Connectors

Connectors are mechanical devices used to connect electrical circuits together. They can provide temporary or permanent connections. Connectors may join electrical components to cables, or cables to other cables. Each type of connectors has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of ease-of-use, electrical performance, mechanical performance, and cost. Connectors are used in pairs in which one end is male and the other end is female.
There are many characteristics that define a connector type. Of most importance is the pin configuration. Connectors can have as little as one signal/power pin (with associated return conductor pin), or dozens of signal pins and several power and return pins. Connectors can range in size from minuscule, such as those used in mobile phones, to very large. Some connectors are keyed to allow for insertion in only one orientation. Some connectors, like USB-C, are symmetric and can, therefore, be inserted in either of two orientations.
Many popular connector types exist today. The 8P8C (eight positions, eight conductors) connector is well known for its use on CAT5 and CAT6 network cables for Ethernet connectivity. There are many types of USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors available including A-Type, and B-Type. RF connectors are used to connect coaxial cables that operate into the GHz range, and could include such types as BNC or SMA or others. There are various sizes of header-style connectors that allow wires or flat-flex cables to connect to a motherboard. Read more