Electronic Connectors Industry Information

Electronic connectors basically establish an inseparable connection between two points. This electronic connection allows a signal to pass between the points with very little distortion or loss. The contact system of electric connectors is its essential functional element. The contact system consists of the dimensional configuration, base metal and contact finish or plating. The design of electronic connectors is a sophisticated material system. The application environments are complex and strongly interactive with the design. Electronic connectors housings, which are typically made of glass and mineral-filled thermoplastics, insulate individual leads and provide a reaction plate for preloaded leads and a means by which pick-and-place machines grasp the connector. The electronic connectors housings sometimes contain alignment pins that aid in accurate placement.

The dimensional configuration of a contact system establishes the mechanical features, contact forces and density requirements of electronic connectors. These requirements are highly influenced by space and density specifications. The base metal is the element through which a signal passes in DC circuits and that establishes contact spring rates and the bulk resistance of a contact system. Unprotected base metals will degrade electrical performance by forming electrically disruptive films and oxides. The base metal is protected by a contact finish. The plating gives special properties, such as corrosion resistance and signal carrying capacity at high frequency, to the base metal.

There is a staggering array of electronic connectors types. AC power connectors transfer alternating current through several different types of devices and are sometimes equipped with important safety features, such as ground fault interruption indicators, integrated surge or fuse protection devices or a quick-mating geometry so the electronic connectors can be rapidly connected and disconnected. Audio connectors connect cables to audio equipment. Audio connectors often have features that include XLR connectors and RCA connectors and may be shielded, lockable, waterproof and field replaceable. Circular connectors are mostly used for external interfacing in applications such as measuring equipment, industrial sensors, industrial equipment, machines, computers, etc. Other types of connectors include PCB, card edge, test and mil-spec connectors and many, many more.

There are many options for the features of electronic connectors that permit their usage in a wide variety of industries, including braking systems manufacturers, medical instruments, precision laboratory equipment, metering devices, fiber optics, industrial components, etc. Electronic connectors may be male or female. Male electronic connectors, also referred to as "headers" or "free connectors," are plugs that mate with receptacles, jacks, outlets, etc. Female electronic connectors are jacks or other devices into which plugs may be inserted. Base metals may be plated with nickel, silver, gold or copper, if they are plated at all. The geometry of electronic connectors may be straight or bent at a right angle. Three types of mounting styles are surface mount technology (SMT), PC mount and receptacles. SMT allows small components to be placed directly onto a circuit board. PC mounted connectors are directly attached to the printed circuit board through pre-drilled holes in the board or by soldering them permanently to the PC board. Electronic connectors with receptacle mounting are utilized in applications that require the connector to fit a panel cutout.