What Are Jumpers and Shunts
Jumpers and shunts are hardware components often found on printed circuit boards (PCBs), and they are both used to affect connections and signal routing. While having their own set roles, jumpers and shunts are often used in pairs as is seen when a shunt encloses a jumper on a PCB. To better understand how both hardware components affect the operations of a PCB, we will provide a brief overview of what each component is as well as how they function.
A jumper is a small metal connector that may be implemented on a circuit board to either open or close a section of an electrical circuit. With the use of two or more connecting points, the jumper can regulate the circuit board, and there are two main reasons for why a jumper may be used. The first major reason for the implementation of a jumper is to either fix defects or adjust the board after it has already been assembled. In such instances, the jumper is considered a wire and the routing, termination, and bonding of the jumper is documented properly by an engineer. The other instance in which a jumper is added to a PCB is when it is considered a circuit component. In such applications, the jumper may be a copper wire or flat wire that is soldered to the board similarly to other components.
Shunts, on the other hand, serve as a device that may produce a low-resistance path for electrical current so that it may be rerouted as necessary. Shunts can come in a variety of forms, often being used for photovoltaics, electronic filter circuits, circuit protection, and more. When applied on a PCB, shunts often act as a conductive sleeve that is fitted over a set of jumper pins that are opening or closing a circuit. When establishing connector jumpers and shunts, the jumper pins are placed in such a way that the contact points are enclosed by the shunt. Connector jumpers and shunts are very useful when there is a need for adjusting electrical connections such as when the CPU speed needs to be changed, hardware requires configuration, and other instances.
In the early days of jumper technology, such components were manually produced by hand and assembled onto the board through similar means. In the present, however, jumpers may be produced and automatically wave soldered to the circuit board with the use of machinery. In some cases, there are also jumper components that are designed to be surface mounted or passed through the through-holes of the PCB.
When procuring jumper and shunt connectors, it is important to note that there are two sizes for jumpers in particular. One variation is 0.08 inches long while the other is 0.12 inches long, and both are offered on a seven-inch reel. Such components are also produced by a number of reliable manufacturers, including those such as Emerson Network Power, Cooper Bussmann, and Assmann Electronics. When you are in need of top quality jumper and shunt connectors, ASAP Aerospace is your sourcing solution with our expansive inventory of items.
ASAP Aerospace Hub is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we operate as a premier online supplier of aviation parts, electrical connectors, and NSN parts. As the only independent distributor with a no China sourcing pledge, we ensure that every item has come from a trusted manufacturer as well as ships alongside its qualifying certifications or manufacturing trace documentation as applicable. As our industry experts are readily available 24/7x365, customers can quickly and easily receive competitive quotes on the items they are interested in by taking advantage of our offered RFQ services. Get started today and see why customers choose to rely on ASAP Aerospace Hub for their operational needs.
- charles price
- Posted on April 26, 2021 electronics
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