Wire To Board Connectors
Wire to board connectors, also known as PCB connectors, are essential to establish connections between a cable and a printed circuit board (PCB).
Wire-to-Board Connector Types
There are various types of wire-to-board connectors, including:
- Straight connectors: The pin and receptacle are aligned in a straight line.
- Right-angle connectors: The pin is at a 90-degree angle to the receptacle, which can help save space in tight areas.
- Shrouded connectors: These have a protective shroud around the connector to prevent short circuits or accidental disconnections.
FPC Connectors
Features
Function: They allow for the transmission of electrical signals or power from a cable to a PCB, facilitating communication and power supply within electronic devices.
Components: A typical wire-to-board connector consists of a male connector (header or pin) and a female connector (receptacle or socket). The male part is usually connected to the cable, while the female part is mounted on the PCB.
Mounting: Wire-to-board connectors can be mounted on the PCB in two ways:
- Through-hole: The pins are inserted through holes in the PCB and soldered on the other side.
- Surface-mount: The pins are soldered directly onto the surface of the PCB without passing through holes.
Applications: They are widely used in various applications, including automotive, industrial, medical, and consumer electronics, where reliable and efficient connections between cables and PCBs are required.
Specifications: Wire-to-board connectors come in different pitch sizes (the distance between the centers of adjacent pins), ranging from 0.8 mm to 2.54 mm or more. The choice of pitch size depends on the application’s requirements for space and density.
Reliability: The quality and reliability of wire-to-board connectors are critical for the performance and safety of electronic devices. Factors such as material selection, design, and manufacturing processes affect their reliability.
Suppliers: Companies like Amphenol, TE Connectivity, and Molex are leading suppliers of wire-to-board connectors, offering a wide range of solutions to meet various application needs.
Sealing: Some wire-to-board connectors are designed to be sealed or waterproof, making them suitable for use in harsh environments where protection against moisture and dust is necessary.
Signal and Power: Wire-to-board connectors can be categorized into signal connectors and power connectors, depending on whether they are used for transmitting signals or supplying power.