PCB connectors are fundamental components that allow electronic systems to function. They provide mechanical stability and electrical continuity between circuit boards, wires, and external devices.
You can encounter them in smartphones, automotive systems, industrial automation, and aerospace equipment. Each connector type is engineered for specific requirements such as power delivery, data transfer, or compact design.
In this guide, we’ll explain what PCB connectors are, review the main types, and show you where they are commonly used.
What Is a PCB Connector?
A PCB connector is an electromechanical interface that links printed circuit boards to other boards, wires, or external devices. It allows controlled transmission of power and signals while maintaining mechanical stability.
Connectors come in many formats, including board-to-board, wire-to-board, and card edge, each designed to match voltage, current, and spatial requirements. They are standardized in electronics manufacturing to support modular design, repairability, and scalability.
Engineers working with smartphones, industrial controls, or medical devices often rely on specialized providers such as InTechHouse hardware design services to integrate connectors into larger systems effectively.
💡 Key Takeaway: PCB connectors create reliable electrical and mechanical connections, enabling modular, serviceable, and scalable electronic designs.
Source: Freepik
Main Types of PCB Connectors
PCB connectors come in many formats, each supporting different functions such as data transfer, power delivery, and modular assembly. Let’s take a closer look at each:
| Connector Type | Typical Applications | Key Features | Example Use Case |
| Board-to-Board | Smartphones, servers, motherboards | High density, low profile, multiple pitch | Compact design in consumer devices |
| Wire-to-Board | Automotive, appliances, industrial equipment | Push in connection, secure housing | Power input for control systems |
| Wire-to-Wire | Cable harnesses, automotive, prototyping | Supports solid conductors, flexible housing | Industrial wiring harness |
| Card Edge | Memory modules, expansion cards, telecom | Gold plated contacts, reliable connections | Printed circuit memory modules |
| Pin Headers/PCB Headers | Displays, sensors, modular add-ons | Single row/double row, receptacle/socket | Header plug for displays |
| Backplane | Telecommunications, data centers | High speed, parallel board connection | Network switch backplane |
| Surface-Mount | Consumer electronics, compact PCBs | Soldered directly, automated assembly | Surface mount connector in smartphones |
| Specialized (USB, D-Sub, Coaxial, Circular, PCB Terminal Blocks) | Aerospace, RF signals, power applications | Rugged housings, reliable performance | RF connectors in telecommunications |
1. Board-to-Board Connectors
Board to board connectors link two circuit boards directly, reducing wiring and saving space. They appear in smartphones, servers, and computer motherboards where high density and low profile designs are required. Variants include mezzanine, coplanar, and right-angle connectors, which provide design flexibility in compact systems.
2. Wire-to-Board Connectors
Wire to board connectors allow external wires to connect to a printed circuit board. They are widely used in power applications, automotive electronics, and consumer devices. Push in connection technology is often applied to improve automated assembly and reduce installation time. Secure connections are achieved with robust housing and optimized pitch spacing.
3. Wire-to-Wire Connectors
Wire to wire connectors create a direct link between cables in harnesses or modular assemblies. They are common in industrial wiring systems, prototyping, and automotive control units. These connectors support solid conductors and stranded wire for flexible integration in dynamic environments.
4. Card Edge Connectors
Card edge connectors provide direct contact with the edge of a printed circuit. They are frequently gold plated to maintain reliable connections under repeated insertion. Typical uses include memory modules, graphics cards, and telecommunications systems.
5. Pin Headers and Sockets
Pin headers and pcb headers offer versatile board wire connections. They are available in single row or double row configurations, straight or right-angle. Commonly used with sockets, they support displays, sensors, and modular add-ons. Pitch size and receptacle type influence compatibility with various components.
6. Backplane Connectors
Backplane connectors connect multiple boards in parallel within one system. They are critical in telecommunications and data centers where high speed and high density connections are required. Their housing and receptacle structures allow for cross connections between boards.
7. Surface-Mount Connectors
Surface mount connectors are soldered directly to the circuit board surface. They are suitable for compact design, automated assembly, and mass production. These connectors are key in mobile devices and other space-limited electronics.
8. Specialized Connectors
USB, D-Sub, coaxial, and circular connectors are specialized solutions for data, RF signals, and rugged environments. Power connectors handle varying loads in industrial systems and power electronics. PCB terminal blocks also belong in this group, offering screw or push in connection for secure wire termination.
