PCB Connector Types: A Complete Guide to Identification, Selection, and Applications

Aug 26, 2026 Leave a message

PCB Connector Types: A Complete Guide to Identification, Selection, and Applications

PCB connectors provide detachable electrical and mechanical interfaces between printed circuit boards, wires, cables, modules, and external devices.

The difficult part is rarely finding a connector that looks right. The difficult part is verifying that it is actually right.

 

Two connectors can have the same number of contacts and still differ in pitch, mating interface, mounting method, dimensions, current rating, or mechanical retention. A replacement that fits the board can still be electrically or mechanically unsuitable.

 

This guide covers the major PCB connector types, how to identify an existing connector, which specifications matter during selection, how to compare similar parts, and how to verify a replacement before it reaches production.


PCB Connector Basics: What You Actually Need to Know

What Is a PCB Connector?

A PCB connector is an electrical and mechanical interface used to connect a printed circuit board with another board, wire, cable, module, or external device.

Unlike a permanent soldered connection, a connector can provide a detachable interface for assembly, maintenance, modularity, or repeated mating.

Depending on the application, a PCB connector may carry:

  • Power
  • Digital signals
  • Analog signals
  • High-speed data
  • Control signals
  • Sensor connections
  • Communication interfaces

A typical connector system may include a housing, conductive contacts or terminals, and mechanical features such as a latch, polarization, keying, or retention mechanism.

The connector is therefore not just a plastic housing with pins. The mating interface, terminal system, PCB attachment, and operating conditions all affect whether it is suitable.


How Is a PCB Connector Different From a Cable Connector?

The distinction is useful when identifying or replacing a connector.

 

A PCB connector is generally associated with an interface mounted on or connected to a PCB. A cable connector is associated with terminating or joining a wire or cable.

 

A wire-to-board system, for example, may contain:

 

Wire → Terminal → Housing → PCB Header

 

The housing is only one part of the interconnection system.

 

This matters when sourcing a replacement. Matching the housing while overlooking the terminal, wire size, or mating component can produce an apparently correct but unusable assembly.


The Main PCB Connector Types at a Glance

A practical classification starts with the connection being made rather than the connector's brand or appearance.

Connector Type Primary Connection Typical Applications Main Advantage Main Selection Concern
Wire-to-Board Wire → PCB Internal wiring, controls, power Flexible wiring Terminal and wire compatibility
Board-to-Board PCB → PCB Modular electronics Compact interconnection Alignment and stack height
Wire-to-Wire Wire → Wire Cable harnesses Flexible routing Not directly mounted to PCB
FFC/FPC Flat cable → PCB Compact electronics Low profile Cable and locking compatibility
Card Edge PCB edge → connector Modules, expansion boards Replaceable modules Contact and mechanical wear
I/O PCB → external cable/device USB, display, networking Standard external interface Mechanical and signal requirements
Power Power source → PCB/system Industrial and power electronics Higher current capability Thermal and electrical limits

Commercial connector portfolios show why these categories cannot be reduced to pin count alone. TE, for example, separates PCB connector families into board-to-board, wire-to-board, card-edge, internal I/O and other application-oriented categories.


Choose the Connector Family Based on What You Need to Connect

The first selection question should be simple:

 

What exactly are you connecting?

That answer usually eliminates more options than starting with a connector catalog.https://www.xhsconn.com/communication-connector/din41612-connector/din-41612-b-type-female-connector.html

 

Need to Connect a Wire or Cable to a PCB?

Choose a wire-to-board connector when a discrete wire, cable, or harness needs to terminate at a PCB.

Common applications include:

  • Power distribution
  • Internal signal wiring
  • Sensors
  • Motors
  • Control systems
  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial equipment

Wire-to-board systems can include separate wires, terminals, housings, and PCB headers. TE's connector documentation illustrates this as a complete interconnect system rather than a single component.

Check the complete system for:

  • Wire gauge
  • Terminal type
  • Current rating
  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Locking mechanism
  • PCB mounting method
  • Wire-entry direction

The housing may fit while the terminal does not.


