Connector glossary

Explanation of interconnect terms and page numbers for the first edition of the book.

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Acronyms and initialisms
A/V Audio/visual........................................................p. 537
AAR Association of American Railroads.....................online
AC Alternating current..............................................p. 137
AM Amplitude modulation.........................................p. 488
ANSI American National Standards Institute................online
AWG American wire gauge...........................................p. 49
ARINC Aeronautical Radio Inc........................................p. 646
B2B Board-to-board....................................................p. 37
BGA Ball grid array (IC package)................................p. 326
BEC Battery eliminator circuit (DC-DC converter).....p. 186
BMI Blind mating interconnect/interface.....................p. 424
BNC (disputed meaning)..............................................p. 510
BRM Bendix Real Miniature........................................p. 488
BS British Standards.................................................online
CAN Control area network (data link)..........................p. 447
CB Citizen’s band (two-way radio)...........................p. 358
CCS Combined charging system (EV charger)............p. 624
CCTV Close circuit television........................................p. 481
CECC Electronic Components Committee.....................online
CEE Commission équipement électrique.....................p. 609
CEI Central European Initiative..................................online
CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation.....................online
CHAdeMO O cha demo ikaga desuka (cup of tea?)...............p. 624
CIC Conductive ink circuit ........................................p. 740
CM Catcher’s mitt (microwave coax).........................p. 508
CMA Circular mil area .................................................p. 49
CMC Circular metal connector.....................................p. 544
CFP C-form factor pluggable......................................p. 451
COB Chip on board (high power LED)........................p. 380
COF Chip on flex.........................................................p. 739
CPA Connector position assurance..............................p. 127
CPC Circular plastic connector....................................p. 543
CPU Central processing unit (computer)......................p. 427
CSA Canadian Standard Association, CSA Group.......online
CTIA Cellular Telecommunications Industry Ass..........p. 708
DB D-shell subminiature...........................................p. 582
DC Direct current......................................................p. 133
DD Double density....................................................p. 582
DIMM Dual in-line memory module...............................p. 338
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung...........................online
DIP Dual in parallel (IC package)...............................p. 324
DMM Digital multimeter...............................................p. 324
DS Danish Standards.................................................online
DSL Digital subscriber link.........................................p. 252
DUT Device under test (test fixture probes).................p. 362
DVI Digital visual interface (data link).......................p. 597
EBC Euro battery connector........................................p. 628
ECIA Electronic Components Industry Association......online
EC European Commission........................................online
ECJ Etched copper jumpers........................................p. 740
ECU Electronic control unit.........................................p. 441
EECS Electrical engineering/computer science
EEG Electroencephalography......................................p. 468
EIA Electronic Industries Association/Alliance..........online
EIAJ Electronic Industries Association of Japan..........p. 481
EKG Electrocardiogram...............................................p. 463
EMC Electromagnetic compliance................................p. 140
EMI Electromagnetic interference...............................p. 140
EN European Norm...................................................online
ESTI Eidgenössisches Starkstrominspektorat...............online
ETL Electrical Testing Laboratories (Intertek)............p. 142
EU European Union
EV Electric vehicle....................................................p. 624
EVSE Electric vehicle supply equipment.......................p. 624
FAKRA Fachkreis Automobil (Auto. Expert Group)........p. 447
FCC Federal Communications Commission (USA).....online
FCI Framatome Connectors International...................p. 371
FCIA Fiber Channel Industry Association.....................p. 653
FD Full detent (microwave coax)..............................p. 508
FFC Flexible flat cable/Flat flex cable........................p. 735
FM Frequency modulation.........................................p. 356
FOB Flex on board......................................................p. 166
FOG Flex on glass........................................................p. 166
FOT Fiber optic technology ........................................p. 653
FPC Flexible printed circuits.......................................p. 739
FR4 Flame Retardant (PCB material).........................p. 739
GCPW Grounded coplanar waveguide............................p. 662
GPC General Precision Connector...............................p. 505
GPIB general purpose interface bus..............................p. 580
GPIO General purpose input/output..............................p. 378
GPO General post office..............................................p. 586
GPO Gilbert push-on....................................................p. 508
GPU Graphic processing unit.......................................p. 338
GRE Glass reinforced epoxy........................................p. 570
HD High-density........................................................p. 582
HDMI High-definition multimedia interface (data link). p. 597
HP Hewlett Packard..................................................p. 488
HSD High-speed data...................................................p. 567
HV High voltage........................................................p. 517
HVAC Heating ventilation air conditioning....................p. 268
I/O Input/output, inlet/outlet......................................p. 589
IC Integrated circuit.................................................p. 324
ID Inside diameter/identification
IDC/IDT Insulation displacement connector/technology....p. 55
IDE Integrated drive electronics.................................p. 415
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission.........online
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. online
IP Ingress protection................................................p. 140
IPC Institute of Printed Circuits.................................p. 669
ISDN Integrated services digital network (data link).....p. 252
ISO International Organization for Standardization....online
ITT International Telephone & Telegraph...................p. 3
JAE Japan Aviation Electronics...................................p. 544
JEDEC Joint Electron Tube Engineering Council............online
JEIDA Japan Electronic Industry Development Ass........online
JEITA Japan Electronics Info. Tech. Industries Ass........online
JIS Japanese Industrial Standards..............................online
