Q:
What are the terms for circular connectors?
We often receive inquiries regarding
circular connectors
, but the terminology can be confusing for those searching for the right connector. This article explains some relevant circular connector terminology to help you choose the right product.
In
the parameter filter box of Digi-Key's circular connector, you will see the listed connector types, as shown below:
I understand what's confusing people: the terminology of connector types, "receptacle/jack, male pins" and "plug, female receptacle," can seem strange. The best way to explain it is that there's a "gender" description for the physical metal contact (for male pins and receptacles) and a "gender" description for the housing containing the metal contacts. The receptacle/jack is considered a
female
receiving connector, while the plug is considered the "
male
" counterpart that plugs into the receptacle or jack. A plug doesn't mate with a plug (unless the connector design is gender-neutral), and the same goes for a receptacle or jack. A plug mates with a receptacle or jack (terminology varies between manufacturers).
To illustrate this point, here is
1003-1241-ND
as an example.
This XLR plug connector cannot be used with the following connectors:
SC1013-ND
There are two reasons why they don't match: they are from different manufacturers, and they are both "plugs." The proper mating receptacle for the male plug looks like this:
1003-1242-ND
.
The appropriate female plug mating socket looks like this:
SC1014-ND
Shell Dimensions - Insert
The shell size describes the physical dimensions of the insert (i.e., the internal size of the circular connector, minus any plastic nuts, back caps, sealing rings, etc.), as shown in the figure below. For an example of an insert, see
708-1258-ND
.
Regardless of the design, a given connector size can only accommodate so many contacts (the metal contacts that make the electrical connection). Unfortunately, not every manufacturer's connector sizes follow the same standards. This often requires reading each manufacturer's datasheet to understand the meaning of the numbers or letters representing the dimensions. Some specialized connectors are designed to conform to military standards, so the shell dimensions are defined by those standards.
This parameter relates to the physical orientation of the center plug and may include keying information (which helps to mate the connector in the correct orientation). The most common orientations include: 0, 0°, N (standard), and keyed. Other orientations are used in very specific applications. The datasheet will also reference the available orientations for the product family being searched.
This parameter filter typically describes the availability of special components on a connector. Sometimes, a manufacturer's product lines may support special features as accessories (while the base series parts will not have this special feature), while other product lines may not even have this feature as an accessory. This means that special features are either included in the design or not. If a specific version of a circular connector is required, or if the connector requires accessories, it is recommended to carefully review the catalog datasheet.
One more thing to note, make sure to check below the part's properties list to see if there are any "Compatible with," "Used for," or "Related to" parts. This is much easier than wading through a huge catalog data sheet.
For more technical information about connectors, please see the following:
Tips
Click Menu Design Design
Support: Engineer Tips for more engineer tips
Good things should be shared
If
you think this content is good
Please forward or share to
Moments
If you have any questions
,
Welcome to contact Digi-Key
Digi-Key
's Customer Service Team
China (RMB) Customer Service
QQ online real-time consultation | QQ number: 4009201199
China (US dollars) / Hong Kong Customer Service
china.support@digikey.com
Search "digikey"
or "
Digikey Electronics"
on WeChat,
follow our official WeChat account, and register as a member to receive weekly engineer tips, earn points, exchange for gifts, and enjoy benefits.
↙
Click "Read More" below to see more
Let me know you
're watching
.
京公网安备 11010802033920号