How are industrial connectors classified

Now the industrial system contains a large number of electrical components and equipment, from PCB circuit boards, sensors, to drivers, motors, industrial computers, electric cabinets, and even production lines, machines... They usually need to be connected together to work together. In this process, various types of industrial connectors actually play a very important role, such as: carrying power, transmitting control signals, connecting equipment to data communication.... It can be said that if there is no industrial connector, what iot, intelligent manufacturing, industry 4.0... What? It's all bullshit.



Don't underestimate the industrial connector, despite its size, but it itself contained technology is not simple. On the one hand, the reliability of electrical connection directly determines the performance of the equipment system; On the other hand, facing various types of application scenarios, the classification of industrial connectors is extremely complicated. This actually brings some difficulty to our daily product development and system integration.



So starting with this installment, I'm going to help you understand industrial connector technology in a nutshell.



First of all, let's start with the definition and classification of connectors, and talk about the basic rules of connector product model naming.



Any electrical system must use current as a carrier of signal or energy from one conductor to another through the contact between conductors. This conductor-to-conductor contact is called electrical contact, and the electrical contact task is accomplished by the connector, which covers the three lifelines of power, signal and data.





Figuratively speaking, a connector is a bridge that serves as a current or signal connection. It's just a component, but it plays a vital role.



So far, there is no unified classification standard for connectors. New application areas are emerging constantly, and the structures are increasingly diversified. It is difficult to use a fixed pattern to classify and name connectors. However, some basic classification principles are still valid, so let's look at the preconditions for connector classification.



1. According to the function of internal and external connection of electronic equipment, the interconnection level is divided into 6 layers:

The first layer: the component to the package of interconnection;

The second layer: encapsulation of the circuit board connection;

The third layer: board to board mutual connection;

The fourth layer: component to component interconnection;

The fifth layer: the component to the input and output interface interconnection;

Layer 6: System - to - system interconnection.



2. Classification by structure:

Board to board connector;

Plate to wire connector;

Wire to wire connector.





3. Classification by power:

Power connector (to transmit power);

Signal connector (to transmit signals);

High frequency connector (to transmit data).



4. Categorize by appearance:

Circular connector, most used in military equipment;

Rectangular connector, widely used, rapid development.

Now, the module connector has become the shining star of the connector family.



In summary, considering the technological development and industrial application of connectors, connectors can be divided into five categories by referring to relevant technical standards:

Rectangular connector;

Circular connector;

Radio frequency connector;

Optical fiber connector;

Non-contact connectors (e.g. proximity switches, etc.).