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Connectors & Sockets

The connectors & sockets section contains devices providing separable but through connections in cable-to-chassis, component-to-board, board-to-board, rack-to-panel applications, etc. Includes all types of adapters, connectors, jacks, plugs, sockets, etc.
Adapters which usually transfer signals between the I/O interfaces of devices with different input configurations; e.g., USB to Cat. 5, or an RS-232 I/O device to an RS-423 device, etc.
Adapters, Jack & Plug (118 Companies)
A fitting designed to change the terminal arrangement (or gender) of a jack, plug, socket or other receptacle, so that other than the original electrical connections are possible.
Designed to change terminal arrangement of a power connector used in a specific region of the world to function in same capacity with connectors in other international areas, e.g. a domestic power connector adapting to work in European receptacles.
Programming adapters designed to convert pin outs of one IC package into another. Can also plug into a device programmer to set specific functions of the IC. Prototyping adapters provide electrical/mechanical change from one type of IC package to another.
Connectors designed within series, changes to terminal contacts of plug jack, etc. in other types within that family, e.g. coax BNC male to BNC female. Changes between series results in couplings with other types of families, e.g. BNC male to TNC female.
Include an electrical backplane attached to a frame which serves as a common datum for electrical backplanes; including integral mating interface having a common shell to connect with separate electrical structures on the backplane.
Bus Bars & Systems (38 Companies)
Bus bars are heavy copper straps or bar used to carry high currents or to make a common connection between several circuits. Also refer to heavy copper strips used on switchboards, in power plants etc. to carry large currents.
Caps/Covers, Connector (45 Companies)
Used to seal against environmental factors and provide mechanical protection. Fits over connector ends enclosing pins/contacts as well as the mating surface. Plugs fit inside connector ends enclosing pins/contacts but leaving the mating surface exposed.
Connecting blocks used to transfer, “piggyback,” or terminate RJ-type cables utilized in telecommunications, data, computer, and network signal transfer applications.
Connector Adapters (179 Companies)
A connecting adapter whose purpose is to convert attributes of one device–similar connector type or non similar connector–to those of an otherwise incompatible device or connector.
Connector assemblies employed in various standardized interface bus connections. Applications of bus interface found in ATE, test instrumentation, computer applications, etc.
Connector Backshells (66 Companies)
Backshells used when there is need for space between rear of connector to allow for cable service loops, jumpers, filter networks, etc. Sometimes used on rack mounted sliding drawers to allow drawer extension from rack to allow for equipment maintenance.
Refers to the complete assembly with power strip of sockets on one end, a flexible cable, and a power plug on the other. Often used when many electrical devices are in proximity, e.g. audio/video devices, computer systems, etc. and all must receive power.
Push-on and quick disconnect connectors are types of connectors designed to facilitate rapid locking and unlocking of two contacts or connector halves.
Connectors, AC Power (75 Companies)
An AC connector is an electrical connector for supplying AC power and handling large voltages. Commonly packaged as two plugs with a ground. Different configurations apply in the international workplace.
Connectors, Audio & Video (116 Companies)
Audio connectors are used to affix cables to other audio equipment. Video connectors designed to provide wideband operation for passing picture/image signals, processing video signals/data, etc. Common connectors are coaxial, S-video, Cat 3, Cat 5, etc.
Connectors, Backplane (44 Companies)
A circuit board that connects several connectors in parallel to one other, so that each pin is linked to the same relative pin of all the other connectors. Used as a backbone to connect several PCB cards together to make up a complete system.
Many types of battery connectors come in different designs. Metal clips have terminals to which connecting wires are attached and spring jaws snap on to a battery terminal; similar configurations are snap on terminals or spring mounts.
Connectors, Cable (223 Companies)
A general term referring to a removable coupling device which provides electrical/mechanical junction between two cables, a cable and wire termination, or between a cable and a chassis, PCB, or enclosure, etc.
Circular connectors with metal shells refer to generic connectors manufactured with a metal casing, usually of an aluminum alloy. Often these connectors have higher strength and meet more stringent environmental conditions than non-metal casing types.
Circular connectors with plastic/composite shells refer to generic connectors which are manufactured with a plastic or polycarbonate casing. These types of connectors often used in consumer applications, medical field, data transfer, computers, etc.
Connectors, Data (95 Companies)
General term referring to connectors that handle data signals, rather than power, etc. Typical connectors utilized in computer systems, digital signal transfer, processing, programming control, etc.
Connectors, DC Power (69 Companies)
A DC connector is an electrical connector for supplying DC power and handling large current. Generally packaged as a cylindrical coaxial-shaped single conductor center plug with internal shell as DC return.
Connectors, DIN (151 Companies)
High frequency, multipin, electrical connectors meeting requirements set by German standards organization (now replaced by international IEC 60130-9). Ends of DIN connectors are round, notched, and protected by a metal skirt to ensure proper pin polarity.
Connectors, D-Subminiature (146 Companies)
Connectors designed with a mating face shaped like the letter “D.” The connector pin/sockets are uniquely mated since the male and female connectors can join in one configuration. These connectors can be found in PCBs, chassis, or cables.
Connectors, Edge (62 Companies)
Usually a one-piece receptacle designed to receive the edge of a PCB and connect to PCB male contacts. The connector may contain either a single or double row of female contacts. Often designed with a polarized pin or a key to ensure correct polarity.
Fiber optic connectors are used to align and join two or more fiber optic cables, terminals, transmitters, receivers, or other fiber optic equipment to one another or within a system.