Need to Connect Two PCBs?

Board-to-board connectors connect two printed circuit boards directly.

Common configurations include:

  • Parallel board stacking
  • Perpendicular PCB connections
  • Mezzanine connections
  • Coplanar connections
  • For compact products, the important variables often include:
  • Pitch
  • Mated height
  • Contact count
  • PCB-to-PCB spacing
  • Alignment tolerance
  • Mechanical retention
  • Mating direction
  • Current capacity

Fine-pitch board-to-board families can achieve very small footprints and low stack heights. TE, for example, currently offers board-to-board families at pitches down to 0.35 mm, with specified stack heights and contact counts.

The smaller the interface, the less room you have for alignment and assembly error.


Need a Flexible, Low-Profile Connection?

FFC and FPC connectors are used when a flat flexible cable or flexible circuit needs to connect to a PCB.

They are common in:

  • Displays
  • Cameras
  • Portable electronics
  • Printers
  • Compact control systems
  • Consumer electronics
  • Their main advantage is packaging efficiency.
  • Selection still depends on:
  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Cable type
  • Contact orientation
  • Insertion direction
  • Locking mechanism
  • Connector height

A connector designed for one FFC/FPC contact orientation may not work with a visually similar cable arrangement.https://www.xhsconn.com/communication-connector/din41612-connector/din-41612-20pin-connector.html


Need an External Interface?

External I/O connectors connect a PCB to a cable, peripheral device, or user-accessible interface.

Examples include:

  • USB
  • HDMI
  • Ethernet
  • Display interfaces
  • Audio interfaces

Unlike an internal connector, an external interface may experience repeated insertion, cable loads, impact, or environmental exposure.

Check:

  • Mating cycles
  • Mechanical retention
  • Shielding
  • EMI/EMC requirements
  • Signal integrity
  • Panel mounting
  • Environmental protection

For high-speed interfaces, connector selection also needs to be considered as part of the complete signal path rather than as an isolated component.


Need High-Current or Harsh-Environment Connectivity?

Power and rugged connector systems are used where electrical load or environmental stress is significant.

Relevant applications include:

The practical selection criteria can include:

  • Current
  • Temperature
  • Wire size
  • Contact configuration
  • Vibration
  • Mechanical retention
  • Sealing
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Mating cycles

Real-world product families demonstrate how widely these parameters vary. TE's Dynamic series, for example, spans different pitches, current ratings, voltage ratings, wire-to-board configurations, and termination methods across its connector families.

Never treat the connector's nominal current rating as an isolated number.


How to Identify a PCB Connector You Already Have

When replacing an existing connector, a photograph is a starting point-not proof of identity.

Use the following sequence.

1. Determine the Connection Type

Identify whether the connector is:

  • Wire-to-board
  • Board-to-board
  • Wire-to-wire
  • FFC/FPC
  • Card edge
  • External I/O
  • Power

This establishes the connector family before you start comparing individual parts.https://www.xhsconn.com/automotive-connector/mqs-connector/arduino-stackable-stacking-pin-header.html


2. Count the Pins or Circuits

Record:

  • Total positions
  • Number of rows
  • Contact arrangement
  • But don't stop there.

Two connectors can have identical contact counts and different pitch, dimensions, mating interfaces, or electrical ratings.


3. Measure the Pitch

Pitch is the center-to-center distance between adjacent contacts.

 

For an existing connector, measure across multiple contact intervals where possible rather than estimating the gap between two individual contacts.

For example:

 

Distance across 10 contact intervals ÷ 10 = approximate pitch

 

Use the manufacturer's mechanical drawing for final confirmation.

 

Actual connector families demonstrate why pitch is a major differentiator: Molex and TE product specifications routinely list pitch as a primary physical parameter alongside circuit count, current, mounting, and other characteristics.


4. Check Orientation and Mounting

Record:

  • Surface mount
  • Through-hole
  • Press-fit
  • Vertical
  • Right-angle

Also check the mating direction.

