Connectors are an indispensable part of electronic devices. If you follow the path of the current flow, you will always find one or more connectors. Connectors are coupling devices that connect electrical terminals to form circuits. They can achieve connections between wires, cables, printed circuit boards and electronic components, so they are widely used in electronic devices.

Using inappropriate connectors can cause a variety of problems, including performance degradation, loose or easy disconnection, and even safety risks such as overload or short circuits. In addition, mismatched connectors may also affect the compatibility of equipment and the stability of the system, adding additional costs and time to solve the problem. Therefore, choosing the right connector is crucial to ensure the normal operation of equipment and systems.

Considerations for Connector Selection

With the different application objects, application environments, frequencies, and powers, the form and structure of connectors are also changing. There are more and more types of common connectors. So what should we pay attention to when choosing connectors?

Identify your needs

Before selecting a connector, you must first clarify your needs. This includes a detailed plan of connector types, specifications, performance parameters, and application scenarios. For example, do you need to determine whether it is an onboard connector for a circuit board or a high-frequency connector designed for high-frequency signal transmission? Or is it a power connector for electrical equipment, or a modular connector designed for data transmission? Once the needs are clear, you can choose the most suitable connector in a targeted manner.

Focus on performance parameters

The performance parameters of the connector are important indicators for evaluating its quality and reliability. When selecting a connector, you need to pay attention to the following performance parameters, mainly including rated voltage, rated current, protection level, etc.

Rated voltage is also called working voltage, which mainly depends on the distance between the insulating material and the contact pair used in the connector. In theory, the rated voltage of the connector should be the maximum working voltage recommended by the manufacturer, but in fact, the connector can work normally at a voltage lower than the rated voltage.

Rated current is also called working current. Like rated voltage, connectors can generally work normally when the current is lower than the rated current. When current passes through the contact pair of the connector, the contact pair will heat up due to the conductor resistance and contact resistance, and a failure will occur when the temperature exceeds the limit. Therefore, to limit the rated current is to limit the temperature rise inside the connector to not exceed the specified value of the design.

Connectors may be subject to a variety of harsh environments in actual applications, such as moisture, dust, and vibration. Therefore, we need to pay special attention to the protection level of connectors to ensure that they can maintain stability and reliability under specific environmental conditions. This protection is crucial for the long-term performance of connectors, especially in industrial and outdoor applications, where we must ensure that they can withstand various adverse effects of the external environment to ensure the normal operation of the entire system.

Select High-quality Materials

The metal material and insulation material of the connector determine the working environment temperature of the connector. The high temperature will damage the insulation material, causing the insulation resistance and voltage performance to decrease; for metal, high temperature can make contact lose elasticity, accelerate oxidation and cause plating deterioration.

Depending on the different corrosion environments, the corresponding metal, plastic, and plating structure connectors should be selected. For example, if the connector is used in a salt spray environment, the performance will deteriorate rapidly if there is no anti-corrosion metal surface. In an environment with a considerable concentration of SO2, it is not advisable to use a connector with silver-plated contact pairs.

Environmental parameters mainly include ambient temperature, humidity, sudden temperature changes, corrosive environment, etc. The environment in which the connector is used, transported and stored has a significant impact on its performance, so the corresponding connector must be selected according to the actual environmental conditions.

Connectors may be subject to a variety of harsh environments in actual applications, such as moisture, dust, and vibration. Therefore, we need to pay special attention to the protection level of connectors to ensure that they can maintain stability and reliability under specific environmental conditions. This protection is crucial for the long-term performance of connectors, especially in industrial and outdoor applications, where we must ensure that they can withstand various adverse effects of the external environment to ensure the normal operation of the entire system.

Focus on Installation and Maintenance

The termination method refers to the connection method between the contact pair of the connector and the wire or cable. At present, the main connection methods are crimping, welding, wrapping, piercing connection, screw connection, etc. Reasonable selection of termination methods and correct use of termination technology are also important aspects of using and selecting connectors. It is necessary to understand the installation methods and precautions of the product to ensure correct installation and use. In addition, regular maintenance of the connector can extend its service life. Therefore, when selecting a connector, you can pay attention to information such as the product’s maintenance cycle and maintenance cost.

Choose Well-known Brands and Suppliers

Well-known brands and suppliers usually have higher quality assurance and good after-sales service. When choosing connectors, you can give priority to products from well-known brands and suppliers. This can reduce the risk of product quality problems and get better technical support and after-sales service.

Choosing the right connector requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Environmental parameters, electrical parameters and connection methods will affect the performance of the connector. Understanding your application requirements and choosing the right connector can improve the reliability of the project and play a great role in improving the quality and service life of the product.

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