D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
858F036B21200D1

858F036B21200D1

Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)

CONN RCPT 36POS R/A SOLDER

106

553443-3

553443-3

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN RCPT 36POS VERT PRESS-FIT

0

1734037-4

1734037-4

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB RCPT 40POS R/A SOLDER

2700

FX2C-20S-1.27DSA(71)

FX2C-20S-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT VERT 20POS 1.27MM

66

FX2CA-68S-1.27DSAL(71)

FX2CA-68S-1.27DSAL(71)

Hirose

CONN HEADER VERT 68POS 1.27MM

0

554105-1

554105-1

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN PLUG 50POS PNL MNT IDC

0

FX2CA-20S-1.27DSAL(71)

FX2CA-20S-1.27DSAL(71)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT 20POS 1.27MM

180

FX2B-52P-1.27DSAL(71)

FX2B-52P-1.27DSAL(71)

Hirose

CONN HDR 52POS 1.27MM

0

1-1734101-0

1-1734101-0

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB RCPT 100POS VERT SOLDER

201

FX2C2-32S-1.27DSAL(71)

FX2C2-32S-1.27DSAL(71)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT 32POS 1.27MM

0

1-1734100-6

1-1734100-6

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB PLUG 160POS VERT SOLDER

406

FX2C2-40S-1.27DSA(71)

FX2C2-40S-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT VERT 40POS 1.27MM

0

2129276-1

2129276-1

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN PLUG 40POS SMD T/H SOLDER

743

5-555012-2

5-555012-2

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN PLUG 50POS R/A IDC 5PC PT

291

FX2-40P-1.27DS(71)

FX2-40P-1.27DS(71)

Hirose

CONN BTB PLUG 40POS R/A SOLDER

608

5553811-3

5553811-3

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN RCPT 24POS R/A SOLDER

254

5-5175474-5

5-5175474-5

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB HD RCPT 40P R/A SOLDER

0

FX2CA2-100P-1.27DSA(71)

FX2CA2-100P-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN HEADER VERT 100POS 1.27MM

39

12226-5150-00FR

12226-5150-00FR

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS R/A SOLDER

0

DX31A-20S(50)

DX31A-20S(50)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT 20POS

0

D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

1. Overview

D-Shaped connectors, named for their distinctive trapezoidal metal shield, are widely used in computing and industrial applications. The Centronics interface, a subset of D-shaped connectors, was originally developed by Centronics Data Computer Corp. for parallel printing. These connectors enable robust electrical and mechanical connections, playing a critical role in legacy systems and specialized industrial equipment despite the rise of USB and wireless technologies.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Standard Centronics36-pin configuration, unshielded, 5A max currentLegacy inkjet/dot matrix printers
High-Density Centronics50-pin configuration, improved EMI shieldingIndustrial automation systems
Locking CentronicsThreaded screws for vibration resistanceMedical imaging equipment

3. Structure and Composition

Centronics connectors feature: - Metal shell (zinc alloy or aluminum) for EMI protection - Insulating housing (high-temperature nylon) - Contact pins (phosphor bronze with gold plating) - Screw locking mechanism (optional) The standard 36-pin design includes 20 signal pins and 16 ground pins, arranged in staggered rows to prevent misalignment.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterValue/RangeImportance
Pin Count24-50 pinsDetermines data transmission capacity
Current Rating1-10A per pinDefines power handling capability
Contact Resistance 10m Ensures signal integrity
Dielectric Strength1000VAC rmsPrevents electrical breakdown
Operating Temperature-40 C to +85 CGuarantees performance stability

5. Application Fields

Major industries include: - Office equipment (printers, scanners) - Industrial automation (CNC machines, PLCs) - Medical devices (diagnostic equipment) - Legacy military systems - Test & measurement instruments

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative Products
AmphenolCentronics 36-8051 Series
Molex50-87-1360 High-Density Connector
TE ConnectivityDuraCon Centronics 24

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: - Match pin count and spacing (0.05"-0.1" pitch) - Choose appropriate current rating with 20% safety margin - Select locking mechanism type (standard screws vs. quick-release) - Confirm environmental ratings (IP40 minimum for industrial) - Verify compatibility with existing cabling infrastructure

8. Industry Trends

Current trends include: - Transition to hybrid connectors supporting USB-C and Ethernet - Development of miniaturized D-sub variants (e.g., Micro-Centronics) - Increased adoption of gold-plated contacts for high-reliability applications - Phasing out in consumer electronics, but stable demand in industrial sectors - Integration with PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems for combined data/power delivery

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