Different Types of Electrical Connectors Explained

Electrical connects are electromechanical devices used to join conductors to create a complete electrical circuit. Connectors serve many purposes, from playing a part in small portable electronics to acting in large-scale aerospace or military-grade applications. As part of the increasing broadband capacity of electrical equipment today, electrical connectors fulfill great purposes. Here are some of the different types of electrical connectors explained and their respective applications.

AC Connectors

AC connectors power alternating currents between wall outlets and electronic devices. They primarily exist in households and businesses because of the rise of lithium battery-powered electronics and appliances. AC connectors come in standard sizes for small applications but also come in industrial sizes for larger applications.

DC Connectors

Alternatively, DC connectors connect devices to direct current electricity. DC plugs supply small electronics with power. AC and DC currents aren’t interchangeable. So, it’s important to use the right power connector for an electrical source. DC connectors serve various practical purposes. They work with portable electronics and automotive battery packs depending on the required voltage.

Board-to-Board Connectors

Board-to-board connectors are another different type of electrical connectors we explain here. These connect PCBs without a cable, which is ideal for limited spaces. Board-to-board connectors stack via a mezzanine connector. Depending on the motherboard configurations, different variables like height, slots, frames, and mountings affect performance. Board-to-board connectors are also durable. They can withstand several circuit board insertions and removals without issue.

Micro Connectors

The last type of connector to know is a micro connector. Micro connectors have one or two rows of plated contacts that are either straight or right-angled for their intended application. They can also be circular or cylindrical. As you may guess, micro connectors come in different forms. Some examples are Micro-D, micro circular, or micro strip connectors. Each one features specific configurations for board-to-board or cable-to-board requirements. Uniquely, micro connectors can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for military, aerospace, or industrial climates.