A Guide to Seven Important Electrical Connectors and their Uses

As known, an electrical circuit is made of various components, which are interconnected through wires or cables, with the help of connectors. Electrical connectors also enable the transmission of electrical signals through the circuit. Even with their simple designs, these connectors perform well in complex electrical devices. Owing to their role in signal transmission, these connectors are made durable and reliable in simple designs. There are various types of connectors available, and choosing the appropriate among them is depends on the specification of the electrical device. All are not designed to withstand harsh environments, so you need to make the right choices. Would you like to know the different types of electrical connectors, which are widely used today? This post introduces you to seven popular electrical connectors.

7 Major Types of Electrical Connectors

Electrical connectors can be differentiated based on their functions, levels, and terminations. To make the hassle-free selection process, have a look at the list that highlights the most popularly used electric connectors.

1. Circular Connectors: As its name implies, they are cylindrical-shaped multi-pin electrical connectors, which are widely used for transferring data and signals in electrical systems. Their circular shape allows them to resist the effects of mechanical turbulence. In many applications, circular connectors are designed to carry mixed signals, so they are referred to as a control and power connector. In the aerospace industry, specialized circular connectors are used, and they are designed to resist dangerous chemicals and moisture.
2. DIN Connectors: These connectors feature multiple pins that are housed within a protective metal skirt. The circular metal skirt allows the plug to be inserted correctly to prevent damage to all pins. DIN connectors are used in countless applications. In computer electronics, they are referred to as circular connectors that is Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) standardized.
3. Coaxial Connectors: These connectors feature an insulated conducting wire in its center, which is wrapped in a cylindrical conductor forming a shield. Coaxial connectors are used to join wires or cables to other devices. High-quality coaxial connectors provide long-lasting connections while carrying a huge amount of information at high speeds. They are widely used for CATV applications.
4. Edge Connectors: Also referred to as card edge connectors or edge card connectors, they are engineered for high Signal Integrity (SI) on the PCBs. These connectors feature traces, which are plugged into the right socket. Unlike other connectors on this list, these connectors are embedded devices, which are designed to mate with the edges of various printed circuit boards. Edge connectors are designed based on various requirements, such as power pin placements, voltage, and power levels.
5. Modular and RJ Connectors: Modular and Registered Jack (RJ) connectors are commonly used for data networks, telephone systems, and so on. They feature two similar, but different styles of connectors. Modular connectors enable flexibility. They are made of plug-in-units, which can be added together to expand the size of the electrical system or to improve its capabilities. However, RJ is a data jack and telephone application-specific connectors.
6. USB Connectors: As the name suggests, these connectors are designed to connect various USB (universal serial bus) products. They are used to connect both - USB peripheral devices or wires. They are widely used in computer electronics as they can easily be plugged in and unplugged while the connected device is on.
7. Terminal Blocks: These comprise insulated blocks, which are used to terminate or secure wires. Terminal blocks are named so because they appear as long strips with individual terminals. They are used for connecting electrical outlets or switches to the main or for connecting wiring to ground.

The above-mentioned types of electrical connectors are being popularly used in various applications from consumer electronics to aerospace equipment.  By now, you might have understood their importance. If you are interested in purchasing durable and high-quality connectors online, consider procuring it from industry experts, such as EE USA. The company offers many of these electric connectors from top-rated brands. Browse through our inventory, and get the right one that serves your purpose.