D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
12214-5150-00PL

12214-5150-00PL

3M

CONN RCPT 14POS R/A SOLDER

0

10236-5DG3PL

10236-5DG3PL

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS R/A SOLDER

0

N10220-6212PC

N10220-6212PC

3M

CONN RCPT 20POS VERT SHIELD T/H

0

10236-2210VE

10236-2210VE

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS SMD SOLDER

0

P50-020-DDP-S1-EA

P50-020-DDP-S1-EA

3M

CONN PLUG 20POS VERT SOLDER

0

3367-3000

3367-3000

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS STR IDC

0

10250-M218VE

10250-M218VE

3M

CONN STCK RCPT 50/50P R/A SOLDER

0

3582-3000

3582-3000

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS PNL MNT IDC

0

10220-2200VE

10220-2200VE

3M

CONN RCPT 20POS SMD SOLDER

0

3565-2002

3565-2002

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS PNL MNT IDC

0

3549-2000

3549-2000

3M

CONN RCPT 24POS STR IDC

0

10120-3000VE

10120-3000VE

3M

CONN PLUG 20POS STR SLDR CUP

0

10268-6202VC

10268-6202VC

3M

CONN RCPT 68POS PCB SOLDER

0

10268-55G3JL

10268-55G3JL

3M

CONN RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

10250-62M2JL

10250-62M2JL

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS VERT SOLDER

0

10236-55H4VC

10236-55H4VC

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS R/A SOLDER

0

N10236-5212VC

N10236-5212VC

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS R/A SOLDER

0

10226-6202JL

10226-6202JL

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS PCB SOLDER

0

10220-1210VE

10220-1210VE

3M

CONN RCPT 20POS R/A SOLDER

0

N102A0-52E3VC

N102A0-52E3VC

3M

CONN RCPT 100POS R/A SOLDER

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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