Pretty much every electronic device, no matter how small or complex, depends on something that doesn’t get a lot of limelight – PCB connectors. These small but significant components help different parts of a circuit board communicate and power up efficiently. In the world of PCB electronics, choosing the right connector isn’t just a technical decision; it can make or break the reliability of an entire product.
So, whether you’re piecing together consumer gadgets or building industrial machinery, connector choice tends to play a bigger role than you might expect.
In this guide, we’re breaking down five of the most commonly used PCB connector types, where they fit in, and why they matter more than you might think.
Through-Hole Connectors
Through-hole connectors are, in a way, the original staple of PCB design. They’re mounted by inserting component leads through pre-drilled holes in the board, which are then soldered on the opposite side. This method forms a strong mechanical bond that tends to hold up extremely well under stress.
You’ll typically find these connectors in environments where durability is non-negotiable – think aerospace, military systems, or heavy-duty industrial machines. They’re especially handy where vibration, shock, or physical wear could otherwise cause issues.
Why they’re often chosen:
- Better mechanical strength than surface-mount equivalents
- Reliable in extreme or high-load conditions
- Easier to inspect for quality after soldering
Limitations to consider:
- Take up more board space
- Slower to assemble and more labour-intensive
- Can complicate automated manufacturing
So, while they might feel slightly old-school, through-hole connectors still serve an important role where strength trumps size.
Surface-Mount Connectors
Unlike their through-hole cousins, surface-mount connectors sit directly on top of the PCB – no drilling required. That one shift changes quite a lot. They’re made for compact, efficient designs where every millimetre counts, and they usually make assembly quicker too, especially with automated production.
They tend to shine in consumer electronics, telecoms equipment, and portable tech, where space is limited but functionality still needs to pack a punch.
What makes them appealing:
- Smaller footprint helps with high-density PCB layouts
- Faster and easier to install via pick-and-place machines
- Ideal for mass production
Things to keep in mind:
- Not quite as physically strong as through-hole connections
- Can be more sensitive to heat during soldering
- May not cope well with repeated mechanical stress
So, for sleek and space-saving circuit boards, surface-mount connectors usually tick the right boxes – just don’t lean on them too hard, literally.
Board-to-Board Connectors
Board-to-board connectors do exactly what the name suggests – they link two printed circuit boards without needing extra wiring. It’s a clever way to keep things neat and efficient, especially where multiple PCBs need to interact within a single device.
There are a few main types to know: mezzanine connectors stack boards vertically, edge connectors slot one board into another, and coplanar or stacking connectors line up boards side by side. Each has its own quirks, but they’re all aimed at the same goal – seamless, compact connections between boards.
Why they’re used so often:
- Neat, tidy, and space-saving
- Support high-speed signals with low loss
- Good for modular designs where swapping parts is helpful
Where they pop up most:
- Laptops and tablets
- Industrial control systems
- Automotive control modules
In tight electronic setups, board-to-board connectors are usually the go-to choice for keeping everything closely linked without the extra clutter.
Wire-to-Board Connectors
Wire-to-board connectors are the bridge between a printed circuit board and the outside world, where wires carrying power or signals need to meet neatly with the board. They’re used in loads of products where modularity and serviceability matter.
These connectors usually feature a plug-and-socket style system, allowing quick connections and, just as importantly, easy disconnections. They’re handy in situations where devices need to be repaired or upgraded without fiddling about with the main circuit board.
What makes them practical:
- Simple to install, remove, and replace
- Great for modular setups and field maintenance
- Let you route external power or data easily
Typical examples include:
- Terminal blocks – secure and reusable
- Crimp connectors – firm grip, commonly used in vehicles
- IDC connectors – fast, tool-free wire insertions
You’ll usually spot these in home appliances, automotive systems, and anywhere that flexibility and convenience count for more than compactness.
Ribbon Cable Connectors
Ribbon cable connectors handle the kind of job where lots of wires need to stay organised without turning into a tangled mess. They’re designed to connect flat, multi-wire cables to PCBs, letting multiple signals travel in parallel from one point to another.
The most recognisable types are IDC (Insulation Displacement Connectors) and D-sub connectors. IDC connectors clamp straight onto the ribbon cable, piercing the insulation and connecting each wire in one go – fast, tidy, and no soldering needed. D-sub connectors, with their familiar trapezoidal shape, often handle data in older systems and some industrial setups.
Why they’re still in the mix:
- Keep wiring neat and flat
- Speed up installation and replacement
- Handle multiple signal lines at once
You’ll often find them in:
- Computer peripherals
- Legacy control systems
- Industrial automation equipment
They might not be the flashiest, but ribbon cable connectors are still useful, especially where order and multi-line signals are top priorities.
From the solid build of through-hole connectors to the tidy efficiency of ribbon cables, choosing the right PCB connector often comes down to balancing space, stress, and performance.
Need something rugged? Go for through-hole. Working with sleek consumer tech? Surface-mount might suit better. Either way, it pays to weigh up all the options early on.
If you’re still unsure or need help finding the best fit, feel free to contact us – we’re happy to talk it through.
The post 5 Types of PCB Connectors appeared first on Altimex.
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