease of use, especially for non-soldering users or applications involving motors, sensors, or relays. The board excels in **organization, flexibility, and compatibility** with breadboards, making it ideal for iterative development or field-deployed systems where connections must endure frequent disconnections.
However, it is **not ideal for space-constrained projects** or those using non-50-pin headers. The lack of built-in protections or debugging features means you ll need to supplement it with additional components if your project requires them. If your primary goal is **prototyping with a Raspberry Pi 40-pin header** or working with low-current signals, a simpler adapter or breadboard may suffice.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy this breakout board if:**- You re working with a **Raspberry Pi Compute Module (CM3, CM4, etc.)** or another 50-pin SBC.
- You need **durable, high-current connections** (e.g., for motors, relays, or high-power sensors).
- You prefer **screw terminals over header pins** for reliability or ease of use.
- You re prototyping and want to **avoid soldering** or **organize wires neatly**.
- Your project benefits from **breadboard compatibility** or modular expansion.
**Avoid this breakout board if:**- Your microcontroller uses a **non-50-pin header** (e.g., Raspberry Pi 40-pin GPIO).
- You re working in a **space-constrained environment** where bulk is an issue.
- You need **built-in protections** (ESD, reverse polarity) or **debugging features**.
- Your project is **low-power** and doesn t require screw terminals (a simple header-to-breadboard adapter may suffice).
**Alternatives to Consider:**- **Raspberry Pi 40-Pin to Screw Terminal Adapter:** If you re using a standard Raspberry Pi (not a Compute Module).
- **Breadboard with Jumper Wires:** For simple prototyping without high-current needs.
- **Custom PCB with Screw Terminals:** For production or highly integrated projects.
- **Level-Shifting Adapters:** If you re interfacing with 5V devices from a 3.3V board.
For most **Compute Module-based projects** requiring robust connections, this breakout board is a **solid, cost-effective solution**. Pair it with proper labeling and cable management for optimal results.
This is a surplus item. Connector: 50-Pin. If you do not have an account No Worries. Dimensions: 4in x.
Measurement Computing Breakout Board. Address, Next Day Automation, 9472 Hemlock Lane N. Specifications: model #: 194272A-01. Termination: Screw Terminal.