Connectors 101

What is a connector?

A connector is an electrical component that links two or more components together. The major types of connectors are:

  • Wire to wire (e.g., an in-line connector that connects a battery to a wire harness)
  • Wire to board (e.g., a connector that attaches a sensor to a printed circuit board)
  • Board to board (e.g., connectors used to mate a daughterboard with a motherboard)
  • Power connectors, which handle higher currents
  • Modular connectors (e.g., Ethernet plugs)
  • Terminal blocks and barrier strips, which are useful for connecting and disconnecting wires with screw terminals (e.g., a connector used inside a sprinkler or security control box)

What companies manufacture connectors?

You can also order connectors directly from distributors (e.g., Newark, Digikey, Mouser)

How do I choose a connector?