Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5023821570 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 15POS 0.049 TIN SMD	71
0022173072 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 7POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	527
0791077003 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	9354
0460100622 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.165 GOLD PCB	0
5023820370 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 3POS 0.049 TIN SMD	11356
0791077209 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
0873684024 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 40P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	642
0873400613 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	3142
0873682424 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 24P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	342
0873811673 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
0015445832 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 32POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
0791091210 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 22POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
5024430860 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS W/COVER TAP	2231
0022182057 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
0009482095 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 9POS 0.156 TIN PCB	0
0022172124 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 24POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
0872634023 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 40POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
0873811273 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
0038001437 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 17POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0
0015446848 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 48POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0

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