Electronic Connectors Types and Terms
Types of Electronic Connectors
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vary by gender, geometry and configuration and are used to transfer
alternating current (AC) through electronic devices. AC power connectors,
which range from simple AC inlets and outlets to sophisticated power
entry modules, are used in a wide variety of industries within the commercial,
industrial and residential sectors.
-
range in amperage, which determines their application. Amp connectors
can be applied to either AC or DC applications and are used as PV array,
small power and battery, solar panel array and subarray connections,
among others.
- make connections between cable cords and electronic components.
-
are used on personal computers to establish connections for parts, such
as processors, motherboards and graphics ports. Card edge connectors
have higher maximum heat capabilities than many other connectors, due
to the heated internal environment of a PC.
- are single-conductor cables that have braided shields.
Coax connectors were used primarily in the 1980s for data transmission
purposes but can still be found in many video applications today.
- are round multi-pin connectors. DIN and
mini-DIN plugs, such as S-video connections, are considered audio connectors.
- transmit electricity between a power source and devices that rely on electric power to run.
-
are connectors in which identical or similar sections can be assembled
to provide the ideal connector size or type for the application.
-
are 1/4 inch in diameter and were originally used for telephone
connections. Mono phone jacks are used for a number of microphones,
while stereo phone jacks are often used for connecting headphones to
audio components.
- transmit power between sources and devices that rely on power to function.
- are a connection type that is designed to function
at radio frequencies. Variations of RF connectors include BNC, TNC,
N, SMA, SMB, SMC and F connectors.
-
are by far the most commonly used audio connections. RCA connectors
are used for coaxial and composite-video cables.
-
provide secure, corrosion-free contact without the risk of fraying wires.
Speaker connectors include banana plugs, binding posts, screw terminals,
spades and spring clips.
-
are a type of computer connection with a maximum data transfer rate
of about 12 megabits per second. USB 2 is an upgrade to the original
USB connector, offering a higher data transfer rate among other benefits.
Electronic Connector Terms
- A style of contact that has a split pin which provides gastight
retention when used in conjunction with a printed circuit board.
- Loss
at a connector resulting from the skewing of fiber end face angles.
- A type of configuration
in which the connector is attached to the interior of a box or panel,
along with its flanges for mounting.
- The largest or main section
of a connector to which all other parts are attached.
- A connector that
is inserted into a panel cutout from the component side of the panel.
- A fastening
device located in the center of a pair of mating connectors. On one connector
there is a threaded screw that attaches to the threaded bushing on its
mating connector.
- A device that
terminates an electrical or optical cable.
- The stationary
half of a connection that mates with a plug. Connector receptacles are
mounted on a panel or bulkhead.
- An electrically conductive
piece used in multi-circuit connectors.
- The number
of withdrawal and insertion cycles a connector must be able to withstand,
while remaining within performance levels of certain specifications.
- A device that is
attached to connectors to provide protection from foreign debris and dust.
- A tool that
is used to remove a contact from a connector.
- A projection that extends
from a connector and contains holes for mounting a connector to a panel
or mating connector.
- A device that provides
alignment when connecting mating connectors. Guide pins also prevent contact
damage due to the mismating of connectors.
- The capability
of a connector to stay assembled to a wire or cable under tension.
- The surfaces of
a multi-contact connector that face each other while the connector is
assembled.
- A connecting mechanism
into which a plug is inserted to make circuit connections.
- A short fiber optic
cable that has connectors on either end.
- The amount of signal
power lost due to defects in connectors, splices or fibers. Loss is expressed
in decibels (dB).
- A method used
to attach a connector to a panel, board or frame.
- A term that refers to an optical
connector whose fiber ends physically touch, which minimizes backreflection
and insertion loss.
- A plug that is
used to seal unoccupied contact cavities. Sealing plugs are especially
critical in environmental connectors.
- The voltage
that a connector is able to withstand for a minute without showing signs
of electrical breakdown.