JST Japan Solderless Terminal...................................online
LCD Liquid crystal display..........................................p. 368
LCP Liquid crystal polymer........................................p. 75
LD Limited detent (microwave coax)........................p. 508
LED Light emitting diode............................................p. 369
LIF Light/Low insertion force....................................p. 350
LPC Laboratory Precision Connector..........................p. 505
LV Low voltage
LVDS Low voltage differential signaling.......................p. 438
MCM Thousands of circular mils..................................p. 49
MIDI Musical instrument digital interface....................p. 534
MFM Miniflex miniature...............................................p. 418
MOST Media oriented systems transport........................online
MOV Metal oxide varistor............................................p. 643
MR Miniature Rectangular.........................................p. 435
MW Megawatt (power)...............................................p. 495
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration..p. 538
NE Polish and no-epoxy (optic fiber)........................p. 653
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association....p. 611
NIM Nuclear instrumentation module..........................p. 195
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association.............p. 554
NMO New Motorola.....................................................p. 496
NN No-Polish and no-Epoxy (optic fiber)..................p. 653
NOS New old stock......................................................p. 154
NPN Negative positive negative (transistor)................p. 324
744 Acronyms and initialisms
OD Outside diameter
OMTP Open Mobile Terminal Platform.........................p. 708
OSM Omni Spectra Microwave....................................p. 488
OSP Omni Spectra push-on.........................................p. 488
OTG On the go (USB)..................................................p. 589
P/N Part number
P2S Pull-to-seat..........................................................p. 57
PBOF Pressure Balanced Oil Filled...............................p. 569
PBX Private branch exchange......................................p. 194
PC Personal computer...............................................p. 536
PC/PCB Printed circuit board............................................p. 739
PCB Polycarbonate......................................................p. 75
PCI Peripheral component interconnect.....................p. 338
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card Int. Ass..........p. 189
PE Polish and epoxy (optic fiber).............................p. 653
PEEK Polyether ether ketone.........................................p. 75
PG Panzergewinde (thread).......................................p. 638
PGA Pin grid array (IC package).................................p. 326
PIM Passive intermodulation......................................p. 139
PIR Passive infrared...................................................p. 226
PIT Push-in terminal..................................................p. 61
PLCC Plastic leader chip carrier package (IC package). p. 326
PTC Positive thermal coefficient (self-resetting fuse)..p. 320
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)..........................p. 75
PNP Positive negative positive (transistor)..................p. 324
PV Photovoltaic (solar).............................................p. 472
PVC Polyvinyl chloride...............................................p. 75
PWB Printed wiring board............................................p. 739
QA Quality assurance................................................p. 669
QFN Quad flat no leads (IC package)..........................p. 326
QUIP Quad in parallel (IC package)..............................p. 327
R/A Right angle..........................................................p. 69
RAST Raster Anschluss Steck Technik
(grid connection plug technology).......................p. 340
RC Radio control.......................................................p. 185
RCA Radio Corporation of America.............................p. 483
RCSC Radio Components Standardization Committee. .p. 520
REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorization,
and Restriction of Chemicals...............................p. 143
RF Radio frequency..................................................p. 137
RG Radio guide (coaxial cable).................................p. 737
RGB Red green blue.....................................................p. 187
RJ Registered jack (telephone).................................p. 587
RMS Root mean square
RoHS Restriction of hazardous substances....................p. 143
ROM Read-only memory..............................................p. 329
RP Reverse polarity..................................................p. 104
RS Recommended standard.......................................p. 582
RT Reverse thread.....................................................p. 499
RV Recreational vehicle............................................p. 611
SAE Society Automotive Engineers............................p. 448
SAS Serial attached SCSI............................................p. 450
SATA Serial AT attachment...........................................p. 449
SB Smooth bore (microwave coax)...........................p. 508
SB Storage battery....................................................p. 627
SC Smart card...........................................................p. 354
SC Standard Connector.............................................p. 653
SCART Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils
Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs............................p. 597
SCSI Small computer system interface (“Skuhzy”)......p. 580
SFP Small form-factor pluggable................................p. 450
SIM Subscriber Identity Module.................................p. 354
SIMM Single in-line memory module............................p. 338
SIP Single in parallel (IC package)............................p. 327
SL Stackable linear (Molex).....................................p. 418
SLI Starter, Lighting, Ignition (car battery)................p. 320
SMA Sub-miniature type A...........................................p. 505
SMB Sub-miniature type B...........................................p. 507
SMD/SMT Surface mounted device/technology....................p. 65
SNIA Storage Networking Industry Association...........p. 450
SOIC Small outline integrated circuit (IC package)......p. 325
TELCO Telephone company.............................................p. 252
TEM Transverse electric magnetic...............................p. 139
TNC Threaded Neill Concelman?................................p. 512
TO Transistor outline.................................................p. 324
TPA Terminal position assurance................................p. 444
TRRS/TRS Tip ring (ring) sleeve (phone connector).............p. 477
TS Tip sleeve (phone connector)...............................p. 477
TT Tiny Telephone....................................................p. 478
TÜV Technischer Überwachungsverein.......................p. 142
TV Television............................................................p. 512
UAV Unmanned aerial vehicle.....................................p. 191
UHF Ultra high frequency............................................p. 509
UK United Kingdom
UL Underwrite Laboratories......................................p. 142
US/USA United States of America.....................................
