A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) connector is a device that connects different parts of a circuit board or allows a PCB to interface with external circuits. They enable signal transmission, power distribution, or both, between PCBs or between a PCB and external devices.
🧩 Main Components
Contacts/Pins: Conductive paths that carry electrical signals.
Housing: Non-conductive body (usually plastic) that holds pins.
Mounting Type: Through-hole or surface mount.
Locking Mechanism: Ensures stable connection (e.g., latch, friction fit).
🧠 Types of PCB Connectors
1. Board-to-Board Connectors
Connect two PCBs together, either in parallel or perpendicular.
Types: Mezzanine, Coplanar, Orthogonal
Uses: Compact devices, stacked board designs (e.g., smartphones)
2. Wire-to-Board Connectors
Connect wires or cables to a PCB.
Types: Header + housing with crimp terminals
Examples: JST, Molex, Phoenix Contact
Uses: Power supply connections, sensor inputs
3. Edge Connectors
Connect directly to the edge of a PCB using plated contacts.
Example: RAM modules, PCIe cards
Uses: Hot-swappable or removable modules
4. FPC/FFC Connectors (Flexible PCB/Flat Flexible Cable)
Used for flat ribbon cables or flexible PCBs.
Types: ZIF (Zero Insertion Force), LIF (Low Insertion Force)
Uses: Displays, cameras, laptops, and phones
5. Coaxial Connectors (RF Connectors)
For high-frequency signal transmission.
Examples: SMA, BNC, MCX
Uses: Antennas, RF modules, signal analyzers
⚙️ Mounting Options
Through-Hole (THT): Pins go through the board — strong and durable.
Surface Mount (SMT): Sits on the surface — compact and good for automated assembly.
🛠️ Key Selection Parameters
Parameter Description
Pitch Distance between pins (e.g., 2.54mm, 1mm)
Current Rating Max current per pin
Voltage Rating Max voltage it can handle
Temperature Range For harsh environments
Number of Contacts Depends on application
Gender Male/Female (or Plug/Socket)
🔋 Applications
Consumer electronics (TVs, phones, game consoles)
Automotive systems (ECUs, dashboards)
Industrial control (PLCs, HMIs)
Robotics and IoT devices
Medical equipment
🧪 PCB Connector Standards (Examples)
MIL-DTL-38999 – Military circular connectors
IEC 60603 – Modular connectors (e.g., RJ45)
USB Type-C / Micro USB – Standardized data connectors
PCI Express / SATA – For computing and data transfer