Typical Applications Across Industries
PCB connectors are not limited to one sector. Their designs support a wide spectrum of consumer devices, industrial applications, and mission-critical systems. We can define 5 common applications:
1. Consumer Electronics
Consumer devices rely heavily on compact, high density connectors.
- Board-to-board connectors allow stacked printed circuit boards in smartphones and laptops.
- FFC/FPC connectors link foldable displays and LCD panels.
- USB connectors provide universal device connection for charging and data.
These solutions support compact design without sacrificing reliability.
2. Industrial Systems
Automation and control systems require durable connector systems.
- Wire-to-board connectors bring signals from sensors and motors to the main circuit board.
- Power connectors handle higher loads in robotics and manufacturing equipment.
- PCB terminal blocks with push in connection simplify wiring in control cabinets.
Reliability and easy installation are priorities in these environments.
3. Automotive Electronics
Vehicles face vibration, heat, and dynamic loads, making connector performance a must.
- Wire-to-wire connectors integrate cable harnesses across the vehicle.
- Board connectors manage dashboard systems and infotainment modules.
- Surface mount connectors support compact ECUs with automated assembly.
Durability and secure connections ensure consistent performance under harsh conditions.
4. Telecommunications and Data Centers
High speed and high density requirements dominate in network infrastructure.
- Backplane connectors enable multiple board interconnections in switches and routers.
- Card edge connectors support memory modules and expansion cards.
- Receptacle and socket systems maintain reliable connections for high-volume data flow.
Design flexibility is needed to scale with performance demands.
5. Medical and Aerospace
Aerospace and medical devices depend on reliable connections and specialized housing.
- Circular connectors provide rugged, EMI-resistant performance.
- D-Sub connectors remain common in diagnostic equipment.
- Coaxial connectors ensure integrity for RF signals in aerospace systems.
Secure and consistent function matters most for patient safety and operational reliability.
How to choose the right PCB connector?
Selecting the correct PCB connector depends on electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements. Usually, engineers evaluate connector systems for compatibility with the printed circuit board layout, automated assembly methods, and long-term reliability.
When deciding, consider the following factors:
- Current and voltage capacity for power connectors and power electronics.
- Pitch spacing for board to board connectors, pcb headers, and pin headers.
- Housing material for heat resistance and vibration in industrial applications.
- Connection technology such as push in connection for faster installation.
- Design flexibility to support compact design and high density circuits.
Summing up
PCB connectors form the foundation of reliable connections across consumer devices, industrial applications, telecommunications, automotive systems, and aerospace equipment.
Each connector type – from board to board connectors and wire to board interfaces to pcb terminal blocks and backplane systems – serves a defined function within electronic assemblies. Engineers assess connector systems based on pitch, housing, connection technology, and compatibility with automated assembly processes.
Power connectors support heavy loads, while surface mount and low profile designs enable compact layouts.
FAQs
What are PCB connectors?
PCB connectors are electromechanical components that link printed circuit boards to wires, cables, or other boards. They transmit signals and power while providing mechanical stability. Connector systems include board to board connectors, wire to board interfaces, and pcb headers, each designed for specific circuit board layouts and electrical loads.
What are the main types of PCB connectors?
The most common types are board to board, wire to board, wire to wire, card edge, pin headers, backplane, surface mount, and specialized formats such as USB, coaxial, and circular connectors. Each category supports different functions, such as high speed data transfer, power applications, or compact design.
Where are PCB connectors used?
PCB connectors appear in consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial automation, telecommunications, data centers, medical devices, and aerospace equipment. Wire to board connectors and pcb terminal blocks dominate industrial applications, while board connectors and FFC/FPC connectors are standard in smartphones, laptops, and LCD panels.
How do I choose the right PCB connector?
Selection depends on current and voltage ratings, pitch spacing, housing material, and assembly method. Engineers match connector systems with the intended environment, considering vibration, temperature, and signal requirements. Power connectors suit heavy loads, while surface mount and low profile designs fit compact printed circuit layouts.
What is the difference between board to board and wire to board connectors?
Board to board connectors link two circuit boards directly, often using mezzanine or right-angle configurations for high density assemblies. Wire to board connectors connect external wires or cables to a printed circuit board, typically handling power input, control signals, or sensor integration.
What are pcb terminal blocks and when are they used?
PCB terminal blocks are modular connectors that allow secure wire termination on a circuit board. They are used in power electronics, industrial control panels, and automation systems. Many adopt push in connection technology to speed up installation and support solid conductors.