USB Universal serial bus (data link)............................p. 589
USCAR United States Council for Automotive Research..p. 143
UTS Unified thread standard.......................................p. 129
UV Ultraviolet light...................................................p. 325
VAC Voltage, alternating current..................................p. 137
VCC Collector voltage (IC power supply)....................p. 324
VDC Voltage, direct current..........................................p. 133
VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik.................................p. 142
VESA Video Electronics Standards Association.............p. 595
VG Verteidigungsgerätenorm.....................................online
VGA Video graphics array............................................p. 582
VHF Very high frequency............................................p. 509
VITA VMEbus International Trade Association............online
VME Versa Module Eurocard.......................................p. 405
VOIP Voice over Internet protocol................................p. 578
VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio.................................p. 138
VTR Videotape recorder...............................................p. 644
W2B Wire-to-board......................................................p. 36
W2W Wire-to-wire........................................................p. 35
WTF Wire tension force...............................................;-)
WWII World War two....................................................
ZIF Zero insertion force.............................................p. 325
ZIP Zigzag in parallel (IC package)...........................p. 327
Glossary and alphabetical index 745
Glossary and alphabetical index
Italic terms are defined elsewhere within this glossary or in the previous list of abbreviations. Notes
ck
:
• {Coined}: A neologism I created and offer for your consideration.
• {Disputed}: While I define this term precisely, some disagree.
• {Misnomer}: A common term that is technically incorrect.
• {Proprietary}: Brand name.
• {Rare}: Deprecated or seldom-used term.
• {Street}: An incorrect term nonetheless seen in non-professional settings.
• {Trade}: Trademark of its owner
0~9 Page
1/4" Phone Connector Original Phone Connector. For headphones and electric guitars. 477
12 V Battery Clamp Connects to a 12 V car battery. 323
2.8mm “automobile” Rectangular Connector used in e-bikes and small motorcycles. Despite name, not used in cars. 448
3.5 mm Phone Conn. Miniature Phone Connector for headphones and power supplies. 478
7/8" IEC Circular Conn. Industry-standard, sealed industrial Circular Connector. 549
9 V Battery Socket Holds and connects to one or more 9 V batteries. 322
A as in automatic
AC Adapter See Power Supply. 621
AC Power Connector Connector designed for line power (110 Vac, 220 Vac, and others).
AC Power Inlet Power Inlet for AC Power such as an Appliance Coupler at the back of a desktop computer. 621
AC Power Outlet Power Outlet for AC Power such as a wall outlet. 606
Accent Lighting Conn. Connectors used in cabinet and showcase lighting. 564
Access Whether anyone can touch an Interconnect (interior) or just technicians (exterior).
Accessory Any component used in conjunction with Interconnects. 654
Accessory, Barrier Block Interconnect used in conjunction with Barrier Blocks. 262
Accessory, Cable Interconnect used in conjunction with Cables: cable glands, grommets, ribbon cable guides. 654
Accessory, Coax Interconnect used in conjunction with Coax Connectors. 520
Accessory, Connector Interconnect used in conjunction with Connectors: frames, ferrites. 654
Accessory, Heavy-duty Interconnect used in conjunction with Heavy-duty Connectors. 642
Accessory, Rail Mount Interconnect used in conjunction with DIN Rail Terminal Blocks. 278
ACF Bonding Technology to heat-stake an FPC directly to a PCB. 166
Adapter A device through which two Interconnects can be mated that could not mate otherwise. 649
Adapter, AC See Power Supply. 621
Adapter, AC power Adapts between different AC Power Connector standards. 615
Adapter, Aluminum Compression See Aluminum Compression Adapter. 248
Adapter, Concentric Adapts between different sizes of Phono Connectors, or between phono, phone, or coax barrel power. 485
Adapter, Coax Adapts between different Coax Connectors. 519
Adapter, DIP male DIP male-to-male. 328
Adapter, IC Adapts between different IC packages. 328
Aerial Connector Antenna Connector in consumer products and wall outlets. 512
Alignment Repositioning of a Connector so its mating axis matches its mate’s mating axis. 114
Alignment Peg Pointed post that fits in a pocket in the mate to align Blind Mate Connectors before mating. 644
Alligator Clip
Test clip. Squeezing the back opens Jaws at the front for temporary connection to conductors. 213
Grabber test clip. Pressing a button on the back opens Jaws at the front. 214
Aluminum Compression Adapter Crimped to aluminum wire and inserted in a copper Wire Cage. 248
Ammeter Test instrument to measure Current.