 

A connector can match the pitch and contact count and still fail because the cable enters from the wrong direction or the PCB footprint is different.


5. Examine Locking and Keying Features

Look for:

  • Latches
  • Friction locks
  • Positive locks
  • Polarization
  • Keying
  • Secondary locks

Terminal position assurance features

 

These features help prevent incorrect mating and unintended separation.

Molex product specifications, for example, separately identify mating lock, keying, polarization, PCB retention, orientation, and mating cycles rather than treating them as one generic "connector" attribute.


6. Check the Housing and Contact Arrangement

Record:

  • Overall length
  • Width
  • Height
  • Number of rows
  • Contact position
  • Terminal arrangement
  • Mating height

If a drawing is available, use dimensional data rather than scaling a product photograph.


7. Look for Manufacturer Marks or Part Numbers

Check the connector housing and PCB for:

  • Manufacturer logo
  • Part number
  • Series marking
  • Date code
  • Assembly code

If a part number is available, use the manufacturer's product drawing and specification sheet to confirm the physical part.

 

For example, manufacturer product pages commonly provide mechanical drawings, CAD files, product specifications, and mating information alongside the product number.


PCB Connector Identification Checklist

Record these before searching for a replacement:

  • Connector family
  • Circuit count
  • Number of rows
  • Pitch
  • Orientation
  • Mounting method
  • Dimensions
  • Height
  • Locking mechanism
  • Contact arrangement
  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Wire gauge
  • Manufacturer
  • Part number
  • Application

A good identification record is more valuable than a better guess.https://www.xhsconn.com/pin-header/0-8mm-pin-header/0-5mm-pitch-fpc-lvds-type-with-zif-smt-type.html


The Specifications That Actually Determine Connector Selection

The most useful connector specifications are the ones that can eliminate an unsuitable part.

 

Pitch

 

Pitch defines the center-to-center spacing between adjacent contacts.

 

A smaller pitch can support higher contact density and smaller connector footprints. Fine-pitch board-to-board products are explicitly designed to

reduce PCB space and connector height.

 

But smaller is not automatically better.

 

As pitch decreases, PCB layout, assembly, inspection, and mating alignment can become more demanding.


Number of Circuits or Contacts

Start with the required electrical connections, then account for:

  • Power
  • Ground
  • Signal pairs
  • Shielding
  • Spare circuits
  • Future expansion

Do not select the minimum contact count simply because it fits the schematic.

 

The connector should accommodate the complete interface architecture.


Current Rating

Current rating describes the connector's specified current capability under defined conditions.

 

Actual connector families show significant variation in current capability even within similar connector categories. TE's published products, for example, range from low-current fine-pitch connectors to high-current wire-to-board systems.

For power applications, check:

  • Contact design
  • Number of energized contacts
  • Wire size
  • Operating temperature
  • Thermal environment
  • Required temperature rise
  • Derating information

The relevant number is the rated current under your operating conditions-not simply the largest current printed in a catalog.


Voltage Rating

Voltage rating is determined by the connector's electrical design and insulation system.

Check:

  • Operating voltage
  • Transient conditions
  • Contact spacing
  • Insulation
  • Applicable safety requirements

 

Use the manufacturer's specification for the exact connector rather than assuming that all connectors within a family have identical voltage ratings.

 

For example, Molex product specifications list maximum voltage separately from current, mounting, pitch, and other physical characteristics.


Wire Gauge

Wire gauge is critical for wire-to-board systems.

Verify:

  • Wire gauge
  • Conductor construction
  • Insulation diameter
  • Terminal crimp range
  • Current requirement

A housing may accept the correct terminal family while the selected terminal is still wrong for the actual wire.

 

IPC/WHMA-A-620 specifically addresses manufacturing and acceptance requirements for cable, wire, and harness assemblies, including crimped, mechanically secured, and soldered interconnections.


Connector Height and Footprint

Electrical compatibility does not guarantee mechanical compatibility.

