I. Classification of Connectors / How to classify connectors?
Connectors are very critical components in the electronics industry, acting as a bridge between different components of electronic systems. These devices are commonly used to connect two or more electronic devices or circuits, facilitating the transfer of signals or power and ensuring systems function as expected. Given the diverse functionalities and wide application range of connectors, they can be classified into the following categories based on various standards.
1. By shapes
- Circular connectors, such as coaxial connectors, which are typically used in military and aerospace applications.
- Rectangular connectors, such as printed circuit connectors, are often seen in commercial and industrial markets. Although some of the currently popular rectangular connectors have a trapezoidal cross-section, they are still categorized as rectangular connectors.
2. By uses
- Signal connector: used to transmit low current voltage signals. Typically used in electronic communications equipment for data communication and information transmission.
- Power connector: designed for power supply, capable of carrying higher current and voltage.
- RF connector: used for the RF signals’ transmission, such as coaxial cable connectors.
3. By mounting methods
- In-line connector: insert the pins vertically into the socket. Very simple to operate, easy to install, and highly practical. It is often used in PCBs, such as DIP connectors.
- Card edge/barrier connector: commonly used to connect plug-in circuit boards, such as memory sticks and graphics cards.
- Threaded connector: fixed through threads or screws to provide a more stable electrical connection.
4. By interface types
- USB connector: it is a Universal Serial Bus connector, often used for data transmission and power supply. There are many types, such as USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C.
- RJ45 connector: a registered socket connector used for network connections, such as ethernet connections.
- DIN connector: a German industrial standard circular connector, widely used in audio, video, and computer connections.
5. By connection mode
- Board-to-board connector: used to connect two or more circuit boards, commonly used in computer motherboards, mobile devices, etc.
- Wire-to-board connector: this kind of connector connects cables to circuit boards. It is usually used for internal connections such as power and data cables inside PCs.
- Wire-to-wire connector: typically used to connect two wires or cables to transmit signals or power.
- Panel through connector: also called panel through connector or panel through hole connector, this is a specially designed connector used to achieve a sealed-through connection to a device enclosure or panel. This connector allows signals, data, or power to be safely and efficiently transmitted from the outside to inside the device while maintaining the integrity and protection level of the panel.
6. By special environments
- High-frequency Connectors: specially designed for high-frequency signals, crucial in applications like wireless communication, radar systems, satellite communications, and high-speed data transmission.
- Waterproof connector: this type of connector is specially designed for use in humid or water-exposed environments. It can prevent moisture ingress and ensure that electronic devices’ functionality is not affected.
- Shockproof connector: features enhanced mechanical stability, suitable for the environments where physical shock may be encountered.
- High-frequency connector: this type is specially designed for high-frequency signals, such as applications in the hundreds of MHz to several GHz range. These connectors are crucial in ensuring the quality and efficiency of signal transmission, especially in areas such as wireless communications, radar systems, satellite communications and high-speed data transmission.
- Military and aerospace connector: This type of connector is famous for its durability and reliability, and it can be used in various extreme environments.
The above classification standards provide a basic framework for using connectors. When we select a connector, it is important to consider its use, required electrical characteristics, mechanical stability, and environmental adaptability. Each type of connector has its own unique advantages and application areas. From simple USB connectors to complex military-grade connectors, choosing the right type is critical to ensuring the performance and reliability of the entire system. Let’s briefly take a look at several commonly used electronic connectors and their application scenarios.
II. Commonly Used Electronic Connectors and Their Features
1. Pin headers & Pin sockets
They are paired use connectors, which are widely used in electronic board-to-board or wire-to-board connections. Pin headers usually consist of a plastic insulator and a series of upright metal pins, while pin sockets are equipped with holes to receive the pins. The combination of pin headers and pin sockets can establish detachable non-permanent connections. This convenient design greatly reduces maintenance costs in the future. Pin headers and pin sockets have very wide applications. You can easily find them on computers. They are usually used to connect the motherboard and other expansion cards such as graphics cards and sound cards, or to link different electronic modules.
