D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
N10268-52E3PC

N10268-52E3PC

3M

CONN RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

12226-8200-00PL

12226-8200-00PL

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS R/A SOLDER

0

N10226-6212PC

N10226-6212PC

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS PCB SOLDER

0

10126-3000PE

10126-3000PE

3M

CONN PLUG 26POS STR SLDR CUP

2277

10150-6000EC

10150-6000EC

3M

CONN PLUG 50POS STR IDC

46

12214-8250-00FR

12214-8250-00FR

3M

CONN RCPT 14POS R/A SOLDER

0

10220-M218PE

10220-M218PE

3M

CONN STCK RCPT 20/20P R/A SOLDER

128

10168-8100EE

10168-8100EE

3M

CONN PLUG 68POS STR IDC

0

10226-R21TS

10226-R21TS

3M

CONN RCPT 26POS PCB PRESS-FIT

0

10250-6212PC

10250-6212PC

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS PCB SOLDER

324

10126-52B2PC

10126-52B2PC

3M

CONN PLUG 26POS R/A SOLDER

0

10214-1S10PE

10214-1S10PE

3M

CONN RCPT 14POS R/A SOLDER

0

10140-3000PE

10140-3000PE

3M

CONN PLUG 40POS STR SLDR CUP

86

10214-1210PE

10214-1210PE

3M

CONN RCPT 14POS R/A SOLDER

0

10236-6212PL

10236-6212PL

3M

CONN RCPT 36POS PCB SOLDER

77

12226-1100-00 FR

12226-1100-00 FR

3M

SHRUNK DELTA RIBBON CONN 26 CONT

0

10220-55G3PC

10220-55G3PC

3M

CONN RCPT 20POS R/A SOLDER

542

10120-6000EC

10120-6000EC

3M

CONN PLUG 20POS STR IDC

139

3572-1001

3572-1001

3M

CONN PLUG 14POS STR IDC

347

10250-55G3PC

10250-55G3PC

3M

CONN RCPT 50POS 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

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top