D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
FX2BA-20P-1.27DSAL(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 20POS 1.27MM	0
DX40-20P(55) Hirose	CONN PLUG 20 POS	55
DX30AM-20P Hirose	CONN MINI HD PLUG 20POS STR IDC	106
FX2C-80P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 80POS 1.27MM	11
FX2BM-20SA-1.27R Hirose	CONN RECEPT 20POS 1.27MM	0
DX10M-14SE(50) Hirose	CONN MINI HD RCPT 14P R/A SOLDER	0
FX2CA1-32P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 32POS 1.27MM	0
FX2B-60PA-1.27DSL(71) Hirose	CONN HDR 60POS 1.27MM	0
FX2B-52SA-1.27R Hirose	CONN SOCKET 52POS 1.27MM (4PCS)	505
FX2-20P-1.27SVL(71) Hirose	CONN HDR 20POS 1.27MM	0
FX2BA-68PA-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 68POS 1.27MM	0
FX2B-68PA-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 68POS 1.27MM	250
DX30A-68P(50) Hirose	IDC CONN 68POS PLUG	0
DH60A-51P-L Hirose	CONN RCPT 51POS R/A SMT	0
FX2C1-32P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 32POS 1.27MM	0
FX2CA-60S-1.27DSAL(71) Hirose	CONN RECEPT 60POS 1.27MM	0
DX31A-20P(50) Hirose	CONN PLUG IDC 20POS	0
FX2C2-120P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 120POS 1.27MM	0
FX2-60P-1.27DS(71) Hirose	CONN BTB PLUG 60POS R/A SOLDER	257
DX33AM-68S(50) Hirose	CONN MINI HD RCPT 68P PNL MT 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

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Standard Centronics	36-pin configuration, unshielded, 5A max current	Legacy inkjet/dot matrix printers
High-Density Centronics	50-pin configuration, improved EMI shielding	Industrial automation systems
Locking Centronics	Threaded screws for vibration resistance	Medical 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

Parameter	Value/Range	Importance
Pin Count	24-50 pins	Determines data transmission capacity
Current Rating	1-10A per pin	Defines power handling capability
Contact Resistance	10m	Ensures signal integrity
Dielectric Strength	1000VAC rms	Prevents electrical breakdown
Operating Temperature	-40 C to +85 C	Guarantees 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

Manufacturer	Representative Products
Amphenol	Centronics 36-8051 Series
Molex	50-87-1360 High-Density Connector
TE Connectivity	DuraCon 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