Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0010844042 Woodhead - Molex	CONN HDR 4POS 0.25 TIN PCB	1909
0872644852 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 48P 0.079 GOLD PCB R/A	0
0432550043 Woodhead - Molex	CONN HDR 12POS 0.25 TIN PCB	0
5025840660 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.059 TIN SMD	69353
2132270810 Woodhead - Molex	CLIK-MATE1.5 DRVT SMT AU0.1 ETP	0
5025841460 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 14POS 0.059 TIN SMD	442
0022173022 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 2POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	623
0447691002 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.118 GOLD PCB	1922
0901471105 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.1 TIN PCB	9420
5023820570 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.049 TIN SMD	5698
0791091016 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 34POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	1176
0787882414 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT TUBEPEG PH	2226
5031590300 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 3POS 0.059 TIN PCB	23909
0015247142 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 14POS 0.165 GOLD PCB	0
0009484079 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 7POS 0.156 TIN PCB	161
0022172062 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	812
0791077059 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	325
0448120026 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	780
0022162040 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.1 GOLD EDGE MNT	2120
0791091021 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 44POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	1827

Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

1. Overview

Rectangular connectors are modular electrical components designed to establish reliable connections between PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) or electronic systems. This category includes headers (male pins), receptacles (female contacts), and sockets, which enable signal/power transmission while maintaining mechanical stability. Their standardized designs and versatility make them critical in modern electronics, from consumer devices to industrial machinery.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Single-Row Headers	Linear arrangement of male pins	Arduino shields, sensor modules
Double-Row Headers	Dual-row pin configuration for higher density	Computer motherboards, industrial controllers
Right-Angle Receptacles	90 orientation for space-constrained designs	Compact medical devices, automotive sensors
Stacking Female Sockets	Vertical interconnection for multi-board systems	3D printer control stacks, test equipment

3. Structure and Components

Typical construction includes:

Contact Terminals: Phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with gold/tin plating for conductivity
Insulation Housing: Thermoplastic materials (e.g., LCP, Nylon 6/6) for dielectric strength
Retention Mechanism: Polarization keys and locking tabs to prevent misalignment
Mounting Options: Through-hole or surface-mount (SMT) configurations

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value/Range	Importance
Current Rating	0.5A - 10A per contact	Determines power transmission capacity
Contact Resistance	5-20m	Affects signal integrity and thermal performance
Dielectric Strength	500V - 2500V AC	Ensures electrical safety and insulation reliability
Operating Temperature	-55 C to +125 C	Defines environmental tolerance
Mating Cycles	100 - 10,000 cycles	Indicates mechanical durability

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles
Industrial Automation: PLCs, motor drives, sensor hubs
Telecommunications: 5G base stations, network routers
Medical Devices: Diagnostic equipment, patient monitors
Automotive: ECU connectors, ADAS sensors

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
TE Connectivity	MicroSpeed Rectangular Connectors
Molex	PicoBlade 0.8mm Headers
Amphenol	MICRO CONECTA Surface Mount Sockets
Samtec	QTRADE High-Speed Receptacles

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Electrical requirements (current/voltage levels)
PCB space constraints and stacking needs
Environmental factors (temperature, vibration, moisture)
Cost-effectiveness vs. long-term reliability
Compliance with standards (IPC, RoHS, REACH)

Example: For automotive applications, prioritize connectors with high vibration resistance (e.g., TE Connectivity's AMPMODU series) and AEC-Q200 certification.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging directions include:

Miniaturization: Sub-1.0mm pitch connectors for wearable devices
High-speed capabilities: 10+ Gbps data rates for 5G infrastructure
Enhanced reliability: Hermetic sealing for aerospace applications
Modular designs: Tool-less hot-swap systems for data centers