Check:

  • Length
  • Width
  • Height
  • PCB footprint
  • Keep-out area
  • Mating clearance
  • Cable clearance
  • Adjacent component interference

For board-to-board connectors, mated height can be a primary design parameter. For example, TE and Molex product families publish mated height alongside pitch and circuit count.


Mating Cycles

Mating-cycle requirements matter whenever the connector will be repeatedly connected and disconnected.

Typical applications include:

  • Replaceable modules
  • Serviceable equipment
  • Test equipment
  • External interfaces
  • Manufacturing fixtures

The required durability depends on the product's actual service cycle.

 

Do not assume that every connector in the same category has the same durability. Manufacturer specifications may define mating-cycle limits for individual part numbers; for example, Molex publishes maximum mating-cycle values in its product specifications.


Locking, Retention and Polarization

Mechanical retention prevents unintended separation. Polarization and keying help prevent incorrect mating.

 

Depending on the application, the connector may use:

  • Friction retention
  • Latch
  • Positive lock
  • Screw lock
  • Keying
  • Polarization
  • Secondary retention

 

These features become more important when cables are moved or the assembly is exposed to vibration.

 

TE, for example, distinguishes friction-lock and full-lock wire-to-board products, while automotive connector families emphasize retention and secure mating interfaces.


Environmental Requirements

Evaluate:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Water
  • Dust
  • Chemicals
  • Vibration
  • Shock
  • Corrosion
  • UV exposure

For example, TE's 2.0 mm waterproof wire-to-board system specifies a -55°C to +120°C operating range, 3 A maximum current, 100 V AC/DC, 30 mating cycles, and IP67 for the sealed version.https://www.xhsconn.com/pin-header/1-0mm-pin-header/1-0mm-high-speed-male-header-connector.html

 

That illustrates an important selection principle:

Environmental requirements belong in the connector specification, not as an afterthought.


SMT vs Through-Hole: Which Mounting Method Fits Your Design?

SMT and through-hole are not simply competing technologies. The right choice depends on board layout, assembly process, mechanical loading, and connector construction.

Factor SMT Through-Hole
PCB density Often favorable Requires drilled holes
Automated assembly Well suited Also widely used
Mechanical loading Depends on connector design Often useful for mechanically loaded interfaces
PCB footprint Can be compact Requires hole pattern
Rework Process-dependent Process-dependent
Mechanical retention May require additional features Leads can provide board attachment

IPC's electronics assembly standards explicitly distinguish surface-mount and through-hole technologies and provide process and acceptance requirements for both.

 

When SMT Is Usually the Better Choice

SMT can be attractive when:

PCB density is high

  • Automated assembly is required
  • Board space is limited
  • Mechanical loading is controlled

 

The connector's solder joints and mechanical retention still need to match the application's expected forces.


 

When Through-Hole Is Usually the Better Choice

Through-hole can be useful when the connector experiences:

  • Repeated insertion
  • Cable pulling
  • Mechanical shock
  • Significant mating force

 

The additional board attachment provided by through-hole construction can be useful in mechanically demanding applications.


When a Hybrid Design Makes Sense

Some connectors combine SMT electrical contacts with additional mechanical retention features.

This can balance:

  • Automated assembly
  • Electrical performance
  • Mechanical strength

The important question is not "SMT or through-hole?" in isolation.

It is:

 

What loads will the connector actually experience after assembly?


How to Compare Two PCB Connectors That Look Similar

This is where many replacement decisions fail.

 

A visual match is not a specification match.

 

Compare Mechanical Compatibility

Verify:

  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Number of rows
  • Housing dimensions
  • Height
  • Width
  • Orientation
  • Mounting method
  • PCB footprint
  • Mating interface
  • Polarization
  • Keying

Compare Electrical Compatibility

Verify:

  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Contact resistance
  • Signal type
  • Signal speed
  • Impedance
  • Shielding

 

For high-speed applications, evaluate the connector as part of the transmission path.


 

Compare Cable and Terminal Compatibility

For wire-to-board systems, verify:

  • Wire gauge
  • Terminal family
  • Crimp range
  • Insulation diameter
  • Contact arrangement
  • Cable construction

A connector housing and terminal are normally part of a defined system. Do not mix components simply because they physically insert into one another.


