Rectangular connectors are modular electronic components designed to establish electrical connections between subsystems or boards. Arrays, edge type, and mezzanine (board-to-board) connectors enable high-density interconnects in compact spaces. These connectors are critical for modern electronics, supporting miniaturization, high-speed data transfer, and reliable power delivery in applications ranging from consumer devices to industrial systems.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Array Connectors | High-pin-count designs with parallel signal/power paths; optimized for compactness and thermal management | Backplanes in servers, high-performance computing (HPC) systems |
| Edge Connectors | Mount directly onto PCB edges; support planar or right-angle configurations | Memory modules (DIMMs), peripheral expansion cards (GPUs) |
| Mezzanine Connectors | Vertical/horizontal stacking solutions; support board-to-board spacing from 0.8mm to 50mm | Telecom routers, embedded systems (e.g., COM Express modules) |
A typical rectangular connector consists of:
| Parameter | Typical Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 0.5A 5A per contact | Determines power-handling capability |
| Voltage Rating | 50V 600V AC/DC | Safety and insulation design |
| Contact Resistance | 5 20 m | Impacts signal integrity and thermal performance |
| Insulation Resistance | >100 G | Prevents leakage currents |
| Operating Temperature | -55 C to +125 C | Ensures reliability in harsh environments |
| Mating Cycles | 100 10,000 cycles | Defines mechanical durability |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TE Connectivity | MikroBlast | High-speed mezzanine connector with 12 Gbps capability |
| Amphenol | Edge | Edge-mount connectors with self-aligning design |
| Molex | Clarity | Array connector with 0.4mm pitch for mobile devices |
| Samtec | QSE Series | Self-mating mezzanine connectors for rugged environments |
When choosing connectors, consider:
Example: For a 5G base station, choose a mezzanine connector with 360 shielding and IP67 rating to minimize signal loss and environmental degradation.