Special connector types designed with internal filtering to reduce EMI/RFI. Both power and signal lines are filtered. Applications include wireless/telecommunications systems, very high speed digital systems, aerospace/military, avionics, computers, etc.
FFC and FPC connectors refer to a variety of connectors that are used on extremely flat cable or ribbon cable. Often used in high density electronic applications like laptops, cell phones, PDAs, etc.
Fused connectors are designed to be integrated with a replaceable fuse and fuse holder. Used to prevent excessive current flow through the connector and to prevent surges from passing to/from load. Many times connectors are part of a terminal block.
Connectors, Hardmetric (17 Companies)
Hardmetric connectors use a dense pin grid of 2.00 mm and meet requirements of the IEC 61076-4-101 standard. Connectors suitable for use in high speed data, telephony, CompactPCI applications, and feature high density and fast signal transmission.
Hermetically sealed connectors are considered airtight, waterproof resistant, unaffected by water, or covered with material that resists water passage. Types of connectors used in military/aerospace, marine, rugged environmental, etc. applications.
General purpose term referring to connectors which posses a multitude of pins/sockets for numerous applications. Some contacts may be for power, or audio, data, telecom, etc. Utilized in military/aerospace, computer, telecommunications, etc. applications.
Defined as connectors operating in circuits where voltage transfer can exceed 500 volts or more. Used in power supplies, power distribution systems, industrial machinery, X-ray devices, military uses, medical applications, etc.
An IDC connector pierces insulation on wire to make connection–requiring no tools and removing need to strip wire before connecting. Usually for low current applications, e.g. telecoms, networking, connections between parts of computer system, etc.
With LIF, PCB connector mating/un-mating forces are considerably reduced. In ZIF connectors, contact surfaces don’t mechanically touch until completely mated–requiring no insertion force. After mating, contacts actuated and make solid electrical contact.
High Speed Mezzanine Connectors are designed to meet the needs of up to 10Gb/s applications.
Microminiature and nano connectors designed with contact centers of 0.05” pitch and 0.025” pitch resp. Usually have one or more rows of plated contacts. Typically used in the high end military/defense market, but now find consumer applications.
Connectors, Militarized (45 Companies)
Connectors that are fully compliant with military specifications and usually meeting stringent environmental conditions.
General purpose connectors that have a variety of pin/socket types for several applications. Some contacts may be for power, some for audio, data, telecom, etc. Various capabilities e.g. high voltage, high current, etc. may be included in configuration.
Found as board-to-board or board-to-flex cable interconnects and used in applications for data transfer, computers, mobile phones, etc.
Connectors, PCB, Card Edge (143 Companies)
Card edge connectors are mounted on connection end of a PCB to provide input/output transfer of signals, data, power, etc. in/out of the PCB. Depending upon the board design, connectors have various number of contacts, termination type of contacts, etc.
Connectors, Power (112 Companies)
An electrical connector designed to carry a relatively large amount of electrical power, usually as DC or low-frequency AC. Special pins and/or terminals may be required in construction to handle the large amounts of current.
Connector engineered to withstand large currents or high voltages. Can be used in applications for power distribution systems, power supplies, industrial machinery, military uses, medical applications, broadcasting, etc.
Connectors, Rack & Panel (107 Companies)
Connectors attached to panel or side of equipment so that engagement occurs when items brought together. Also may connect to inside rear of cabinet housing a drawer. Extending out sliding drawer permits convenient examination of equipment.
Connectors, Rectangular (82 Companies)
Generic multipin connectors, rectangular-shaped in cross section. Can use pins or sockets with contact size dependent upon current requirements. Used in many applications, e.g. data, computer, networks, etc. and can be mounted to cables, panels, etc.
Generic multipin connectors, rectangular-shaped in cross sections which are used primarily for computer hardware. Types frequently encountered are DB, IDC, Molex, etc. Many connectors are keyed or polarized to ensure proper connectivity.
Shielded connectors which provide positive, low insertion loss with coaxial or triaxial connections at RF and microwave frequencies.
Connectors, Shielded (54 Companies)
A connector designed to reduce the influence from stray voltages or currents induced by electric or magnetic fields from affecting connector performance or the input/output of the external circuitry/components to the connector.
Connectors, Solderless (130 Companies)
Device for clamping two wires firmly together to provide a good connection without solder. A common form is a cap with tapered internal threads, which are twisted over the exposed ends of the wires.
Connectors, Surface Mount (135 Companies)
Connectors whose terminals are mounted directly to pads or foil patterns of a PCB. Generally used in designs where space considerations are at a premium.
Referred to as RJ connectors and used to connect or terminate cables employed in telecommunications applications. Often includes filtering to provide protection from EMI, RFI, and ESD. Connectors also used for data, computer, and network signal transfer.
Test clips are spring clips secured to end of insulated wire for quick temporary connections. Similarly alligator clips are spring-loaded metal “alligator jaw” clips. A Fahnestock clip is flexible metal bent over where a wire can be temporarily inserted.
Connectors, Thermocouple (43 Companies)
Generally round pin plugs or sockets designed for fast and easy connection of thermocouple cable or thermocouple wire to temperature sensor instrumentation or controller.
Cords, Patch (67 Companies)
Patch cords, sometimes called attachment cords, are short cables with a plug or a pair of clips on each end for conveniently connecting two pieces of equipment together for temporary use. Often found in audio systems, labs, test areas, etc.
Headers, DIP (51 Companies)
A feed-through device containing a dual in-line socket that forms a conductive path through an insulating surface or PCB.
Headers, Socket (82 Companies)
