What Is a Connector?
A connector is a component that joins two cables, boards or devices electrically in a detachable way. Unlike a soldered permanent connection, it can be plugged and unplugged.
Basic Structure
A connector usually consists of two halves: male (plug) and female (socket/receptacle). The conductive tips inside are called pins or contacts; they carry signal or power to the other side.
Common Connector Types
There are many types for different needs: USB, D-Sub, circular, FFC/FPC, board-to-board connectors, terminal blocks and, for ICs, the IC socket.
Why Is It Used?
A connector makes assembly easier, allows modules to be removed for maintenance/replacement, and lets boards be connected to each other quickly on the production line. Connecting an MCU board to a sensor without soldering a cable is the most common example.
| Criterion | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pin count | Number of signal/power lines carried |
| Pitch | Distance between pins (e.g. 2.54 mm) |
| Current/Voltage | The contact's safe carrying limit |
| Mating cycles | Plug-unplug lifetime |
Selection Criteria
The current to be carried, the pitch, the pin count, the operating environment (vibration, moisture) and the mounting type (SMD/through-hole) determine the connector choice.
Contact Resistance and Plating
In a good connector the pins are usually gold- or tin-plated. Gold plating offers low contact resistance and resistance to oxidation; it's preferred for frequent plugging or low-level signals. Tin plating is cheap but can oxidize over time and raise the contact resistance.
Common Mistakes
- Overcurrent: giving high current to a thin-pinned connector causes heating/melting.
- Wrong pitch: 2.54 mm and 2.0 mm connectors don't fit each other.
- Lifetime: a connector with a low mating cycle life shouldn't be chosen where it will be plugged often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Connector or solder?+
Which is the male?+
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