Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
M52-5011045 Harwin	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	0
M80-8502042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	87
M20-7821646 Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.1 TIN PCB	886
M80-8400345 Harwin	CONN RCPT 3POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	105
M50-3140245 Harwin	CONN RCPT 2POS 0.05 GOLD SMD	1328
M52-5112345 Harwin	CONN RCPT 46POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	0
M80-6811401 Harwin	CONN RCPT 14POS 0.079 GOLD SMD	626
M20-7910642R Harwin	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.1 GOLD SMD R/A	3688
M20-7822046 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.1 TIN PCB	994
M55-6102642R Harwin	CONN RCPT 26P 0.05 GOLD SMD R/A	321
M20-7890346 Harwin	CONN RCPT 3POS 0.1 TIN PCB R/A	690
M20-7810845R Harwin	CONN RCPT 16POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	1200
M20-7820646 Harwin	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.1 TIN PCB	1373
M20-7810245 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.1 GOLD SMD	0
M22-7131042 Harwin	CONN RCPT 10POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	2099
M22-7130442 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
M80-7043605 Harwin	CONN RCPT 36POS 0.079 GOLD PCB	0
M20-7820442 Harwin	CONN RCPT 4POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	0
M50-3001045 Harwin	CONN RCPT 20POS 0.05 GOLD PCB	529
M20-7850342 Harwin	CONN RCPT 6POS 0.1 GOLD PCB	1124

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