TECHNOLOGIES
Whatarethetypesofconnectors?
wooteam S April 11, 2023
A connector refers to an electromechanical device which used to join cables or electrical conductors together. Connectors are made of various materials depending upon their roles and functions Connectors are commonly used in electrical and electronic systems to provide a reliable and easy way to connect and disconnect components or wires
Connectors come in a variety of qualities, sizes, shapes, and complexities All the physical characteristics of different connector types are commonly dependent upon their functions such as connecting power sources, sensors, actuators, switches, and other devices in a system
The choice of connector depends on factors such as the type of conductor or cable being used, the voltage and current requirements of the system, the environmental conditions (e g , temperature, moisture, vibration), and the required reliability and durability of the connection Proper selection and installation of connectors are crucial to ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical and electronic systems
ConnectorsAssembly
There are two main parts of manufactured connectors:
Terminals: These are the metal components of the connector that make the actual electrical connection between two or more conductors The terminals can be male or female, depending on whether they plug into or receive a plug from another connector. They are designed to ensure a low resistance and secure connection, even in harsh environments with high temperatures, vibrations, or moisture Terminals are made of various materials such as copper, brass, or gold, depending on the specific application requirements
Housing: This is the outer part of the connector that holds the electrical terminals in place. The housing is usually made of plastic or metal and is designed to provide mechanical support and protection for the terminals The housing also has features such as locking mechanisms, sealing gaskets, and strain relief to ensure a secure and reliable connection
TypesofConnectorsandApplications
Every connector has a female end called jacks and a male end called plugs There are varieties of individual electrical connector types that are divided into several categories
ClassificationofConnectorsBasedonTheirApplications
Keyed connectors: Such connectors can be joined when they are appropriately aligned together This prevents accidental damage to the connector’s terminal pins
ESD Shielded connectors: These connectors get protection from electrostatic discharge, which damages the components of the circuit
Locked connectors: They have an inbuilt locking system that supports keeping the connection in place
EMI Filtering: They have a spare feature that is mounted on the housing This helps the connectors to protect themselves from electromagnetic interference.
Waterresistant connectors: They can resist even the toughest wet conditions as they create an extremely tight seal
Hermetically sealed connectors: They are used underwater as they do not get damaged by the water pressure
Oil/moisture resistant connectors: They are developed to safeguard electrical connections from damage caused by moisture or oil
ClassificationofConnectorsBasedonConnectorLevel
Input/Output or BoxtoBox connectors: They are used for attaching external devices like displays, keyboards, printers, and displays to the server
WiretoBoard connectors: They are used to connect wires to a printed circuit board to allow a link between circuits This also comes under electrical connectors based on termination end connectors
Chip to Package connectors: They include a conductive member electrically linked with terminals and the remote device. Chiptopackage connectors are wherein the terminals are arranged to be mechanically and electrically linked with a circuit board
BoardtoBoard connectors: This type of tool is developed to provide signal connections between two printed circuit boards (PCB).
ClassificationofConnectorsBasedonConnectorFunction
ClassificationofConnectorsBasedonConnectorFunction
Terminal block: This type of connector terminates a single wire and connects it with a circuit They help to connect wires from the same circuit without cutting the wires They are further categorized into:
Barrier strips
Pluggable terminal blocks
Printed circuit board terminal blocks (PCB)
Multiple terminal connectors
Binding post: They are significantly used in test fixtures for wire termination. You have commonly seen them in audio amplifiers and loudspeakers
Blade: These connectors comprise conductive blades which are flat and links single wires to the blade receptacles. These are connected to the connecting wires and are commonly applied in thermostats and speakers
Ring and spade: These connections are embedded between a screw and a threaded post It enables easy connections which can be removed easily as the lock is partially closed.
Plug and socket: They are appropriate to be used in control circuits They offer connections between control components and circuitry They are applied in appliances to manage audio and video like HDMI, network computing, USB, and so on.
Rack and panel: They are developed to connect any tool to an equipment rack
ClassificationofConnectorsBasedonConnectorLevelTermination
Crimping: It makes a connection between the connectors and wires that can be segregated easily after application They are safe, easy, and costeffective connectors
Insulation displacement connectors: IDC connects insulated wires and does not include any insulation prestripping technique When electric insulators are inserted, blade groups help to cut the insulation It helps to reduce the current managing potential.
TAGS: # CONNECTORS
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