D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SCA2-40SA-R2-TR

SCA2-40SA-R2-TR

3M

CONN SCA-2 RCPT 40POS VERT SLDR

0

1B050-63A2PE

1B050-63A2PE

3M

CONN PLUG BOARD MNT STR 50PIN

0

10236-6212VC

10236-6212VC

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS PCB SOLDER

0

12214-1110-00FR

12214-1110-00FR

3M

CONN RCPT 14POS VERT SOLDER

0

10250-6202VC

10250-6202VC

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS PCB SOLDER

0

3565-2000

3565-2000

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS PNL MNT IDC

0

3549-2004

3549-2004

3M

CONN RCPT 24POS PNL MNT IDC

0

12114-3000FR

12114-3000FR

3M

14/SDR/RC/WMPLUG

0

10280-6212VC

10280-6212VC

3M

CONN RCPT 80POS PCB SOLDER

0

10268-L219VE

10268-L219VE

3M

CONN RCPT 68POS MINI-D

0

N10240-52B3PC

N10240-52B3PC

3M

CONN RCPT 40POS R/A SOLDER

0

10226-2200VE

10226-2200VE

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS SMD SOLDER

0

N102A0-5212VC

N102A0-5212VC

3M

CONN RCPT 100POS R/A SOLDER

0

10250-52B2VE

10250-52B2VE

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS R/A SOLDER

0

10150-900AJL

10150-900AJL

3M

CONN PLUG 50POS EDGE MNT SOLDER

0

P50-050DDP-SR1-TG

P50-050DDP-SR1-TG

3M

CONN PLUG 50POS PCB SOLDER

0

10280-6212PL

10280-6212PL

3M

MINI D RIBBON 80 CONTACT

0

SCA2-80S-R5-TG30

SCA2-80S-R5-TG30

3M

CONN SCA-2 RCPT 80POS VERT SLDR

0

10250-R21CS

10250-R21CS

3M

MINI D RIBBON 50 CONTACT

0

10136-3000VE

10136-3000VE

3M

CONN PLUG 36POS STR SLDR CUP

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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