In accordance with the invention, an I-channel surface mount connector comprising a length of cylindrical rod having a generally I-shaped cross section is improved by providing an extended mounting flange. When a first circuit device is connected to a second circuit device with the extended flange extending outward of the first device, the flange can extend beyond the periphery of the first device. This extension has the advantage that the solder bond between the flange and the second device can be easily inspected from above using visual inspection equipment.