Pin Header Connectors: Their Types, Sizes, and Uses
Printed circuit boards are now very frequently used and have become a backbone of electrical appliances, ranging in implementation from computers to printers or television. However, to keep the electrical circuit functioning, you must ensure that each wire has secure connections. In addition, you need a connector and pin header that works as a bridge between two PCBs for current or signal transmission. Generally, there are various types of connectors available in the market. However, we will further discuss pin header connectors in this blog.
What is a Pin Header Connector?
Think of a pin header as an advanced form of cable connector invented to meet the needs of assemblies for higher speeds and lower temperatures. They are metallic pieces that stick from the circuit board to receive a connection from a female socket.
Pin headers are usually referred to as male headers, and they have their counterpart as well, namely female headers connectors. The plastic frame holds all of these pins together, often in a manner that allows components to be pulled apart easily when needed, but some female connectors have a set number of pins per group or family.
Types of Pin Headers
There are two types of pin headers, those of which include:
Male Pin headers:
The male pin header is an essential component of any electronics system. It allows for easy component connection and configuration, which helps to avoid troubleshooting challenges by ensuring everything works flawlessly. The male header includes one or more pins attached to its surface in a single row. Additionally, you can find them with double rows or triple rows for increased stability and performance capabilities. Currently, single and double-row pin header connectors are the most common and widely used pin header.
Apart from their rows, male pin headers can also be defined by the space or pitch between their two pins. The most common male header has a pitch of 2.54 mm. However, you can find various other sizes like 5.08 mm, 5.00 mm, 3.96 mm, 2.00 mm, 1.27 mm, and 1.00 mm. The number of pins used in single pin headers depends on the number of rows and pitches, ranging from 2 to 50 pins per connector. They are all vertically soldered to the printed circuit board for easy access when connected later with other wires or components.
Female Pin Headers:
A female header does not have any pins and is generally used inside the equipment to make board-to-board connections and wire-to-board connections. When a male pin header on one board is connected with a female connector on another board, it is called a board-to-board connection. On the other hand, a wire-to-board connection is between the wire and a pin connector. These connectors are an excellent and cost-effective way to connect your circuits. The other types of pin headers are based on versions such as the straight (Dip or Vertical) pin header connector, right-angle ( 90 degrees) pin header connector, and SMT (surface mount, SMD) pin header connector. In addition, pin headers are classified depending on contact material like brass, phosphor bronze, beryllium, or copper alloy.
Conclusion
Pin header connectors are critical hardware devices that can be troublesome to find. Therefore, the procurement of high-quality products is paramount to ensure safety and reliability. Luckily, Click Aerospace can make it easy for you! With AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, we retain a reliable name in the aviation sector by offering superior quality aircraft, industrial, and electronic parts and components manufactured worldwide. Here, you can find all the parts and components you need with competitive pricing and lead times. Order now to get the quick assistance of our dedicated team that is available 24/7x365.
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