How Many PCB Connector Types Are There? What Are They Used For?

As electronic devices shrink but gain capabilities, efficient and durable interfaces become critical for connecting components within tight spaces. Circuit board connectors serve the essential role of linking the many parts on printed circuit boards. With PCBs core to device functionality, choosing optimal connectors is crucial. The wide range of connector shapes, sizes, mountings, and attributes can prove daunting. However, breaking down key properties and applications provides guidance on selection. In this article, we will explore the diverse PCB connector types, examining their essential characteristics, uses, and advantages.

Common PCB Connector Types and Their Uses

Various types of PCB connectors are available to suit different applications, with a continuously growing assortment. Here, we’ll outline commonly utilized PCB connector types found in manufacturing:

Pin and Socket Connectors

Numerous PCB connector types leverage mating pin and socket pairs to create modular connectivity. The male pins of these circuit board connector types insert into corresponding female sockets, forming both electrical and mechanical bonds without soldering. These plug-and-play PCB connector types allow cables to simply link boards with peripheral devices and external systems. Common applications include USB ports, PCI slots, HDMI outputs, Ethernet jacks, and serial interfaces. Utilizing such a pin-socket PCB connector avoids soldering during upgrades or replacements. The accessibility and versatility of pin-socket PCB connector types make them suitable for many applications needing removable PCB interfaces.

Board-to-Board Connectors

Board-to-board connectors enable reliable horizontal mating of printed circuit boards. They allow daughter cards and circuit modules to mount perpendicularly onto motherboards without space-consuming side-by-side placements. The perpendicular stacking simplifies tracing between boards versus layouts attempting sideways connectivity jumps across modules. Modular perpendicular mounts facilitate production and servicing, making board-to-board connectors suitable for space-constrained multi-board systems ranging from computers to telecom gear.

Wire-to-Board Connectors

Wire-to-board connectors excel when discrete wires or cables require secure termination to printed circuit boards instead of dedicated PCB connectors. Insulation displacement connectors eliminate extra devising and stripping, allowing direct soldered insertion of wire leads. Beyond individual wires, wire-to-board techniques effectively mount ribbon cables. This condenses assembly while enabling quality wire connectivity from intermediary signals or power transfer across electronic equipment ranging from appliances to industrial machinery.

USB Connectors

USB connectors allow data and power transmission between peripherals and electronic equipment. Commonly integrated on printed circuit boards, USB connectors enable interfacing devices such as thumb drives, keyboards, and cameras. While USB connector types have progressed from larger Type-A and Type-B to compact Micro-USB and reversible Type-C variants, all provide robust plug-and-play connectivity for diverse peripherals as computing demands advance.

JST Connectors

JST connectors provide quality compact connectivity originally developed by Japan Solderless Terminal (JST) for electronics needing miniaturized interfaces. Precision engineering with secure locking mechanisms makes various JST series ideal for power and signal transmission in space-constrained consumer products, automotive systems, robotics and more. JST connectors’ small yet robust designs enable efficient component mounting and replacements across printed circuit boards where vibration resistance and connectivity longevity get prioritized within tight equipment spaces.

D-Sub Connectors

The versatile D-Sub connectors feature D-shaped plastic housings enclosing pins facilitating data transmission between devices. Derived from names like D-shell or DB-25 denoting housing dimensions, various D-Sub pin configurations suit multiple applications. The commonly used DB-9 version provides serial RS232 links, while 15-pin DB-15 and larger 25-pin DB-25 D-Sub connectors support legacy analog video/audio signals. Though formats evolved, D-Sub connectors maintain relevance for enabling serial communications and backwards compatibility.

Molex Connectors

Molex connector systems have delivered dependable power across electronics for decades. Originating to drive early computer components needing durable connections, Molex connectors enable high currents to flow between printed circuit boards and devices without contact failures. This resilient wiring harness connector method continues proving a versatile solution for safely channeling power in demanding equipment environments.

Power Connectors

Varying power connector designs serve to safely deliver high amperages and voltages between external supplies and printed circuit board electronics demanding significant wattages.

Popular robust power connector configurations able to endure equipment electrical loads range from simple barrel types to multi-pin circular aviation connectors to heavy-duty industrial screw terminals rated to channel hundreds of amps reliably. Component and circuit lifespan hinges on properly specified power connectors guaranteeing electrical links remain intact despite outsized currents punishing connector contacts and housings day after day.

RF/Coaxial Connectors

Radio Frequency (RF) coaxial connector design priorities center on enabling clean propagation of high frequency signals above 100MHz without distortion. Precision RF connectors like subminiature SMA, SSMT and TNC types maintain proper line impedance across mated junctions, preventing reflection losses. This coaxial connector capability allows efficient microwave signal flows up to 18GHz used in radar, satellites, mobile infrastructure and automotive electronics. Robust RF connector construction ensures reliable connectivity despite vibration while transferring signals with minimal interruption upon interface mating and disconnections.

How to Select the Optimal Connectors?

Selecting optimal connectors is crucial for establishing reliable communication pathways on PCBs based on electrical demands. While standard options cover most needs, consider specialized connectors for extreme temperatures, corrosion resistance, EMI shielding, liquid protection, etc. When deciding, focus on matching signal types, configuration schemes, mechanical stability, expected lifetime, and costs to application requirements.

Key factors include pitch size and number of pins (more pins enable future expansion but require dense, precisely routed PCBs), current/voltage ratings (prevent overloads damaging circuitry or connectors), intended signal frequencies (high frequencies need closely-spaced contacts optimizing propagation), reliability requirements (mission-critical applications need exceptionally robust connectors), and budget (balance capabilities against costs, but don’t compromise key functionality due to expenses). Carefully weighing these factors will lead to selecting optimized connectors establishing reliable communication pathways for PCB success throughout product lifetimes. Discuss unique project demands with manufacturers to determine ideal technical capabilities within budget constraints.

Final Thoughts

In this blog post, we delve into various PCB connector types that play a critical role in establishing reliable connections between internal and external components. These connectors facilitate smooth communication and efficient power transmission within the PCB. With a range of options, each boasting unique features and applications, choosing the right connectors becomes pivotal for achieving peak performance. If further questions arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Drawing from our expertise and extensive experience in utilizing diverse PCB connector types throughout electronic design and assembly, we’re well-equipped to provide assistance.