No matter what you’re looking for, you can buy PCB connectors in stock and ready to ship same day from RS. As an authorized distributor for wide range of PCB board mount connectors, cable connectors, headers, backplane connectors, FFC/FPPC connectors, PCB connector contacts, and board connector accessories, you can rest assured you’ll only get the best from us.

With leading manufacturers including FCI, Molex, TE Connectivity AMP, Cinch, HARTING, RS Pro, Phoenix Contact, and ITT Cannon included in our range, shop today with no minimum order quantity.

What are PCB connectors?

A printed circuit board (PCB) connects electrical components on a conductive track or between pads on the board. Some devices will boast more than one PCB, and will use a number of different equipment to build a connection between the boards.

PCB connectors are mounted on the board and are used to transfer signals or power from one to another. They can also transfer to or from the printed circuit board from another source within the unit. Board connectors also provide an easy method of design for manufacturers and engineers. This is because the PCBs aren’t hard-wired to each other and can be assembled later in production.

The different types of PCB connectors have different roles to play on the board. There are a number of sizes, weights and power properties that each connector has that can affect the overall board design. For example, a connector that’s used within a vehicle will need to withstand a high current, compared to one used within a mobile phone.

What are the types of power connectors available?

There are a number of different PCB connectors available at RS. Whether you need ones that specialize in resisting vibration and shock from environmental factors or that are much more delicate for highly sensitive applications, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

There are two primary categories of PCB power connectors. Both types improve manufacturability by allowing equipment to be manufactured in small sub-systems that are later plugged together. The use of these sub-systems also allows for design flexibility and makes it easier to repair and upgrade of a system in the future.

Board to board level connectors

Board to board connectors are designed to connect printed circuit boards together without a cable. This connection can be permanent in the case of "hard soldering" (soldering a pin header to the PCB at both ends).

Wire to board connectors

Wire to board connectors connect a wire to a PCB, allowing connectivity between circuits. Manufactured for flexibility and reliability, these connectors are engineered for low-profile mating and secure terminations and are usually equipped with either a friction lock mechanism or a full lock mechanism.

What are the PCB power connector orientations?

A PCB connector refers to a basic multi-pin connection system, typically found in a rectangular layout. A pair of connectors will either be used for board to board connections or wire to board. The board to board connector layouts can provide a variety of orientations, all based on 90 degree increments.

Parallel or mezzanine – where both connectors are vertical in orientation
90 degree right angle – where one connector is vertical and the other, horizontal
180 degree edge to edge – where both connectors are horizonal in orientation

What is the difference between male and female power connectors?

A female connector is attached to a wire, cable or a piece of hardware, that has one or more recessed holes with electrical terminals inside. It is designed so that a plug with exposed conductors, or a male connector, can be inserted into it to ensure a physical and electrical connection. A female connector is often known as a jack or outlet and a male connector is commonly referred to as a plug.

Why choose RS for your PCB connectors?

With years of experience supplying some of the best electronic goods, you’ll find a number of board connectors and accessories from leading manufacturers including HARTING, TE Connectivity, Molex Incorporated, and our own brand RS PRO. As one of North America’s largest distributors of electronic goods, you’ll never be disappointed thanks to our high industry standards.

When looking for the items you need, you can search our stock by manufacturer, price and even by the most popular. If you already know what you’re looking for in our PCB connectors range, simply enter the product name or number in the search bar.

If you have any questions about products or can’t find what you came for, speak to one of our friendly team today. Did you know we have a wealth of information on our expert content hub too?