Due to market price fluctuations, if you need to purchase or consult the price. You can contact us or emial to us:   sales@allicdata.com

Terminals - PC Pin Receptacles, Socket Connectors

714-87-151-41-001101 Application Field and Working Principle

Arcade games, cell phones, network systems and peripherals all contain connectors or socketed connections. These connectors are used to facilitate two-way communication between devices, and are typically either of the pin receptacle (or contact) or socket connector variety. Pin receptacles and socket connectors have some physical similarities, but different design functions. Understanding the main principals of each type of connector will help engineers when it comes to selecting the right type of connection for an application.

Function and Characteristics of Pin Receptacles

Pin receptacles, also referred to as a contact or by the generic term “connector”, are designed to accept a pin or wire which provides an electrical or mechanical connection. Unlike socket connectors, pin receptacles are designed to accept a pin and retain it by a mechanical connection. In some cases, the pin receptacle provides a connection to an electrical circuit, while in others it is an integral part of the mechanical structure.

Pin receptacles are available in various sizes, shapes and materials to meet the specific needs of an application, such as size, weight, and environment. Typical materials used in pin receptacles are copper alloy, brass, zinc alloy, aluminum, steel, and nylon. A variety of contact finishes are available to ensure a good connection is made and reliable use over time. The most popular contact finishes are gold, silver, and tin. Some pin receptacles are designed to hold a pin in place with a spring-loaded feature, while others don’t include this.

In many cases, pin receptacles are designed to accept a specific type of pin or wire, which must be compatible with the pin receptacle’s characteristics. Some pin receptacles may also be designed in a self-seating manner that requires only an initial pressure to be applied for a connection. This type of pin receptacle is typically used to make connections in tight environments, where access and tools are limited. The location of the pin receptacle in an assembly can also determine the type that must be used. For instance, a pin receptacle near a power source must have a current carrying capacity and sufficient insulation to ensure safe use.

Pin receptacles are typically used in signal, board-to-board, wire-to-board, and power applications. Socket connectors are often used in wire-to-wire applications. Examples of pin receptacle applications include automotive connectors, electronic gaming, cell phones and tablets, network systems and peripherals, consumer products, and large industrial equipment.

Function and Characteristics of Socket Connectors

Socket connectors, also referred to as sockets or pluggable connectors are designed to provide an electrical or mechanical connection essentially in the same manner as pin receptacles. The key difference between the two types of connectors is that a socket connector provides a connection without the need for a pin or wire. Instead, socket connectors usually contain a mating or contact surface that makes the connection when two socket connectors are mated.

Socket connectors are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials to meet the specific requirements of the application. As with pin receptacles, typical materials used in socket connectors are copper alloy, brass, zinc alloy, aluminum, steel, and nylon. A variety of contact finishes are available to ensure a good connection is made and reliable use over time. The most popular contact finishes are gold, silver, and tin.

Unlikepin receptacles, socket connectors can be designed to accept a wide variety of pins and wires. However, the availability of a wide range of pin and wire types may make selecting a socket connector type more difficult, as the connection’s performance may be affected by pin or wire type. Socket connectors also come in self-seating types, such as mating pairs, that may be designed to require only an initial pressure to be applied for a connection.

Socket connectors are typically used in applications that require a wire-to-wire connection, such as electronic gaming system wiring, commercial electronics, and audio and video systems. Examples of socket connector applications include automotive connectors, electronic gaming, audio and video signal distribution equipment, cell phones and tablets, consumer products, and large industrial equipment.

Conclusion

Pin receptacles and socket connectors are both indispensable components in various electronic, consumer and industrial applications. The differences between the two types of connectors should be taken into account when selecting the most suitable type for an application. Pin receptacles are typically used in signal, board-to-board, wire-to-board, and power applications while socket connectors are usually used in wire-to-wire applications.

The specific data is subject to PDF, and the above content is for reference