What’s an electrical connector？

Definition of Electrical Connectors

Connectors are parts or devices used for electrically connecting or disconnecting circuits etc. They can connect and disconnect by hands or with simple tools without requiring special tools or processes such as soldering.

Although there are various types of connectors, the large majority are one-piece types that are used alone or two-piece types consisting of a plug and socket. One-piece types directly connect printed circuit boards and wires to connectors.
Two-piece types are divided into plug and socket, the part where the plug and the socket are fitted is called the contact part, and the part where the printed circuit board or the electric wire is attached is called the connection part.

Types & Classifications

Connector Basics

There are roughly four types of connection for connectors.

1. Board to Wire

2. Board to Board

3. Input / Output

4. Others - Jumper Plugs, IC Socket, etc.

Structure and Principle

Basic Connector Structure

There are various kinds of connectors. Connectors have various structures and parts to be used, however, basically they consists of contacts and a housing.

Contact: Contact for making electrical connection with each other when connectors are connected
Housing: Main body part into which the contact is inatalled (Usually made of insulator)

Other parts will be added depending on the type and use of the connectors. The following is an example of D sub connector.

Shell: Outer case which houses the insulator and the contact
Eyelet: Fastener that fixes the housing and the shell

Connector image (Plug side)

Connector image (Socket side)

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