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Rectangular Connectors - Headers, Receptacles, Female Sockets

Rectangular connectors are a type of electrical connector used [[in a variety of industries|https://www.newark.com/education/glossary/r/rectangular-connectors]]. They are designed for power, signal and data interconnections between two different connectors or between circuit boards. The working principles of headers, receptacles and female sockets are different, yet all contribute to the purpose of connecting different components. This article aims to explain the application field and working principle of these connectors.

Headers

A header is a type of electrical board connector. It is designed to provide two or more electrical connections between the pins on a printed circuit board (PCB) and the corresponding components such as resistors, transistors, ICs and LED\'s. It is the most common type of connector used in electronic circuits and provides a stable and reliable connection between components. The application field of headers are broad, including consumer electronics, audio systems, industrial sensors, LEDs, automobiles, medical equipment and more.

The working principle of these types of connectors is simple and can be described as follows: the end of the header pins are inserted into corresponding holes on a printed circuit board. In most cases, the pins are soldered into place after the board is placed in its final position. This provides a permanent connection between the board and the component. There are also several different types of headers, such as straight or right angle headers, which correspond to different configurations on the circuit board.

Receptacles

Receptacles are a type of electrical connector that is designed to connect two components together. It allows a single power or signal connection between the two components, such as between a circuit board and a PCB. They are usually used to connect small circuit boards together but can also be used to connect large components as well.

Receptacles are primarily used in industrial and automotive applications, as they provide a reliable and durable connection between two components. The working principle of receptacles is simple, as the pins on the receptacle are inserted into corresponding holes on the component or board being connected. The pins are then soldered into place and provide a secure connection. Receptacles are also designed for different types of connections, such as plug and play or hot swappable.

Female Sockets

Female sockets are a type of electrical connector used to connect two components together. They are designed to provide a secure, reliable connection between two electrical components. They are commonly used in consumer electronics and automotive applications.

The connection principle of female sockets is the same as that of receptacles. The pins on the socket are inserted into corresponding holes on the board or component being connected, and then soldered into place. Female sockets are designed for multiple types of connections, such as direct wire connection or higher power welding. They are also designed to be able to accommodate varying levels of voltage and power, depending on the application.

In conclusion, headers, receptacles and female sockets are three types of rectangular connectors that are used to interconnect two different components or circuit boards. While their working principles are similar, the application field for each is different, and they provide varying levels of power and data transfer.