 

Compare Environmental and Reliability Requirements

Check:

  • Temperature
  • Vibration
  • Shock
  • Sealing
  • Corrosion
  • Mating cycles
  • Retention

A replacement is not "direct" until the critical interfaces and operating requirements have been verified.https://www.xhsconn.com/pin-header/1-27mm-pin-header/1-27mm-high-speed-male-header-double-row.html


 

How to Choose a PCB Connector for Different Applications

Application requirements should determine connector characteristics.

Consumer Electronics

Typical priorities include:

  • Compact dimensions
  • Low profile
  • High contact density
  • Fine pitch
  • Automated assembly

 

Fine-pitch board-to-board and FPC solutions are often used when internal space is limited. TE's current fine-pitch portfolio, for example, targets compact devices with low stack heights and small footprints.


 

Industrial Equipment

Typical priorities include:

  • Mechanical retention
  • Vibration resistance
  • Temperature capability
  • Serviceability
  • Long-term reliability

For industrial equipment, connector retention can be as important as electrical capacity.


 

Automotive Electronics

Automotive environments can impose:

  • Vibration
  • Thermal cycling
  • Moisture
  • Shock
  • Chemical exposure
  • Long service life

 

TE's automotive connector portfolio explicitly addresses retention, vibration, temperature, and chemical resistance in its wire-to-board solutions.

 

Specific automotive requirements should be checked against the applicable OEM and industry specifications.


 

Medical Devices

Potential priorities include:

  • Compact packaging
  • Reliable mating
  • Controlled materials
  • Serviceability
  • Environmental resistance

The exact requirements depend heavily on whether the connector is internal, user-accessible, or part of a replaceable module.


Networking and High-Speed Electronics

High-speed interfaces require attention to:

  • Controlled impedance
  • Signal integrity
  • Insertion loss
  • Return loss
  • Crosstalk
  • Shielding
  • Differential-pair routing
  • Connector geometry

 

For these applications, connector selection should be coordinated with the PCB stackup, routing strategy, cable, and other elements of the signal path.


 

A Practical PCB Connector Selection Workflow

Use this sequence when selecting a connector for a new design.

Step 1: Define the Connection

Determine whether the interface is:

  • Wire to PCB
  • PCB to PCB
  • Cable to PCB
  • Module to PCB
  • PCB to external device

 

Step 2: Define the Electrical Load

Record:

  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Signal type
  • Signal speed
  • Circuit count

Step 3: Define the Physical Envelope

Measure:

  • Available PCB area
  • Maximum height
  • Required pitch
  • Cable clearance
  • Mating direction
  • PCB-to-PCB spacing

Step 4: Select the Mounting Method

Determine whether the application requires:

  • SMT
  • Through-hole
  • Press-fit
  • Another mounting approach

Step 5: Define Mechanical Requirements

Check:

  • Locking
  • Retention
  • Polarization
  • Keying
  • Mating cycles
  • Vibration
  • Shock

Step 6: Define Environmental Requirements

Check:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Water
  • Dust
  • Chemicals
  • Corrosion
  • Vibration

Step 7: Check Manufacturing Requirements

Consider:

  • PCB assembly process
  • Reflow compatibility
  • Automated placement
  • Cable assembly
  • Crimping
  • Inspection

 

IPC J-STD-001 covers soldered assembly process requirements, while IPC/WHMA-A-620 addresses cable and wire-harness assembly requirements.

 

These standards are useful reference points when the connector selection affects the assembly process.


Step 8: Verify Compliance

Depending on the product, verify applicable:

  • Safety requirements
  • Material restrictions
  • Industry standards
  • Environmental requirements
  • Customer-specific requirements

Step 9: Verify the Complete Interface

 

Before approving the part, verify:

 

PCB ↔ connector ↔ mating connector ↔ terminal/cable ↔ operating environment

 

A connector should pass the complete interface check, not just the catalog search.https://www.xhsconn.com/wire-to-board-connector/2-54mm-wire-to-board-connector/2-54mm-wafer-single-row-right-angle-dip-h11.html


Common PCB Connector Selection Mistakes

 

Choosing by Pin Count Alone

 

Pin count narrows the search. It does not identify the connector.