2. IDC & DIP connectors
IDC is short for the Insulation Displacement Connector. This type of connector is often used for internal connections in cables or electronic equipment. The IDC connector squeezes the wire, and the contact directly pierces the wire’s insulation layer to form an electrical connection. This design avoids traditional stripping and welding and can be quickly installed. They can provide a stable and reliable connection and maintain a low error rate at the same time. IDC connectors are often used for quick connections between cables and circuit boards, such as flat cable connections inside computers, data centers, communication equipment and data transmission in the telecommunications industry.
DIP is the abbreviation of Dual In-line Package. DIP connectors are mainly used for integrated circuit packaging. Their design usually consists of a double row of straight or curved pins, allowing it to be inserted into sockets or soldered onto circuit boards. Their maintenance can be achieved by replacing the sockets or upgrading the IC without re-soldering. Its use facilitates the installation and replacement of integrated circuits, reduces maintenance costs, and significantly helps improve production efficiency. DIP connectors can often be seen in the installation of computer memory modules, central processing units, and other components.
3. DIN 41612 connectors
The DIN 41612 connector is an electrical connector that was standardized by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) and complied with the 41612 standard specifications of the German industrial standard. It is a rectangular multi-pin connector with multiple uses. DIN 41612 connectors are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, providing up to 160 contact points to adapt to different application needs and support large-scale data, signal, and power transmission. These connectors can provide stable connections in harsh environments, with high mechanical strength and good electrical performance. DIN 41612 connectors are widely used in many industries due to their high reliability and flexibility. They are often used to connect PCBs, especially in European industrial computers, communication equipment, and industrial automation control systems.
4. Board to board connectors
Board-to-board connectors typically feature a high-density pin arrangement that enables large amounts of data and signal transmission while occupying less space and providing good electrical performance. They can provide different spacing and positioning configurations and are often used to connect two or more circuit boards. They are usually widely used in cellphones, computers, medical equipment, and electronic products which have limited space but require efficient connections.
5. USB connectors
USB is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. It is one of the most commonly used connection methods in modern electronic devices, used for data transmission and power supply between computers and other electronic devices. USB connectors come in many forms, including USB-A, USB-B, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, and USB-C. They support hot swapping and plug-and-play features and can provide data transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps and up to 100W power delivery. USB connectors are commonly used to connect personal computers, mobile phones, mobile storage devices, and various peripheral devices to provide data and power transmission.
6. Flex circuit connectors
Flex circuit connectors are specifically designed for flexible circuits and can be ZIF (zero insertion force) or non-ZIF types, which usually have lower insertion force requirements to protect thin film circuits. Their small size, lightweight, and high flexibility make them suitable for compact designs. They are widely used in wearable devices, smartphones, and other electronic products that require a high degree of flexibility and compact design or require folding or bending to achieve compact layouts and curved connections.
7. RF connectors
RF (Radio Frequency) connectors are mainly used to transmit radio frequency signals. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as SMA, BNC, N-type, etc., to accommodate different frequencies and power levels. Because their design can optimize signal transmission, reduce signal loss, and greatly ensure the efficiency and quality of signal transmission, they are more suitable for high-frequency applications. RF connectors are widely used in fields such as wireless communication equipment, radar systems, satellite communications, and radio and television equipment.
8. Power connectors
The power connector is designed to carry and transmit large currents to ensure a safe and reliable power supply to the equipment. Power connectors usually have thicker metal contacts and rugged housings, making them rugged and capable of carrying strong currents. Its size and design vary depending on the current it carries and the safety requirements of the application scenario. It is commonly used in industrial equipment, household appliances and power systems, power supplies, and large servers.
9. Automotive connectors
Automotive connectors are specially designed for automotive electronic systems. They are typically waterproof and dustproof, and can withstand vibration, extreme temperature and humidity changes in the automotive environment. They are usually used to connect various electronic systems inside cars, such as engine control units, air conditioning systems, in-car entertainment systems, navigation and safety systems, etc., thereby ensuring reliable transmission of signals and power under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Electronic connector selection depends on specific application needs, including the required currents and voltages, desired signal transmission speed, and environmental conditions. Understanding the characteristics and applicable scenarios of each connector can help us choose the most appropriate connector to ensure the regular operation of electronic equipment and the long-term stability of its performance.
