Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	M50-3100445 Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	0
	M50-3151042R Harwin	CONN SOCKET 1.27MM 20POS	0
	B5741-204-F-T-2 Harwin	2+2 POS. FEMALE DIL VERTICAL THR	0
	M80-4022042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	M80-4064242 Harwin	CONN RCPT 42POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M80-4062642 Harwin	CONN RCPT 26POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M22-6361742R Harwin	CONN RECPT 2MM 34POS	0
	M20-6150405 Harwin	CONN RECPT 2.54MM SMT 8POS	0
	M80-8970401 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M80-4053405 Harwin	CONN FEMALE VERT 34POS	0
	M22-6360442R Harwin	CONN RECPT 2MM 8POS	0
	M80-7700842 Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M80-4211005 Harwin	CONN FEMALE VERT 10POS	0
	M80-4203001 Harwin	CONN RCPT 30POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M80-6810845 Harwin	CONN RCPT 8POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	0
	M80-4203401 Harwin	CONN RCPT 34POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M20-7821246 Harwin	CONN RCPT 12POS 0.1 TIN PCB	0
	M80-8401745 Harwin	CONN RCPT 17POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M80-4202605 Harwin	CONN RCPT 26POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
	M20-7821642 Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.1 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