Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SSHS-502-D-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HEADER - .050 CL	250
LSSHSM-202-D-02-T-V-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE SOCKET STRIP	313
PC156S-02-S-04-T-LF Major League Electronics	TERMINAL STRIP SOCKET	125
MICRO-03-02-2-LF Major League Electronics	MICRO STAGGERED FEMALE CONNECTOR	358
BLSMBC-102-S-F-H-LF Major League Electronics	BOX CONTACT SOCKET STRIP	463
LSMSS-702-S-06-T-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE SOCKET STRIP	295
TBCSS-103-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	TALL BOX CONNECTOR SOCKET STRIP	371
LSSHS-102-S-02-F-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE SOCKET STRIP HEADER	396
BCSS-102-D-SAD-T-LF Major League Electronics	BOX CONTACT SOCKET STRIP	200
ULSMBC-202-D-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE BOX CONTACT SOCKET	228
PC200S-02-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	CONN BRD STACK TERMINAL STRIP	189
PC156S-02-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	TERMINAL STRIP SOCKET	190
BLSSR-202-S-F-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP SINGLE ROW	435
SMSS-502-D-06-T-LF Major League Electronics	SURFACE MOUNT SOCKET STRIP	278
BLSSHSM-202-S-02-F-H-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HORIZONTAL SINGLE R	411
SHS-506-D-02-RA-T-LF Major League Electronics	SHROUDED FEMALE CONNECTOR	65
LSWSS-102-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE SIDE WIPE SOCKET	286
LSSHS-502-D-04-T-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE SOCKET STRIP	218
BLSSM-202-S-F-V-S-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP VERTICAL SINGLE ROW	463
SMBC-102-S-02-T-H-LF Major League Electronics	SURFACE MOUNT BOX CONNECTOR	411

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