Usually are PC board-mounted arrays of pins or sockets that are used to transfer signals to paths on or off the board.
Headers, Strip (69 Companies)
General purpose feed-through devices forming a conductive path through an insulating plate, surface or PCB. Characterized with rows of sockets that mate with corresponding elements to provide electrical paths.
A chip carrier, also known as a chip container or chip package, is a container for an IC. The carrier usually provides metal leads, or "pins," which are sturdy enough to electrically and mechanically connect the silicon microchip to a circuit board.
A combination of numerous discrete components in the body of the connector. May include modular connector, transformers, LEDs, resistors, capacitor, and chokes. Combination maximizes space, increases efficiency and reliability, and reduces system noise..
Interconnection Systems (83 Companies)
The electrical and mechanical interconnection of systems that interface with one another in electronic equipment. Also refers to interconnection in PCBs, e. g. intra-module, module to motherboard, intra-motherboard, backpanel wiring, input/output, etc.
Jacks (All Types) (116 Companies)
General term referring to a socket, jack, receptacle, outlet, etc. to which the wires of a circuit are connected at one end, and a plug, pin, etc. is inserted in the other end.
Jacks, Coaxial (57 Companies)
A jack or socket used to provide a connection between two coaxial lines or between a coaxial line and the equipment. Most often used at RF/microwave frequencies.
Jumpers (69 Companies)
Short length of wire/cable used to complete or bypass a circuit temporarily. Usually designed with plug or socket on either end of the cable. Also refers to direct electrical connection–not a portion of the conductive pattern–between two points in a PCB.
Modules, DIN Interface (38 Companies)
A system of multipin jacks and plugs which follow the DIN international standard, allowing several connections to be made at once.
Plug & Jack Sets (70 Companies)
Plugs are male connectors that fit into female sockets. Plugs have contacts that are pins or blades and connect mechanically/electrically to holes or slots in socket. To ensure proper connections, sets are the same series or family of connectors.
Plugs, Coaxial (52 Companies)
A plug or pin used to provide a connection between two coaxial lines or between a coaxial line and the equipment. Most often used at RF/microwave frequencies.
General term referring to a plug, pin, blade, etc. to which wires of a circuit are connected to at one end, and is inserted into a socket, jack, receptacle, outlet, etc. at the other end to make continuous electrical contact.
Plugs, International (40 Companies)
International plugs or pins are designed to work with connectors in international areas, e.g. equipment in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc., where the plug connections may be different than in domestic areas.
Posts, Binding (30 Companies)
A bolt and nut terminal for making temporary electrical connections. Holds or clamps electrical conductors in a rigid position.
Sockets, Array (32 Companies)
Refers to generic sockets which accept a multitude of IC packages. Such sockets are DIP, SIP, BGA, LGA, MCGA, PGA, PLCC, QFP, SOP, ZIP, etc.
A type of surface-mount packaging used for integrated circuits. In a BGA socket, the pins are replaced by balls of solder stuck to the bottom of the package.
Precision test sockets.
IC sockets which accept DIL/DIP or DIMM memory chips. DIP chips usually contain DIPn pins, where "n" is the total number of pins, while DIMM memory chips usually contain up to 168 pins and have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module.
IC sockets are female connectors which accept semiconductor chips on PCBs or larger-scale devices. Sockets made of metal or plastic and contain one or several rows of contacts which mate with corresponding elements to provide an electrical path on PCB.
Sockets, International (24 Companies)
International sockets or jacks are designed to work with connectors in international areas, e.g. equipment in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc., where the socket connections may be different than in domestic areas.
Leadless carriers are low profile multilayer packages used in SMT applications or socketing. Lead counts range from 3–84. Sockets have no metallic external leads; offer short internal traces to PCB. Disposable carriers peel away after soldering.
Sockets, LIF and ZIF (53 Companies)
LIF sockets reduce the issues of insertion and extraction of components by lowering the insertion force of a conventional socket. ZIF sockets, used with ICs, almost completely reduce insertion and extraction forces.
PGA refers to arrangement of pins on the IC packaging. Pins are arranged in a square array and mounted through hole or by using a socket. PGAs are primarily used in applications that require more pins than what older packages, (e.g. the DIP) provide.
General product heading referring to sockets used to transfer relatively high current or power. Sockets can contain single or multiple inserts, and may have mixed pin configurations.
IC sockets which accept SIP or SIMM memory chips. SIP chips usually contain 30 pins along one edge which mate with matching holes in PCB, while SIMM memory chips usually contain 30 pins or the wider 72 pins.
Sockets, Test (56 Companies)
A general term referring to a socket that makes a circuit or circuit element accessible for testing purposes.
Transistor/diode sockets generally mounted on chassis or PCB. Components soldered to socket or lands on connecting PCB. Vacuum tubes sockets typically mounted in holes on metal chassis. Wires or other components soldered to lugs on underside of socket.
Terminations, Cable (81 Companies)
Cable terminations are installed at the end of a cable to prevent signals from reflecting back and possibly causing EMI. Also provides a fixed impedance (or resistive) reference against which changes are measured.
Wire Connectors (67 Companies)
General term referring to a conductive device for fastening two or more components parts together. The connection may be temporary or solderless as for portable/temporary equipment, or may be a permanent electrical joint between wires, cables, or devices.
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3M™ Ultra Hard Metric (UHM) Fully Shielded 2 mm Hard Metric Socket Connectors are engineered to deliver more than 7 Gbps backplane performance for systems based on 2 mm hard-metric connectors. System design engineers working with 2 mm hard-metric-based designs, such as VME or CompactPCI®, can now dramatically increase overall system performance while preserving their existing investment.

