Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	0022182093 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 9POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
	0873812818 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 28POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	0022154116 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0
	0015453470 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 70POS 0.1 TIN SMD	0
	0873810873 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	0873813264 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 32POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	0787880613 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT CAP/TUBE/P	0
	0022172132 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 13POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
	0873401276 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	0791098608 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	5054050960 Woodhead - Molex	1.5 WB REC EMBOSSED TAPE PACKAGE	0
	0873686134 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 44P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	0
	0022022155 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 15POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0
	0873814008 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 40POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	0901522104 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.1 TIN PCB R/A	0
	5031751210 Woodhead - Molex	1.5 W/BSGLDIPR/ARECASSY12CKTW/OB	0
	2027051043 Woodhead - Molex	PICO-SPOX 1.5 WB VERT HDR SMT ET	0
	0787882813 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT CAP/TUBE/P	0
	0015445872 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 72POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
	0015445116 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.1 GOLD 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