Amp Measurement units for Current.
Ampacity See Current Rating. 135
Amperage Deprecated. See Current. 135
AmpModu Connector {Proprietary} See Shroudless Strips. 378
Anisotropic Conductive Film Tape used in ACF bonding. 166
Antenna Connector See Aerial Connector. 512
Antispark Tip Contact with a tip that performs Precharge. 88
Anvil Die The lower half of a Crimp Die Set. 675
Appliance Consumer product. See Home Appliance. 440
Appliance Connector Connector used in a Home Appliance. 184
Appliance Coupler Power Inlet in a product and Connector at the end of a Power Cord that plugs into it. 621
Application Specific Connector Connector for a particular application, such as Automotive, Home Appliances. 440
Application Tooling Tools and equipment to terminate wires to Interconnects. 670
746 Glossary and alphabetical index
Applicator Mechanism in a Crimping press that feeds the next terminal and crimps it.
ARINC
Avionics Drawer Connector. 646
Fiber Optic Connector. 653
Armored Cable AC power cable in a flexible metal tube. 733
Arrangement, Contacts See Contact Arrangement. 91
Arrangement, PCB Terminals See PCB Terminal Arrangement. 66
Arrangement, Wire Termination See Wire Termination Arrangement. 63
Array Board-to-board Connector Connector with contacts in a grid with many rows that connects two boards. 403
Attenuation Constant See Insertion Loss. 139
Attenuator Device that reduces the power of a signal. See Coax Attenuator. 519
Audio Connector Connector used for signals in the hearing range. 184
Automotive Connector
Rectangular Connector used inside cars and other vehicles. 441
Circular Connector used inside cars and other vehicles. 567
EV charging Connector. 624
Automotive Fuse Socket Clip, Block, or Holder for a blade fuse designed for low voltage in vehicles. 317
Aviation Connector
MIL-spec Circular Connector used in airplanes. 192
GX Circular Connector, not used in airplanes (despite the name). 545
Avionics Drawer Connector Blind Mate and Configurable Frames at the back of Modules in airplane Module Crates. 646
AWG equivalent The size of a flat conductor with the same cross-sectional area as a given round wire. 49
B as in bdellium
B-Wire Piercing Splice Crimp splice that pierces the insulation of unstripped wire. 240
Back End See Termination End. 43
Back Flip FFC socket PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by lowering an actuator. 353
Back Mount See Rear Panel Mount. 72
Back Nut Round cap with a hole for the cable that is installed at the back end of a round Connector. 528
Back Release See Rear Contact Release. 724
Back Shell Part of a Connector that is installed on its wiring face. It may clamp/ strain relieve a cable. 528
Backlight Connector Low profile Wire-To-Board Connectors with wide spacing to power fluorescent tubes in flat screens. 189
Backplane A Motherboard or the board at the back of a Rack, Module Crate, or Card Cage. 175
Backplane Connector Board-to-board Connector that places a Card at a right-angle to a PCB. See also Drawer Connector. 393
Backplane Topology A PCB is placed perpendicular to another. 175
Balance Connector Connector with Tap Wires that sense the voltages of all the cells in a Li-ion battery. 186
Banana Connector Large Naked Pin single-circuit Connector with leaf springs on its sides. 464
Bandwidth Width of a range of frequencies from a low to a high limit. 494
Bantam Smaller Phone Connector. 478
Bar
See Neutral Bar. 250
See Ground Bar. 250
See Junction Bar. 260
See Bus Bar. 250
Barb See Contact Locking Barb. 57
Barrel See Crimp Barrel and Solder Barrel. 59
Barrel Adapter Male-to-male Coax Connector adapter. Contrast with Bullet Adapter (female-to-female). 518
Barrel Power Connector See Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 479
Barrier An insulating wall that separates circuits from each other or from ground. 260
Barrier Block Black plastic base with separating walls and plain screws for ring terminals of plain stripped wires. 260
Base The panel-mounted Housing for a Heavy-duty Connector. 638
Base Station Connector Circular Connector designed for use in communication towers. 572
Battery Blade Connector Connector for laptop batteries with blades on the battery and a Blind Mate receptacle on the laptop. 409
Battery Cable Large gauge, flexible stranded wire. 732
Battery Clip Single Contact for one end of a cell or battery. 319
Battery Connector
For a 9 V battery. 322
For a forklift battery, North America, SB connector. 627
For a forklift battery, Europe, Euro Battery Connector (EBC). 628
For a laptop computer. 409
For a tablet computer. See Parallel Mate Connectors. 434
For an e-bike. See e-Bike Battery Connectors. 628
For an RC model. See RC Model Connectors. 451
Battery/Cell Holder Socket for a cell or battery that also holds it. 319
Battery Post Battery terminal in the form of a metal cylinder, possibly threaded. 323
Battery Socket Clip or holder of any type that connects to a cell or battery. 319
Bayonet Coupling Latching mechanism for round Connectors. E.g., slots in a ring in shrouded part and studs in its mate. 128
Beanie See B-Wire Piercing Splice. 240
