PCB CONNECTORS AND THEIR TYPES

What are PCB Connectors?

There are many different types of PCB connectors, which is not surprising, given the many different types of components and devices that are attached with these connectors. Some printed circuit board connectors are designed to operate under stressful conditions, to support relatively heavy loads and to provide stability and safety under those circumstances. Other printed circuit board connectors are much more delicate.

Printed circuit board connectors often come in kits, with both ends of the connection and the hardware required to install the connector to the printed circuit board. Some printed circuit board connectors can only work with one type of a connector and others are designed to work with stripped wires, making it possible to hook up devices generically, without relying upon a specific type of connector to complete the circuit.

TYPES OF PCB CONNECTORS----

Rectangular connectors--Rectangular connectors are used widely in modular machine design, factory automation, robotics, transportation and power generation. Both have benefits - for example, circular connectors are advantageous when a cable is passing through a cable tray. Rectangular connectors offer other benefits, such as easy customization with standard modules and space saving

Circular connectors

Circular connectors are common because they have been the standard for a long time. This does not mean that they are the best solution for every application as the benefits of rectangular connectors often outweigh the benefits of circular connectors. For example, any side-by-side circular connector arrangement requires additional space for accessibility to twist and lock in the connectors. A rectangular connector arrangement does not require as much space in between connectors.

Terminal blocks

  

A terminal block is a screw-type electrical connector where the wires are clamped down to the metal part by a screw. It is a connector which allows more than one circuit to connect to another circuit. It often contains two long aluminum or copper strips that are designed to connect different components. These strips create a bus bar for power distribution that is sent to the connected components. A barrier strip is composed of several screw terminals.

Terminal blocks are modular, insulated blocks that secure two or more wires together.  Terminal blocks are used to secure and/or terminate wires and, in their simplest form, consist of several individual terminals arranged in a long strip. Terminals are useful for connecting wiring to a ground or, in the case of electrical power, for connecting electrical switches and outlets to the mains.

Terminal bodies typically consist of a copper alloy with the same expansion coefficient as the wire intended for use. This not only prevents loosening because of differing expansion rates but also reduces corrosion caused by electrolytic action between two different metals.

To be continued in next blog..

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