Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
M20-7920242R Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.1 GOLD SMD R/A	648
M55-6021242R Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	77
M55-6001642R Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	534
M22-6540442R Harwin	CONN RCPT 4P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	2014
M22-7140342 Harwin	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
M52-5100545 Harwin	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	512
M20-7910842R Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.1 GOLD SMD R/A	1060
M50-3130845R Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	0
M50-3030242 Harwin	CONN RCPT 2POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	1950
G125-FS11605L0P Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.049 GOLD SMD	203
M20-7830946 Harwin	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0
M22-6540842R Harwin	CONN RCPT 8P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	17513
M80-8872001 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	78
M20-7830642 Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	375
M20-7830942 Harwin	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	170
M52-5050645 Harwin	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	0
M80-8502642 Harwin	CONN RCPT 26POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	46
M80-4050442 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	72
M50-3120645 Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	1978
M20-7820546 Harwin	CONN RCPT 5POS 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