 

Check pitch, dimensions, mating interface, mounting, and electrical specifications.


 

Ignoring Pitch

 

A small pitch difference can make the mating interface physically incompatible.

 

Use measured dimensions or manufacturer drawings.


 

Ignoring the Mating Interface

 

The PCB-side connector must match the cable, terminal, receptacle, header, or mating connector for the intended system.


 

Treating Current Rating as a Single Number

 

Current capability depends on the specified test conditions and connector configuration.

 

Check the manufacturer's derating and application data when available.


 

Ignoring Mechanical Retention

 

If the cable moves, the connector moves with it.

 

Evaluate locking and retention where vibration, shock, or repeated handling is expected.


 

Choosing the Smallest Connector Automatically

 

Miniaturization can save board space, but it can also increase assembly and alignment demands.

 

Choose the smallest connector that satisfies the complete requirement-not the smallest connector available.


 

Forgetting the PCB Footprint

 

A connector can be electrically correct and still fail the PCB design.

 

Check the manufacturer's recommended land pattern, hole pattern, keep-outs, and mechanical drawing.


 

Assuming Similar-Looking Connectors Are Interchangeable

 

This is the most expensive shortcut to avoid.

 

Same pin count + same pitch ≠ guaranteed compatibility.


 

How to Find a Compatible PCB Connector Replacement

 

When the original connector is obsolete, damaged, or unavailable, treat replacement as an engineering verification task rather than a visual search.

 

Information to Collect Before Searching

Gather:

  • Photos from multiple angles
  • Manufacturer name
  • Part number
  • Circuit count
  • Pitch
  • Dimensions
  • Mounting method
  • Orientation
  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Wire gauge
  • Mating connector
  • Application environment

If the original part number is available, start with the manufacturer's documentation.


What to Compare Against the Original

 

Mechanical

Compare:

  • Dimensions
  • Pitch
  • Footprint
  • Orientation
  • Mating interface
  • Locking
  • Retention

 

Electrical

Compare:

  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Contact resistance
  • Signal characteristics

 

Environmental

Compare:

  • Temperature
  • Moisture
  • Vibration
  • Corrosion
  • Sealing

 

Manufacturing

Compare:

  • SMT/THT
  • Assembly method
  • Wire compatibility
  • Crimping requirements

A replacement should not be approved until the critical parameters are matched or the design difference has been deliberately accepted.


 

When a Custom Connector May Be Necessary

 

A standard connector may not meet requirements when you need:

  • Unusual dimensions
  • Non-standard pitch
  • Custom cable length
  • Special pin assignments
  • High-current configurations
  • Special locking
  • Harsh-environment protection
  • Customized cable assemblies

At that point, the supplier needs an engineering specification-not just a product description.


PCB Connector Selection Checklist

Mechanical

  • Connector type
  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Number of rows
  • Height
  • Width
  • Orientation
  • PCB footprint
  • Mating interface
  • Locking
  • Retention

Electrical

  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Contact resistance
  • Signal type
  • Signal speed
  • Impedance requirements

Cable

  • Wire gauge
  • Terminal type
  • Insulation diameter
  • Cable construction
  • Cable exit direction

Reliability

  • Mating cycles
  • Vibration
  • Shock
  • Mechanical loading

Environment

  • Operating temperature
  • Humidity
  • Water
  • Dust
  • Chemicals
  • Corrosion
  • Sealing

Manufacturing

  • SMT / through-hole
  • Reflow compatibility
  • Automated assembly
  • Manual assembly
  • Inspection
  • PCB process

Documentation

  • Datasheet
  • Mechanical drawing
  • PCB footprint
  • 3D CAD model
  • Mating connector specification
  • Applicable certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the main types of PCB connectors?

