Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0015453340 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 40POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	0
0015453256 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 56POS 0.1 TIN SMD	0
5054051060 Woodhead - Molex	1.5 WB REC EMBOSSED TAPE PACKAGE	0
0015453246 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 46POS 0.1 TIN SMD	0
0787881221 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT W/CAP T&R	0
0015453634 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 34POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	0
0022162051 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.1 GOLD EDGE MNT	1573
0022162086 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.1 GOLD EDGE MNT	0
0787882213 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT CAP/TUBE/P	0
0015445156 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 56POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
5023820872 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.049 TIN SMD	0
0901481107 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 7POS 0.1 TIN PCB R/A	0
0448120047 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 9POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
0015453460 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 60POS 0.1 TIN SMD	0
0009482129 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.156 TIN PCB	0
0787880611 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT W/CAP/PEG	0
0787871854 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.079 TIN PCB	0
0022154202 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.1 TIN PCB R/A	0
0787881824 Woodhead - Molex	2MM DR MGRID VREC SMT TUBE/PEG P	0
0791077207 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.079 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