Bed of Nails A panel is a test fixture with Test Fixture Probes. 362
Bed of Needles Array of sharp pins that cut through the wire insulation in Test Clips. 210
Belling Lee Coax Connector for TV aerials. 509
Glossary and alphabetical index 747
Bell Mouth Flared entry on a wire barrel to ease wire insertion. 221
Bellows Contact Contacts in a Card Edge Socket. 335
Berg Connector {Street} See Shroudless PCB Headers. 376
Bifurcated Contact Socket Contact with two mating contact points to the pin. 82
Bifurcated Terminal Board-mounted solder terminal with two vertical posts. 227
Bilevel Card Card with two staggered rows of Fingers on its Card Edge. 334
Bilevel FPC FPC with two staggered rows of pads. 343
Bilevel Pitch Pitch of a Bilevel Card or a Bilevel FPC. 343
Binding Post Panel-mounted female receptacle for a male Banana plug, a Spade Terminal, or a Stripped Wire. 464
Birdcaging When wire strands bulge out between the insulation and the solder point. 675
Blade and Beam See Dual Beam Mezzanine Board-to-board Connectors. 399
Bitch Clip/Clamp (Sorry.) See Mechanical Connector. 248
Blade Cartridge Fuse Block, Holder Socket for a cylindrical fuse with blades at the ends. 316
Blade Contact A flat, tab-shaped Male Contact. See also Pin and Post. 82
Blade Fuse Socket Clip, block, or holder for a cylindrical fuse with metal blades at the two ends. 316
Blade Terminal {Street} See Quick-connect Disconnect. 461
Blade Tongue Terminal Tongue Terminal that ends in a blade. Crimped to a wire and inserted in a Wire Cage. 223
Blind Mate Connector
Board-To-Board Connectors for Blind Mating. 391
Drawer Connectors for Blind Mating. 644
Board-to-board microwave Coax Connectors for Blind Mating. 503
Blind Mating Unlatched Connector with self-alignment features. Mated when unseen by the user (e.g. Card Cage). 113
Block
Generally, a substantial insulating plate or bar with one or more terminals.
See Barrier Block. 260
See Distribution Block. 447
See Fuse Block. 309
See Grounding Block. 250
See Junction Block. 260
See Neutral Bar. 250
See Punch Down Block. 252
See Terminal Block. 263
BNC Connector Standard Coax Connector with bayonet coupling. 510
Board Plain insulating sheet onto which components can be installed. Contrast with PCB. 738
Board Guides See Card Guides. 334
Board Pins, Posts Cylindrical or square PCB-mounted terminals. 227
Board Sockets PCB-mounted terminals that accept a pin, post, or blade. 229
Board Stack PCBs on top of each other, connected with Stacking Connectors. 377
Board Terminal Terminal mounted to a board first (PCB or other panel). 225
Board-In Interconnect Single piece to connect wires or cables directly to a PCB, usually permanently. 295
Board-in Coaxial Cable Terminator {Coined} Board-in Interconnect terminated to a Coaxial Cable and then soldered to a PCB. 300
Board-in Crimp Plug Terminals are crimped to individual wires, placed in a housing, soldered to a PCB. 300
Board-in IDC Plug Individual wires are pressed into insulation displacement terminals. Then plug is soldered to a PCB. 300
Board-in Mass-Terminated PCB Header Soldered to a PCB. Wires are placed in holes. Pressing the top terminates all wires. 301
Board-in open IDT PCB Header Soldered to a PCB. Wires are insulation-displacement terminated individually. 301
Board-in PCB Header Single PCB-mounted Interconnect to connect wires directly and permanently to a PCB 301
Board-in PCB Solder Strip Similar to PCB Pin Strips but with Solder Cups or Fork Terminals for direct wire-to-board. 301
Board-in PCB Terminal Board-in Terminal soldered to a PCB and then a single wire wire is terminated to it permanently. 299
Board-in Plug Terminated to wires then soldered to a PCB for a direct and permanent wire-to-board interconnection. 300
Board-in Poke-in PCB Header Soldered to a PCB. Wires are poked into holes individually. 301
Board-in Ribbon Cable Connector Single Interconnect to connect a ribbon cable directly to a PCB. 302
Board-in Ribbon Cable Guide See Ribbon Cable Guide. 655
Board-in Wire Terminator {Coined} Board-in Interconnect terminated to Wires and then soldered to a PCB 300
Board-in Terminal Single Interconnect that connects individual wires directly to a PCB. 297
Board-in Wire Terminal Board-in Terminal terminated to a single wire and then soldered to a PCB. 297
Board-to-board Connection between two PCBs, direct or through Interconnects (no intervening cable). 391
Board-to-board Connector Two-piece Connector that connects two PCBs, one mate on each PCB. 37
Board-to-board Solder Strip Double-ended pin strip for a permanent board-to-board interconnection. 253
Board-to-board Topologies Relative orientation of two PCBs connected with Board-To-Board Connectors. 391
Body See Housing. 75
Boot
Soft plastic or rubber tube installed on an alligator clip, with a hole for a wire. 213
Soft plastic accessory installed on a fuse block to isolate it. 315
Quick-connect: see Faston Boot. 441
Soft plastic or rubber tubular accessory on the back end of a round Connector, with a hole for a cable. 499
See Potting Boot. 538
Boot Lace See Wire Ferrule. 224
Boss
Protrusion such as a peg used for locating such as by fitting in a Pocket.
