Plug Connectors
CiS offers high-quality plug connectors and customized special connectors for almost all application areas – always in best quality. Our all-round carefree package includes all services related to connection technology – cable assembly, system technology, electromechanical components, HMI, and development services. With our know-how from more than 45 years of experience, we support you in all topics related to connector systems. Please contact our team for technical advice or specific inquiries.
What is a plug connector?
A plug connector is an electromechanical device that establishes an electrical connection between two electronic components. This ensures that performance is not compromised and that signal transmission can take place properly. A variety of connector systems are required in a wide range of industries and for the manufacture of countless products.
What is the composition of a plug connector?
Most plug connectors fall into two categories: male and female. The male part is also called a „pin“ or „plug“ and is connected to the female energy-carrying part. The female part of a connector is called a „coupling“ when it is the end of a cable. It is also commonly referred to as a „socket“ when it is a permanent part of an electronic device.
If the connectors are not compatible, an adapter is used to make the connection. To create a connection permanently, the connector can be permanently installed. In addition, it is possible to install and remove the connector for a specific purpose. This is referred to as a detachable or separable connection.
We plug all standards in the field of connectors!
Many differently standardized connectors are used worldwide. On the one hand, standards for the geometric shape of plugs, sockets, couplings and sockets are taken into account. On the other hand, there are standards for the electrical or optical signal that is transmitted via cables or optical fibers and connectors. Various plug faces and designs are distinguished, such as DIN 41 612, DIN 617, DIN circular connectors, HDMI, M5/M23 miniature circular connectors and many more.
Requirements for plug connectors
Depending on the field of application, different requirements are placed on connectors. This is because, depending on the type of signals that need to be transmitted, the electrical connections have to meet very specific requirements. For example, the amperage and the level of voltage are decisive factors for the correct selection of the connector. IP protection classes, which determine the provisions for protection against foreign bodies, contact and water, also play a decisive role.
Technologies
To meet the various requirements, different electrical connection technologies are used in the field of connectors. These include, for example:
– PCB connection technology
– soldering technology
– press-fit technology
– crimp technology
– insulation displacement technology
What are the types of plug connectors?
Input/output (I/O) connectors, flange connectors, wire-to-wire (WtW) connectors are electromechanical components that provide a connection between cables and wires to a fixed part, device or assembly. Industry standards of I/O connectors are D-Sub, USB, RJ45, metric connectors such as M12 connectors but also MTA connectors.
Input and output connectors are compact, space-saving and are particularly suitable for e.g. electrical devices for private and commercial use or transport and traffic electronics (aviation, road traffic, shipping).
PCB connectors are electronic components used to connect wires to a printed circuit board. Common industry standards include PCB, FPC and LVDS connectors.
In order to connect PCBs together without cables, so-called PCB connectors are necessary. This connection is often achieved by brazing and is thus permanent. For a higher data transmission rate, these connectors often have integrated shielding.
Subgroups of board-to-board connectors are backplane connectors and mezzanine connectors.
Coaxial connectors provide a detachable connection between coaxial cables or high-frequency cables.
Optical connectors are used to connect optical fibers (optical cables, fiber optic cables).
A high-voltage connector is an electrical connector specially designed for connecting high-voltage components or systems with an AC voltage of up to 1kV or a DC voltage of up to 1.5kV. Such connectors must be capable of transmitting high electrical voltages and currents and must therefore be well shielded, robust and reliable. High-voltage connectors are used in many areas, such as electromobility, power transmission and energy storage, and power distribution units.
Use of industrial plug connectors
A variety of different connectors are required in a wide range of industries and for the manufacture of countless products. Particularly noteworthy in the field of industrial electronics are plant and mechanical engineering, automation, automotive and electrical engineering. But the solution-oriented use of connectors is also important in the fields of energy and environmental technology, medical technology, transportation and traffic. Many other areas and industries are imaginable.
An overview of the most common plug connectors
Data connectors are used when digital information is to be exchanged between two devices. This includes, for example, digital images, files or videos. USB connectors are predominantly used here, which differ as follows:
USB connectors
- USB 2.0
- USB 3.0 or USB 3.1
- USB-C
Graphics/video connectors
- VGA plug and socket
- HDMI male and female
- HDMI Micro
- DVI male
- jack plug
Serial, Parallel and Network Connectors
- D-SUB male and female connector
- Network plug and socket
Waterproof connectors
- M8 connector
- M12 connector
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