What Are Different Types of Electrical Connectors?
If you are familiar with the very basics of electrical assemblies, whether because of personal hobbies or your profession, you likely know that there are a wide variety of electrical connectors that one may use to establish connections between individual components, devices, systems, etc. In general, electrical connectors are components used to safely and efficiently transport electrical signals. Depending on the application, these signals may vary in type, voltage, frequency, and other such attributes. To account for the diverse needs of applications, many different electrical connector types have come about. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main three connector categories that all products tend to fall under, allowing you to have a better understanding of your potential options.
When working with printed circuit boards and their related components, one will regularly come across board-to-board connectors. These connectors are optimal for restricted spaces where wire clutter can present an issue, and they are generally placed in a parallel or perpendicular layout to facilitate the connection of PCBs and other components. When choosing between board connectors, it is important to consider separability, mechanical requirements, operational temperatures, and other such factors.
With a number of board-to-board connector subtypes being available, it is useful to know that they are typically specified by the type of header that they feature. As further separations such as connector gender and contact alignment also exist, taking the time to determine your needs is very important. Like header types, board connectors also differ in the types of contacts they feature, common options including row, pitch, and plating variations.
The next major group of electrical connectors encompasses all cable-to-wire, wire-to-wire, and wire-to-cable connectors. These types of connectors are capable of linking wire-terminations, and one of the main ways in which such components are classified is based on their wire diameter or “gauge.” As a rule-of-thumb, properties like diameter and temperature range increase the lower the gauge number, and one can note that current conduction also has a relation to wire diameter. Aside from such characteristics, the method of termination is also very important to consider, and common options include quick disconnect, screw, crimp, IDC, FFC/FPC to crimp, and more.
The next group of cables can be considered a blend of the first two, coming in the form of wire connectors/cable-to-board connectors that ensure cables and wires can be connected to a printed circuit board with ease. These connectors are very commonly used as a result of their flexibility and dependability, and they may be found within automotive, industrial, telecommunication, and commercial applications. While early designs faced space limitations due to their large size, modern options have now been made compact enough to benefit restricted assemblies. Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, wire-to-board connectors and their alternatives are advantageous with their straightforward, reliable operations while typically being available at a low price point.
While these three groups encompass a majority of options, there are many subtypes within each that one should familiarize themself with before making a purchasing decision. Once you have narrowed down your needs, look no further than Aerospace Aviation 360 for procurement with our unrivaled inventory of parts and products. With over 2 billion parts listed on our inventory and the ability to source various alternatives, we can fulfill a wide range of needs and industry requirements. To get started, fill out one of our online RFQ forms to request a quote on any items of interest that you come across, and a member of our staff will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less to provide a customized solution for your comparisons. As our team is always available for customers, you can also give us a call or email at any time, and we would be more than happy to assist you as your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs.
Share
