Types Of Connectors -Definition, Conclusion and FAQs

Jan 13, 2023

Types of Connectors

In order to join or disconnect the circular course of the electric current, various types of connectors are employed. Connectors are the part of a cable or appliance with contact pins designed to be attached to the end of the flexible cable that is remote from the supply.

Connectors are already widely used in agriculture, where they transmit electricity, connect cameras to screens in the tractor cab, and allow operators to send control signals to harvesting attachments.

While farming equipment connectors are already engineered to withstand various extreme environments, connectors used on farms in the future must be fit for purpose.

Below are types of connectors and their usage in different systems.

Cable Connectors

Although “Wireless” is the aim of our connected society, some system wires are expected to enable computers to transmit data. Networking cables periodically are inclined toward signal strength, stability, and security.

Ethernet cables connect computers in a Local Region Network, or LAN, in a limited area such as a business, a college campus, or even your own house. The wireless router, widespread in many houses, is related to the internet provider via an Ethernet connection.

Twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and optical audio cables are common network cable types found in homes for carrying telephony signals or delivering television programs. There are types of cable connectors listed below

1. Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted-pair connectors are the most used type of cable connector by more people in the cabling industry than any other form of connector. The connectors include modular plugs, jacks and a connector, which are utilized with shielded twisted-pair cabling.

Patch panels, punch-down blocks, and wall plates use Twisted-Pair Cable Connectors. An IDC, or insulation displacement connection, is a Twisted-Pair Cable connector.

Patch panels and, as a result, 110-style termination blocks are used in many screened twisted-pair (ScTP) cable installations and unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) installations.

2. Coaxial Cables

Unless you’ve used a 10Base-2 or 10Base-5 Ethernet network, you’re probably only familiar with the coaxial connectors that come with televisions and video devices. There are several distinct types of coaxial connections.

F-series coaxial connector
N-series connector
The BNC connector
Fiber optic cable connector

Fiber-optic connections employ terminology distinct from connectors made of copper. In a fiber-optic system, the male end of the connection is referred to as the connector instead of the jack in the particular system.

In contrast to the jack in a copper-based system, the female end of the connection is referred to as the receptacle or adaptor.

Fiber optic connectors are classified into three types based on how the fiber is terminated:

A single fiber is terminated by a simple connector in the connector assembly.
In the connector assembly, duplex connectors end the two fibers.
Array connections terminate more than two fibers in the connector assembly (usually 12 or 24 fibers).

What is an Electrical Connector?

If you do not know the types of connectors electronics or what they are, continue reading further to learn more about them.

Electrical connectors help electrical circuit parts connect and act as large circuits. It can be a removable one or a fixed connector as per the function it performs.

Based on the connection needed, the electrical connectors are classified into different shapes electrical connectors.

Electrical connectors are selected based on connection, security, automatic, and surrounding condition considerations.

In the future, these connectors will evolve in various directions, particularly in rapid transmission.

Types of Electrical Connectors

1. Circular Electrical Connectors

The circular electrical connectors generally include categories of the bayonet (fast), thread, automatic locking, push-pull, straight plug, and pull based on the electrical connector method and the stabilized connection position.

2. Thread Connectors

The plug and socket are bound as a self-locking system in thread connectors. Triple threads make connectors that have to perform fast and high. When the connection experiences loosening by the effect of vibration or stress, a special structure called a fuse screw and ratchet wheel is often used.

The product’s reliability highly relies on this structure since it has the best anti-loosening character.

3. Bayonet Connectors

Bayonet connectors have sockets that are structured by 120° spaced three pins. The accompanying plug connection ring incorporates a triple curved trench and a loaded vault to ensure a stable locking structure.

This configuration has two structures, an inner triple curve, and an outer triple curve. It’s quick, reliable, and simple to utilize.

4. Push-Pull Connectors

The outside of the plug is structured by a triple ball spacing of 120°. The similar socket has an arc trench.

When inserted, the triple balls remain in the arc trench while the spring’s external force operates to ensure a safe locking structure. A quick connection is achieved using this style of structure.

5. Rectangular Connector

The rectangular electrical connector’s connection and socket come in two varieties:

6. Straight Pull Connectors

Straight pull connector construction relies heavily on the pin and socket guidance mechanism to connect the product, and its locking configuration relies heavily on the outside structure. It is mostly used to connect printed circuit boards or the structure to the cabinet.

7. Locking Type Connector

The leader pin bushing of the stopper and socket guide mechanism is commonly used in locking-type connectors that connect to printed boards and cables.

What is a Wire Connector?

Wire connectors or wire nuts are covers used to connect two electrical wires. These useful minimal connectors do not allow live wires from coming into contact with metal surfaces, which could result in a serious fault or short circuit.

Type of Wire Connector

1. Twist On

These connectors are convenient because they are twisted in hand with external grooves and wings. The end of the wire should be stripped by certain inches before use. Slide the connector over the two wires, twist it clockwise to connect them, and then align and twist the stripped portions of the wires.

Internal grooves or a tapered, coiled metal spring threaded onto the linked wires keep this form of wire connector firmly in place. If you need to remove it, spin the connector counterclockwise until it comes loose.

2. Push In

Solid wires should be used in this type of connector as stranded or tapered. One won’t fix firmly to the connectors. One needs to give strength to plug connectors into the connection. Start by removing about 12″ of the wire’s insulation with a wire stripper or crimper.

The stripped wire into one of the ports at this point can be inserted, and these connectors are available with 2 to 4 ports depending on your wiring needs. Every plug needs to fit into the connector, so any vibration or stress doesn’t cause it to come out easily from the connection.

3. Crimp On

It is made of steel or iron so that it can be inserted using a crimping tool easily by placing the wires parallel to each other tie their sides together to form a firm connection. Now, employ the crimping tool to make a tight, secure connection by sliding the crimp-on wire connector over the wires.

Unlike other connectors, these are firmly crimped on into the structure, making it tough to pull out. Only a wire cutter can be used if one doesn’t need crimp-on connectors for their use.

USB

Today, various device types use the Universal Serial Bus (USB) as a standard connection type. They created a compact, low-cost interface that facilitated computer communication. There are different types of USB connectors available.

USB Functions

These consist of:

Plugging in gadgets allows them to function on a computer
Data exchange between devices
Preserving data
Charge of a device

Types of USB Connectors

USB-A
USB-B
USB-C
Mini USB
Micro USB
Lightning cable

Conclusion

These days, USBs are everywhere, even though they all function differently and have various uses. Smartphones, tablets, music players, and smartwatches all share USB cables.

Connectors are essential to the creation of electronic projects and equipment. It’s important to use the right connector for the right application. Creating effective and affordable products is crucial for safety, PCB, and product manufacturing.

As a result, manufacturers have created various customized electrical connectors specifically designed for a given purpose or product. However, some connectors are so versatile that they are almost always found in the electrical products we use daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the three things to consider while selecting connectors?

A. The proper connector selection is crucial for a system to operate reliably. Your system might become lighter, smaller, and easier to use with the right connector. Three factors are important in selecting connectors: electrical needs, termination types, and reliability needs.

2. What can cause electrical connectors to fail?

A. Electrical connectors experience significant wear and tear from being connected and disconnected repeatedly. If exposed to harsh environmental elements like water, dust, or other debris, this wear and tear can lead to corrosion of the contact metal. When repeatedly mating the connector pairs, connecting and disconnecting also runs the danger of bending the contacts.

3. What are standard connectors?

A. Standard connectors are freely usable with all levels of PowerApps licensing. They can be used in Power Automate, Logic Apps, and anything we develop in PowerApps because they are accessible across the full Microsoft Power Platform.