 

The main PCB connector families include wire-to-board, board-to-board, wire-to-wire, FFC/FPC, card-edge, I/O, and power connectors.

 

The correct family depends on what needs to be connected and the electrical, mechanical, environmental, and manufacturing requirements.


 

How do I identify a PCB connector?

 

Start with the connection type, then identify circuit count, pitch, mounting method, orientation, dimensions, locking features, and contact arrangement.

 

If available, use the manufacturer's marking or part number to locate the original specification.


 

How do I measure PCB connector pitch?

 

Measure the center-to-center distance between adjacent contacts.

 

For better accuracy, measure across several contact intervals and divide by the number of intervals. Use the manufacturer's mechanical drawing for final confirmation.


 

What is the difference between wire-to-board and board-to-board connectors?

 

Wire-to-board connectors connect a wire or cable to a PCB.https://www.xhsconn.com/wire-to-board-connector/1-25mm-wire-to-board-connector/1-25mm-wafer-single-row-right-angle-smd.html

 

Board-to-board connectors connect two PCBs directly.

 

The selection criteria differ because wire-to-board systems also require terminal and wire compatibility, while board-to-board systems place greater emphasis on mating height, alignment, and PCB spacing.


 

Are connectors with the same number of pins interchangeable?

No.

 

Pin count is only one parameter. Pitch, dimensions, mating interface, orientation, mounting method, electrical ratings, locking, and terminal configuration may all differ.


 

Should I choose an SMT or through-hole PCB connector?

 

Choose based on PCB density, assembly process, mechanical loading, and connector design.

 

SMT is often attractive for compact automated assemblies. Through-hole can be useful when the connector experiences significant mechanical forces.


 

What specifications should I check when selecting a PCB connector?

At minimum:

  • Connector type
  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Dimensions
  • Mounting
  • Orientation
  • Locking
  • Mating cycles
  • Environment

Wire-to-board systems also require wire and terminal compatibility.


 

How do I find a replacement for an existing PCB connector?

Start with the original part number if available.

 

Otherwise, collect photographs, pitch, contact count, dimensions, mounting method, orientation, electrical requirements, and mating-interface information.

 

Then compare the candidate against the original mechanical, electrical, environmental, and manufacturing requirements.


 

What is the difference between FFC and FPC connectors?

 

FFC refers to flat flexible cable, while FPC refers to flexible printed circuit.

 

Both use compact connector systems, but the cable construction and mechanical interface can differ. Verify the cable type, pitch, contact orientation, and locking configuration before selecting the connector.


 

What information should I provide to a PCB connector supplier?

Provide:

  • Application
  • Connector type
  • Pitch
  • Circuit count
  • Current
  • Voltage
  • Wire gauge
  • Mounting method
  • Orientation
  • Dimensions
  • Environmental conditions
  • Mating requirements
  • Existing part number or photographs

 

If you are requesting a replacement, include the original connector's mechanical dimensions and mating information whenever possible.


Choose the Connector Based on the Complete Requirement

 

PCB connector selection starts with the interface, not the catalog.

 

Define what you are connecting. Identify the connector family. Then verify pitch, circuit count, electrical requirements, dimensions, mounting, retention, environmental conditions, and manufacturing constraints.https://www.xhsconn.com/pin-header/2-54mm-pin-header/2-54mm-pin-header-double-row-right-angle-smt.html

 

For an existing connector, do not rely on appearance or pin count. Measure the interface and verify the manufacturer's documentation.

The practical sequence is:

 

Identify → Define Requirements → Compare → Select → Verify

 

If you already have an unidentified or obsolete connector, collect the available photos, markings, dimensions, pitch, contact count, mounting method, and application information before searching for a replacement.

 

Need help selecting or replacing a PCB connector?

 

Already know the requirements?

 

Explore the relevant PCB connector product category and compare parts by pitch, circuit count, current, mounting method, and application.

 

Not sure what you have?

 

Provide the connector photo, dimensions, markings, and application requirements for a technical compatibility review.