D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
N10268-5242PC

N10268-5242PC

3M

CONN RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

DX31A-36P(50)

DX31A-36P(50)

Hirose

CONN PLUG IDC 36POS

0

FX2C1-80P-1.27DSA(71)

FX2C1-80P-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN HEADER VERT 80POS 1.27MM

0

N10280-52E2PC

N10280-52E2PC

3M

CONN RCPT 80POS R/A SOLDER

111

5229912-4

5229912-4

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN PLUG 50POS STR IDC

199

3572-1000

3572-1000

3M

CONN PLUG 14POS STR IDC

179

3565-1002

3565-1002

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS STR IDC

0

FX2C-120P-1.27DSA(71)

FX2C-120P-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN HEADER VERT 120POS 1.27MM

0

5796055-4

5796055-4

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

338

N10236-6212PC

N10236-6212PC

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS VERT SHIELD T/H

0

796068-3

796068-3

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN SCA-2 RCP 40P VERT PRESSFIT

0

1734101-6

1734101-6

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB RCPT 60POS VERT SOLDER

408

111-014-113L001

111-014-113L001

NorComp

CONN SCSI PLUG 14POS VERT SOLDER

234

N10220-52B2PC

N10220-52B2PC

3M

CONN RCPT 20POS R/A SOLDER

1904

FX2C2-52S-1.27DSA(71)

FX2C2-52S-1.27DSA(71)

Hirose

CONN RECEPT VERT 52POS 1.27MM

80

111-050-203L001

111-050-203L001

NorComp

CONN SCSI RCPT 50P STR SLDR CUP

397

FX2CA-20P-1.27DSAL(71)

FX2CA-20P-1.27DSAL(71)

Hirose

CONN HDR 20POS 1.27MM

245

FX2BA-68SA-1.27R

FX2BA-68SA-1.27R

Hirose

CONN SOCKET 68POS 1.27MM (4PCS)

26

5175473-1

5175473-1

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors

CONN BTB PLUG 20POS VERT SOLDER

0

157725003

157725003

Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)

CONN PLUG 50POS STR IDC

953

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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