16 Pole M Connector Automotive Socket – 16 Way Straight Header, 2 x 8 Layout, Tin or Gold Plated

The “2X08” in the part number means two rows of eight positions, which gives sixteen circuits. This is a 16 pole M connector: it stands upright on the board, so the harness plugs in perpendicular to the PCB. That orientation suits modules where the cable arrives from the top of the enclosure, or where the board edge is already taken up by other parts.

The product name on this listing uses two shorthand words that are worth clearing up. “Socket” is used loosely here. The part is the board-side header, the half that is soldered to the PCB, and the cable-side housing with crimped terminals is what plugs into it. “M connector” points to the MX34 family the part is made to replace.

JAE describes MX34 as a compact, high-density line built for body and chassis ECUs, switches and sensors (see the JAE product release). A design that already names an MX34 header can use this part as a second source, and the same crimp terminals stay in use on the harness side.

Looking for a different position count? The same family is covered by the MX34 automotive connector 12 way and, on a separate listing, the 16 way MX34 connector. The full range of automotive connectors is on the products page.

This listing does not describe a sealed connector, so plan on a dry location such as the cabin or the inside of a closed module. For splash-exposed positions, see the 12 pin waterproof automotive connector. The drawing and datasheet come on request from sales@vistarelectronics.com, and if you send the JAE part number you are replacing we will confirm the match first.

DigiKey’s summary of the family also mentions a preset terminal position assurance feature and box-type socket contacts on the cable side (see the DigiKey product highlight). Those are features of the mating half, so specify them when you order the harness parts.

A sixteen-circuit automotive ECU header connector is a typical fit for a control board that collects several inputs and outputs in one plug. The same format is used well outside passenger cars wherever a small module has to connect to a vehicle-style harness.

Both platings work well when they are used correctly. Tin is cheaper and is the normal choice for power lines and general-purpose signals. Gold is the better match for small sensor signals, where a thin film on the contact could shift the reading.

The rule that matters is to use the same plating on both halves of the mated pair. A tin contact against a gold contact tends to wear unevenly in a vibrating vehicle. Tell us what the cable-side terminals use when you ask for a quote and we will match the header to them.

The header covers only one side of the joint. The other side is a housing, crimped terminals and wire of the right gauge. Our MX34 crimp terminal page lists the terminals for this format, so header and terminals can be quoted at once.

If your project might move to a different pitch or a surface-mount board, compare the options on the same range: the automotive header connector 12P, the 8 pin SMT wafer with 2.0mm pitch, the 20 pin automotive wafer connector SMT and the 2.0mm pitch wafer auto connector.

We also build finished cable assemblies to your drawing. Not sure which family suits your vehicle system? Start with the guide to automotive connector types, or read the notes on waterproof automotive connectors if the location is wet.

Ask for the footprint drawing before you release the layout, and follow the hole or pad pattern on it exactly. On a sixteen-contact part, a small pitch error adds up across the row and can make the housing hard to mate.

Leave clear space around the header so the cable-side housing can be gripped and the lock released with a fingertip or a tool. Keep tall components away from the mating path, and plan strain relief for the harness a short distance from the connector so plugging force does not load the solder joints.

Send the part number, plating, packaging (bag or tray), quantity and target delivery date through the contact page, or use the Get a Quote button at the top of this page. When you are replacing a JAE part, include its complete part number so we can check it against our drawing.

Samples are available for engineering evaluation. We normally reply within one working day with pricing, lead time and a datasheet.