Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
M22-6361042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	1312
M20-7810945R Harwin	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	0
M80-4102042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	36
M80-8501645 Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
G125-FS15005L0P Harwin	CONN RCPT 50POS 0.049 GOLD SMD	153
M20-7830446 Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.1 TIN PCB	373
M80-4104242 Harwin	CONN RCPT 42POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
M22-7142542 Harwin	CONN RCPT 50POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	14
M55-6011242R Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	8
M22-6540242R Harwin	CONN RCPT 2P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	5231
M80-8873405 Harwin	CONN RCPT 34POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	42
M20-7832046 Harwin	CONN RCPT 40POS 0.1 TIN PCB	6926
M80-8501442 Harwin	CONN RCPT 14POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	26
M80-8400442 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	151
G125-FV11205F2P Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.049 GOLD PCB	44
M20-7851046 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.1 TIN PCB	256
M80-4002042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	175
M80-8400245 Harwin	CONN RCPT 2POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	177
M52-5052045 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	0
M20-7821546 Harwin	CONN RCPT 15POS 0.1 TIN PCB	120

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