{Coined} Plastic blade lined with Genderless Contacts in a Board-to-board Connector. 400
748 Glossary and alphabetical index
Bottom Entry Connector Connector mounted on the top side of a PCB that accepts a made from the other side 68
Bottom Mount Placed on a PCB’s side opposite the component side. Contrast with top mount. 68
Box See Post and Box. 376
Braid
Tube or ribbon made of woven wire strands. 732
Tube made of woven insulator strands. Protects any wires or cables placed within it.
Braid Angle In a coaxial cable’s shield, the angle of the strands woven into the shield. 737
Brazed Seam Barrel Crimp barrel in a which the two folded ends of the fold are soldered. Contrast with Butted Seam Barrel. 221
Breadboard See Solderless Breadboard. 739
Breakaway Connector Unlatched Exterior Connector that unmates if someone trips on the cord. 557
Breakaway Header Shroudless pin strip header with notches in the wafer between adjacent contacts. Snapped to length. 376
Breakdown Voltage See Dielectric Withstanding Voltage. 136
Breakout A Y-split in a wire harness, cable splice, or single-wire splice.
Breakout Board PCB assembly with an N-circuit Connector and N pads or terminals, one for each circuit. 649
Broaching PCB fastener Nut or screw press-fit in a plated through hole. A single wire or ring terminal is secured to it. 227
Buckle Latch Fastening Connector latching mechanism like a mason jar or ski boots. 128
Building Cable Cable for wiring AC power and low voltage in a house, business, or industrial space. 733
Building Wire Wire for wiring AC power withing conduits and boxes. 732
Bulkhead Mount Interconnect without a flange protruding through a hole in a panel. Contrast with Flange Mount. 72
Bullet Adapter Female-to-female Coax Connector adapter. Contrast with Barrel (male-to-male). 518
Bullet Disconnect Interior single-circuit Crimp Connectors. The male is a hollow pin. The female is a round socket. 463
Bump IDC Connector Plug with a boxy key is mass-terminated to ribbon cable. Male PCB header with a gap has two rows. 415
Burial See Direct Burial. 203
Bus The set of circuits in a digital link.
Bus Bar Thick copper bar for high current. 740
Bus Bar Clip PCB-mounted or bus bar-mounted clip that snaps onto a bus bar for a high-current connection. 232
Bus Card Edge Socket Card Edge Socket for an expansion Card in a computer for a standard data bus. 338
Bus Wire Non-insulated, solid wire. 731
Busbar wire See Bus Wire. 731
Bushing See Cable Bushing. 654
Butt Contact Connection of two conductors end-to-end on the same axis, with no overlap.
Butt Crimp Splice Wire splice that joins two wires by placing them end-to-end on the same axis. 239
Butt Splice See Butt Crimp Splice. 239
Butted Seam Barrel Crimp Barrel whose two folded ends are brought together but not Brazed. 221
Button Actuator
Pressed to release a latch before unmating a Connector. 126
Pressed to open an FFC socket and release the cable. 350
Button IDC Splice Splice with wire entry holes on the sides and a cap on the top that is pressed to terminate. 238
C as in czar
C-E Board-to-board Connector Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and E. 398
C-I Mezzanine Conn. Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and I. 398
C-T Board-to-board Conn. Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and T. 400
Cable
See Coaxial Cable. 737
See Control Cable. 732
See Fiber Optic Cable.
See Ribbon Cable. 734
See Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). 735
Cable Assembly A Cable with Connectors one or both ends. Contrast with Wire Assembly (single wire).
Cable Bushing Unsealed rubber or plastic piece installed in a hole in a panel to protect a Cable going through it 654
Cable Cladding See Cable Sheath. Contrast with fiber optic cable Cladding. 732
Cable Clamp
Retains a Cable at its entry point into a panel or Connector. 61
P-shaped or Ω-shaped metal or plastic fastener wrapped around a cable and mounted to a panel. 654
Cable Entry Direction The orientation of a Cable as it enters a Termination with respect to the Mating Face axis. 51
Cable Gland
Round component installed in a hole in a panel to retain, protect, and seal a Cable going through it. 654
Round part at the back of a Circular Connector plug to retain, relieve, and seal the cable. 528
Round part at the back of a Heavy-duty Connector plug to retain, relieve, and seal the cable. 638
Cable Grommet Round component installed in a hole in a panel to protect a Cable going through it. 654
Cable Harness An assembly of multiple cables terminated with Connectors. Compare to Cable Assembly.
