Connectors play a vital part in the development of electronic equipment and initiatives. Utilizing the proper connector for the appropriate application is crucial. It plays an essential role not only in safety but also in PCB and product manufacturing in order to manufacture efficient and cost-effective goods. Therefore, manufacturers have developed a vast array of specialized electrical connectors tailored to a certain application or product. However, there are connectors that are so adaptable that they are nearly ubiquitous in the electrical items we use every day. Therefore, in this essay, we will examine the commonly used connections and their applications.
Pin headers :
The majority of headers are utilized on printed circuit boards. These connectors are readily accessible and affordable. As is typical for development boards, breakout boards, sensor modules, etc. Using this, we can quickly insert and remove any PCB module. The majority of header pins are used in low voltage DC power and data lines.
- Headers are available as both through hole and surface mount devices.
- Available in both male and female header varieties.
- Its adaptability mostly resides in its capacity to stack or unstack the header depending on our needs.
- It comes with several pitch sizes, the most common of which is 2.54 mil or 0.1 inch.
- Typically, headers come in lengthy strips of several pins that can be readily cut to the desired number of pins.
JST Connector :
Similar in terms of use to pin headers, but more advantageous than basic headers. JST connectors are used to link two boards or modules with one another. This connector is also used for transmitting power and data.
- This also comes in male and female forms, with the male connector normally residing on the PCB and the female connector, along with an extended cable, connecting to the peripheral device that must be linked to the PCB. Typically, ribbon cables are utilized in this situation.
- It is encased in plastic, which prevents any external force from bending its thin pins.
- This plastic box contains a locking mechanism that prevents the connectors from detaching easily, making it suitable for equipment with mechanical parts.
- JST connectors differ in terms of the number of pins they contain. Variants with 2 pin, 4 pins, 6 pins, and 8 pins are frequently used.
Screw Terminal :
A screw terminal is a type of connector that is commonly used to provide power to PCBs. This connector can easily manage high current and voltage, making it suitable for both AC and DC power applications. The name of this connector comes from the screws that fasten the wire connected to it. This terminal store carries a variety of quality screw terminals.
- The 4-pin, 6-pin, and 8-pin variants of printed circuit boards are the most prevalent.
- Plastic encases the metal terminal to prevent short circuits and other shock dangers.
Barrel Connector :
The barrel connection is a type of Power Connector utilized mostly for DC supply, particularly wall adapters. Different in diameter, male and female connector sizes must be compatible for use. This connector is well-known for its user-friendliness, as its configuration of Tip and Sleeve avoids misuse by users.
- There are PCB mount and non-PCB mount variations available.
- It is designed with a coaxial cylindrical shape to prevent inadvertent reverse connection.
- This connector’s sleeve typically connects to the negative side or ground of our power supply. And the tip connects to the power supply’s positive terminal.
Cable Lug Connectors:
These are commonly used power connectors. Variable in size and shape, and frequently insulated. Control panels are frequently utilised in industrial applications due to their ability to tolerate mechanical stress. The Ring, Fork, Spade, and Butthead types of connectors are among the most well-known.
- Wires are typically soldered, crimped, or welded to these connectors to create strong connections.
- The maximum amount of current that these connections can carry depends on their size and the type of metal they are made from.
Molex Connector :
Molex connectors resemble JST connectors, however their pin pitches are often larger. Typically, they are used for power purposes. This connector is frequently observed in our computers. You may have observed this in computer ATX Power supply units, motherboards, hard drives, and other accessories.
- It has cylindrical pins made of spring metal that fit into cylindrical sockets made of spring metal.
- A plastic casing surrounds the pins and sockets.
- Depending on the application, a typical connector includes two to twenty-four contacts in either a single or double row configuration.
- To ensure accurate orientation, pins and sockets are contained in a single enclosure with a polarity locking mechanism.
Flat Flex Connector(FFC) :
This connector’s light weight and increased flexibility are two essential features. Most prevalent in mobile phones, laptops, cameras, displays, and other modern devices where cables must be bent and utilised in confined areas.
- This type of connectors has a flexible cable with a flat conducting substance.
- It is a streamlined version of a conventional ribbon cable designed for high density electronic applications.
- Extra thickness will be added to the cable’s ends to facilitate insertion and provide strain relief.
IDC connector :
IDC connectors or Insulation-Displacement connectors are frequently used to link several parallel connections on a circuit board. Extremely frequent for sending data between boards. The majority of networking and signal connectors, LCDs, and other devices use this connector type.
- Created by forcing sharp blades through a ribbon cable.
- IDC technology was originally designed to connect only single-stranded conductors, but it was eventually extended to connect multiple-stranded wires in order to save mounting space.
- In addition, a locking mechanism prevents the cable from moving or detaching from the board.
RF connector :
RF connectors are a specialised type of coaxial connector used exclusively in high-frequency radio applications. Provides improved signal quality for TV signal receivers and WiFi antennas, among other applications.
- Multiple wires are wrapped around a single core wire that serves as a shield in this type of connector.
- Its coaxial construction minimizes signal interference and power loss.
Audio and Video Connectors :
There are numerous types of Audio and Video Connectors available; let’s briefly examine the most prevalent ones.
Phone Connector :
This port, also known as a 3.5mm headphone jack, is present on nearly all smartphones. Additionally, other sizes of this connector are available on the market.
- Widespread in mobile phones and other audio devices.
- Both audio input and output are supported.
- It typically possesses three or four coaxial connections: tip, ring, and sleeve.
DIN Connector :
DIN initially standardized this type of circular audio connector for analog audio signals.
- Din connectors have three or more metal pins within a conductive ring.
- It contains a notch that restricts the correct orientation of the plug and socket.
- This type of connector is typically utilized in analog audio applications, such as speaker inputs and MIDI devices.
USB Connector :
USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is a standard protocol for data transfer and power supply connectors. Most prevalent in mobile phones, computers, and other peripherals.
- USB 1. x, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 are the evolution of three generations.
- A standard USB port always includes VCC, GND, DIN, and DOUT connections.
- Typically, a 5v voltage range is used
USB types :
- Type A – consumer electronics such as computers and smartphones.
- Type B – printers and the venerable Arduino UNO.
- Type-C is the most recent version of this series. It is more potent, capable of transferring data at a high rate, and delivers the most power of any device.
Conclusion
I hope all of you have understood about Common types of connectors in electronics. We MATHA ELECTRONICS will be back soon with more informative blogs soon.