Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
M22-6550342R Harwin	CONN RCPT 6P 0.079 GOLD SMD R/A	354
M20-7811545 Harwin	CONN RCPT 30POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	0
M50-3140545R Harwin	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	1244
M80-8400342 Harwin	CONN RCPT 3POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	38
M55-6018042R Harwin	CONN RCPT 80POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	1124
M20-7821146 Harwin	CONN RCPT 11POS 0.1 TIN PCB	709
M55-6025042R Harwin	CONN RCPT 50POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	75
M50-3152542 Harwin	CONN RCPT 50POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	114
M80-6812042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	33
M20-7881046 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.1 TIN PCB R/A	429
M52-5110545 Harwin	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	0
M52-5112045 Harwin	CONN RCPT 40POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	0
G125-FS11005F2P Harwin	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.049 GOLD SMD	49
G125-FV10805F1-1AB1ABP Harwin	CONN F-HDR 2PWR 8SIG PCB VERT	52
M52-5001245 Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	1078
M80-8871801 Harwin	CONN RCPT 18POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	66
M52-5000545 Harwin	CONN RCPT 5POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	1712
M50-4301045 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	437
M80-4000842 Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	52
M20-7811045R Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	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