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Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to verify signal integrity, impedance matching and crosstalk performance for high-speed applications and how to design a superior coaxial or twin-axial high speed cable assembly.


Phoenix Contact and Sager Electronics invites you to join us for an exciting Webcast to discuss the COMBICON Power PC 5 Product Family. COMBICON Power PCB terminal blocks are designed to carry current loads of 16A to 125A.

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As many design engineers know, there isn’t an easy way to upgrade an existing 2 mm hard metric backplane to multi-gigabit speeds without a costly redesign. So, what can equipment vendors do to help customers supercharge legacy backplane systems without undertaking disruptive forklift upgrades?

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ebm-papst Inc. introduces a revolutionary new fan line: the S-Force generation of compact fans. Ranging from 80 mm to 172 mm in size, these extraordinary air movers are the most powerful performance fans on the market! Be one of the first to discover how this new technology will impact various cooling applications. Join ebm-papst™s Mark Shiring as he discusses the range of S-Force products, performance specifications, targets markets and availability of this ground-breaking new family of fans.


Application Reference Materials – Free Literature Search - App Notes, Design Kits, Eval Boards, Reference Designs, and more. Submit a request for Literature.

CDM Electronics offers the Cooper Interconnect 5015 series for superior quality and reliability at a competitive price. Features and Benefits:

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CDM Electronics, Inc.

877-386-8200
New Jersey • California • Texas

You know electronics. We know electronics packaging. Give us your most challenging packaging problem. We can engineer it for you.

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Equipto Electronics Corp.

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Aurora, IL 60506

General Cable's new Carol® Brand Electronics Catalog features its complete line of electronic wire and cable for data transmission, sound, security, fire alarm and professional audio/visual broadcast applications.

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The latest connector reference book from High-Rel connector manufacturer, Harwin, includes 24 pages of new product information and is now available to view online.

New for 2010 are significant additions to the Datamate High-Rel range including; the fast mate 101Lok which eliminates the need for jackscrews; Trio-Tek contacts which enable automated crimping and 3 row M83 connectors.

Harwin USA

Interpower is offering you a chance to request a copy of our popular Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns wall-chart! This wall-chart makes it easy for you to design products for worldwide markets. Interpower can send you one by mail or you can download your copy by going to www.interpower.com/guide.

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800-662-2290
info@interpower.com
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