Cable Junction Waterproof cable splice for two to four AC power cables and outdoor lighting. 253
Cable Sheath Outer layer in a Cable, providing isolation and protection. Contrast with Wire Insulation (for a Wire). 732
Cable Side A plug. 23
Cable-to-Board Connection between a Cable and a PCB, direct or through Interconnects. 36
Cable-to-Cable Connection between two Cables, through Interconnects. 35
Cage
See Wire Cage. 61
See Card Cage. 195
Cam Coupler See Coupling Cam. 445
Camlock Connector High-power Unipole Connector for temporary AC power connections. 469
Glossary and alphabetical index 749
CAN Bus Standard data bus in the industry and vehicles.
CAN Bus Distribution Block A Block with multiple interconnected terminations to route a CAN bus to many devices in a car. 447
Cantilever Latch An inward lever latch that is released by pressing a point between the pivot and the catch. 124
Cantilevered Contact A female Contact that uses cantilevered springs to press against the pin. 82
Cap See Dust Cap. 520
Cap Crimp Splice Insulated wire splice with a multiple-wire entry on one end. Terminated by squeezing its body. 240
Cap Housing {Rare} Molex’s and Amp’s deprecated term for a shrouded plug regardless of gender.
Capacitance The effect of having two conductors close to each other. Affects high speed and Coax Connectors. 492
Captive Coupling Ring A ring that draws the mates together because it remains in place. 129
Captive Screw A fastener that remains with the Connector even when unscrewed. 129
Card A PCB assembly with card edge Fingers, designed to be inserted into a Card Edge Socket. 330
Card Cage Frame onto which several cards are inserted, connected to a back panel or motherboard at the rear. 195
Card Connector See Backplane Connector. 393
Card Edge One side of a PCB with Fingers on a Tab, suitable for placement in a Card Edge Socket. 663
Card Edge Plug Plug terminated to a wire or cable and plugged to a Card Edge. 340
Card Edge Socket A socket for a Card, mating to rectangular pads at the Card Edge. 329
Card Edge Terminal Blocks Terminal blocks that are plugged onto and held by the edge of a PCB. 340
Card Extender PCB with straddle-mounted Card Edge Socket to use a Card outside its Card Cage for troubleshooting. 329
Card Guide Channel mounted on a Card Cage or on a Card Edge Socket to guide and support a Card. 334
Card Insertion Force Force required when inserting a Card Edge in a Card Edge Socket. 336
Card Slot A position in a Card Cage. 195
Carrier Strip of pins mated to socket terminals. After sockets are soldered to PCB, it is removed and discarded.
Cartridge Fuse Cylindrical fuse with metal caps at either end, including Ferrule Fuses. 314
Cartridge Fuse Socket Clip, block, or holder for a cylindrical fuse with metal caps at the two ends. 314
Castellated Board A PCB with plated-through half-cylindrical holes along the edges. 169
Cavity
Housing for Insertable Contacts: see Contact Cavity 91
Each of the Receptacles in a Combo Connector. 116
Blind Mate Connector: Pocket that receives an Alignment Peg. 113
Partitioned Face Connector: the space within the inner walls of a male, surrounding a pin. 421
A hole in a Connector Frame or Keystone Plate into which a connector can be snapped. 654
Injection molding: each of the sections that produces a single plastic part.
Cavity Count See Number of Contact Cavities. 39
CCTV Connector Concentric Connector similar to a Coax Barrel Power Coupler used for security cameras. 481
CEE 7 Connector European AC Power Connector. 609
Cell/Battery Socket Socket that contains a cell, such as coin cell. 319
Center-to-Center Distance See Mating Pitch. 92
Center Tap Mid point in a transformer winding. Mid point in a split battery.
Centerline Spacing See Mating Pitch. 92
Centronics Connector See Micro-Ribbon Connector Historically used for computer printer ports. 580
Ceramic Tag Strip Ceramic plates with silver-metalized slots on one edge for wiring inside Tektronix scopes. 252
Chamfer An angled cut to create a sloping edge.
Characteristic Impedance Characteristic of an Interconnect or cable for high-frequency signals, measured in Ohm. 138
Charring Wire insulation or housing turned carbon black from overheating.
Chassis Metal enclosure. The metal body of a vehicle. See Earth.
Cheater Three-prong to two-prong adapter for NEMA AC Power Connectors. 611
Chip Carrier Four-sided IC socket for LCCC, LLCC, PLCC packages. 643
Chocolate block See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
Cigarette Lighter Conn. 12 V DC outlet in cars. 484
Cylindrical Connector MIL-spec Circular Connector. 538
Cinch Jones Connector Vintage. Blade Rectangular Connector. 643
Circuit Electrical path from a source, through a conductor, a load, another conductor, and back to the source.
