Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5020462070 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 20P 0.049 GOLD SMD R/A	12193
5023860371 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 3P 0.049 GOLD SMD R/A	7946
0447690402 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.118 GOLD PCB	1545
0022152126 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.1 TIN EDGE MNT	1600
0022142144 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 14POS 0.1 TIN PCB	1604
0872641652 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16P 0.079 GOLD PCB R/A	99
0009483026 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 2POS 0.156 GOLD PCB	1403
0432550123 Woodhead - Molex	CONN HDR 3POS 0.25 TIN PCB	0
0447640601 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.118 TIN PCB R/A	409
0009483126 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.156 GOLD PCB	15
0872640852 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8P 0.079 GOLD PCB R/A	23
0524180810 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 TIN PCB R/A	13941
0009484128 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.156 TIN PCB	1155
0022027083 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.1 TIN PCB	79
0901471115 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 15POS 0.1 TIN PCB	266
0009483076 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 7POS 0.156 GOLD PCB	815
5025841060 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.059 TIN SMD	3091
5024430470 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.079 TIN SMD	5272
0015247163 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.165 GOLD PCB	0
0022142114 Woodhead - Molex	CONN RCPT 11POS 0.1 TIN PCB	95

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