Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MICRO-02-02-LF Major League Electronics	MICRO STAGGERED FEMALE CONNECTOR	139
SMBC-202-S-02-T-H-LF Major League Electronics	SURFACE MOUNT BOX CONNECTOR	162
MICRO-05-02-LF Major League Electronics	MICRO STAGGERED IDC MALE CONN	358
PC200S-02-S-04-T-LF Major League Electronics	TERMINAL STRIP SOCKET - SURFACE	128
SMBC-502-D-02-T-H-LF Major League Electronics	SURFACE MOUNT BOX CONNECTOR	189
SSHR-503-D-02-G-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HEADER RIGHT ANGLE	0
LSMBC-202-D-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	LOW PROFILE BOX CONTACT SOCKET S	358
BLSSHSM-102-S-02-F-H-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HORIZONTAL SINGLE R	304
BCSS-203-D-SAD-T-LF Major League Electronics	BOX CONTACT SOCKET STRIP	186
SSHSM-102-S-02-T-V-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HEADER - SURFACE	435
BSSQM-102-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	BOARD STACK SOCKET STRIP	400
SSHQ-105-D-06-GT-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET WITH .190 TAIL 5POS	100
BCSSM-103-D-02-T-V-LF Major League Electronics	BOX CONTACT SOCKET STRIP	239
SSHQ-123-D-06-GT-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET WITH A .190 TAIL 23POS	5
MICRO-01-02-2-TB-LF Major League Electronics	MICRO STAGGERED FEMALE CONNECTOR	358
SSHQ-102-S-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	SOCKET STRIP HEADER RIGHT ANGLE	483
LSMBC-102-D-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	BOX CONTACT SOCKET STRIP	371
PSSHS-504-D-SAD-F-A-LF Major League Electronics	POLARIZED SOCKET STRIP	182
PSSHSM-503-D-06-T-LF Major League Electronics	POLARIZED SOCKET STRIP	278
SHS-506-D-02-T-LF Major League Electronics	SHROUDED FEMALE CONNECTOR	76

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