1873-0-15-01-16-27-04-0

Terminals – PC Pin Receptacles, Socket Connectors

PC pin receptacles are a type of electrical terminal for securely connecting wires to a printed circuit board (PCB), which are generally used for creating circuits with components that communicate with one another. Socket connectors are also a type of electrical terminal but are commonly for connecting two mechanical parts together and are usually made of plastic. Both PC pin receptacles and socket connectors have two distinct types of connection for use in various applications: screw type and mechanical type.

Screw type terminals involve a screw and nut arrangement to secure the wire to the metal contact. Mechanical type terminals require that a profiled terminal block is used to clamp the wire. The profiled terminal block is a rectangular body which houses a series of grooves or openings for the insertion of the wires. The wire is then secured using a pair of screws. The advantage of mechanical type terminals is that they have the ability to accommodate larger gauge wires than screw type terminals.

PC pin receptacles are generally used for making connections between two or more components in automotive, consumer electronics and industrial devices. The most common type of receptacle is the Hirschmann receptacle, which is designed to directly fit onto a printed circuit board. The connection is made between the socket and the PC board by means of a pair of contact pins which are inserted into the PC board. The Hirschmann receptacle consists of two main parts: a female and a male section which are joined together to establish the connection.

Socket connectors are typically used in a variety of applications where two mechanical or electrical components need to be securely connected. Common applications for socket connectors include connecting thermocouples, strain gauges, electrical current sensors or motors. The socket connector is made up of two key elements: the socket body and the contact pin. The socket body houses the contact pin and is usually made of plastic or aluminum and designed to be robust and long lasting. The contact pin is generally made from copper or brass and is inserted into the socket body and held in contact with the mating component.

The working principle of PC pin receptacles and socket connectors is relatively simple. The connection is made between the two components by inserting the contact pins or screws into the respective holes in each component. The connector then fastens the components together and allows current to flow between the components. This current is then used to either power or control the device or system. The connection remains secured until the contact pins or screws are removed, allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance.