A Guide To Interconnect Connectors
When establishing electronic networks or devices, finding the correct interconnect solution can be difficult for one unfamiliar with such devices. Generally speaking, interconnect connectors are any hardware component that facilitates the attachment of electrical conductors or cables. With a variety of interconnect connectors available on the market, a number of applications can benefit from their use. In this blog, we will discuss interconnect connectors more in detail, allowing you to understand their functionality and types.
While interconnect components may vary depending on their construction and use, most share two similar components which are contacts and housings. Contacts are the part of the connector that allows for an electrical connection to be established, and they are typically a conductive material that permits the transfer of current. In regard to interconnect hardware, contacts may either be male or female. When the component has male contacts, they often come in the form of protruding metal pieces. The female contact, on the other hand, is usually a socket or hole that caters to the insertion of a matching male pin. Once a connection is established, current, data, or other signals can be transferred throughout the assembly.
Pin and sockets are one of the most common forms of connectors that people are familiar with, and they consist of male pin components and female socket receptacles. Through the use of machining or stamping, pin and socket interconnect connectors can be manufactured with high quality. To connect such components, the pins of the male connector are aligned with the sockets of the female receptacle and then inserted to establish the connection of contacts. An example of such components would be computer cabling and a wall receptacle, where the three-pronged male-end of the cabling is inserted into the wall outlet to create an electrical connection for operations.
The housing of an interconnect connector is paramount to its mechanical safety, and they come in the form of insulating materials that surround contacts. With plastic being the most popular material for housing construction, such components complete the connector assembly once contacts have been implemented within it. To assist in the assembly of connectors and maintaining connections, the housing may feature clips or other means of retaining attachments.
As a common form of interconnect connector, plugs are a housing type that contains male contacts for a connection. Without the housing of the assembly, contacts may accidentally interact with one another, possibly leading to electrical issues or safety hazards. Additionally, the housing also acts as a safe way for establishing a connection, as users can hold onto the insulating material while orienting the components for proper alignment of pins and sockets.
When the interconnect connector is a female component, the housing may come in the form of a receptacle. As the half of the assembly that a male end can connect to, such housing holds the female contacts and will facilitate the attachment of a male connector. Within many facilities, homes, and buildings, wall outlets serve as a very common form of female interconnect receptacles.
With the proper interconnect components, establishing an electronic circuit can be easy. At ASAP Aerospace Hub, we can help you secure the connectors and interconnect components that you need with competitive pricing. As a leader among online part distributors, we offer a number of premium electronics that have been sourced from top manufacturers such as 3M, CW Industries, and more. Explore our expansive part catalogs at your leisure, and our team of industry experts are readily available 24/7x365 to assist you through the purchasing process as needed. Get started today and experience how ASAP Aerospace Hub can serve as your strategic sourcing partner for all of your operational needs.
- charles price
- Posted on February 5, 2021 electronics
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