D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
0543063619

0543063619

Woodhead - Molex

CONN PLUG 36POS STR SLDR EYELET

0

0015923040

0015923040

Woodhead - Molex

CONN RCPT 40POS STR IDC

0

0743370038

0743370038

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743370055

0743370055

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743370054

0743370054

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743371038

0743371038

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743370072

0743370072

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743370037

0743370037

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0743370053

0743370053

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0714300004

0714300004

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

0743370015

0743370015

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI STCK RCPT 68/68P R/A

0

0714300019

0714300019

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

0714300101

0714300101

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

0716603530

0716603530

Woodhead - Molex

CONN RCPT 30POS STR IDC

0

0717431040

0717431040

Woodhead - Molex

CONN SCA-2 RCPT 40POS VERT SLDR

0

0714300009

0714300009

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI RCPT 68POS R/A SOLDER

0

0714253001

0714253001

Woodhead - Molex

CONN VHDCI PLUG 68POS R/A IDC

0

0716612080

0716612080

Woodhead - Molex

CONN BTB PLUG 80POS R/A SOLDER

0

0528224079

0528224079

Woodhead - Molex

CONN STCK RCPT 20/20P R/A SOLDER

0

0526601051

0526601051

Woodhead - Molex

CONN PLUG 10POS STR IDC

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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