Circuit Identifier See Position Marker. 92
Circuit Numbering See Position Numbering. 39
Circuit Size See Number of Positions. 39
Circular Connector Connector with a round housing with multiple, non-coaxial contacts. 523
Circular Modular Conn. Modular Connector inside a sealed Circular Connector. 588
Circular Mil The area or a circle (such as wire) with a 0.001" diameter. 49
Circular Mil Area The area or a circle (such as wire) measured in Circular Mils. 49
Circumferential Crimp Crimp method that results in indentations completely surrounding the barrel. 675
Cladding The reflective layer around a glass fiber in a fiber-optic cable. 653
Clamp
See Cable Clamp.
See Test Clamp. 214
See Wire Clamp. 61
Clamping Screw Screw in a Terminal Block. 263
Clasp A clasp uses two separate parts. A latch uses one part that grabs a catch built into the other piece. 118
Clip See Battery Clip. 319
750 Glossary and alphabetical index
See Bus Bar Clip. 232
See Contact Clip. 82
See Contact Locking Clip. 57
See Fahnestock clip. 217
See Fuse Clip. 308
See IC clip. 216
See PCB clip. 358
See Test Clip. 212
Clip Ring Fastening Manual latching mechanism for Circular Connectors. 128
Clip Terminal See Wire Terminal. 221
Clocking Keying in IEC 60309 Pin And Sleeve Connectors. 619
Closed Barrel Hollow cylinder into which a wire is inserted and crimped. Contrast with Open Barrel. 678
Closed Bottom Socket A pin stops at the bottom of the Socket Contact. 229
Closed End Splice Wire spice that accepts wires from only one end. 233
Closed Entry Socket Two-tine Socket Contact inside a hard sleeve that prevent over-travel of the tines due to a too-big pin. 82
Closed Frame IC socket DIP IC socket with a plastic plate between the rows, suitable for pick-and-place. 324
CNR01 Circular Conn. Industry-standard threaded metal-shell Circular Connector. A.k.a. “P connector”. 545
Coax… See also Coaxial…
Coax Adapter Adapter between two different Coax Connector types. 518
Coax Attenuator Coax adapter that educes a signal by 3 dB, 6 dB, or more.
Coax Barrel Power Coupler Round Connector at the end of an AC Adapter and at the Power Inlet of a product. 479
Coax Combiner See Coax Splitter. 519
Coax Compression Connector Single-piece mezzanine board–to-board Coax Connector. 369
Coax Connector Two-circuit Connector with a center conductor surrounded by a Shield, usually for RF. 487
Coax Coupler Adapter between two Coax Connectors in the same family. 518
Coax Splitter An Interconnect with three Coax Connector connected in parallel. 519
Coax Terminator An accessory with one or two Coax Connector and a 50 Ω resistor in parallel. 519
Coaxial… See also Coax…
Coaxial Cable A center Wire surrounded by an Insulator and a Shield for RF. Contrast with Shielded Cable. 737
Coaxial Cable Termination An Interconnect mounted at the end of a coaxial cable and to a PCB for a direct connection. 710
Coax Barrel Power Coupler Industry-standard low-power DC coupler (may be AC) on the inlet of a product. 479
Coaxial Cable Cable with a center conductor surrounded by a shield with a well-defined impedance. 737
Coaxial Power Connect. See Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 479
Coded Connector Connector that was modified by the user in the field through Coding. 112
Coding In-the-field modification of a connector to make mateable only to a matched connector. 112
Coding Key
Key in a Pluggable Terminal Block so that the wrong plug does not fit. 284
Key in a Card Edge Socket so that the wrong Card does not fit. 333
Key in a Rectangular Connector so that the wrong connector does not fit. 390
Coin Cell Socket Holds and connects to a small battery cell shaped like a coin. 321
Cold Flow Deformation of material due to mechanical pressure, not heating.
Collar Insulating cylinder around a screw head or wire entry.
Color Code, AC Wire The color of the insulation indicates whether hot, neutral, or Earth. 606
Color Code, Camlock/powerlock Connector The color of the shell indicates voltage and circuit. 470
Color Code, Euro Battery Connector The color of the coding key indicates the voltage and battery type. 628
Color Code, Fiber Optic Connector The color of the insulation may indicate the light propagation mode. 653
Color Code, IEC 60309 Pin and Sleeve The color of the shell indicates voltage and circuit. 619
Color Code, Thermocouple Connector The color of the insulation indicates the thermocouple type. 247
Color Code, Phono (RCA) Connector The color of the insulation indicates the function. 483
Color Code, Tubular Compression Lug A color band indicates the intended wire size. 247
Color Code, USB Connector The color of the insulation indicates the revision level. 590
Color Code, Wire Nut The color of the Wire Nut indicates the size. 242
Color Code, Wire Size The color of the housing or insulation indicates the intended wire size. 49
Color, Housing See Housing Color. 76
Combiner See Coax Splitter. 519
Combo Connector
Receptacle that has multiple mating faces to accept two or more plugs simultaneously. 116
Receptacle that is compatible with two different types of plugs (e.g., USB and eSATA). 116
Compliance
See Socket Contact Compliance. 82
See Press-Fit Compliance. 66
See Electromagnetic Interference Compliance. 666
Compliant Press-Fit Press-fit PCB terminal that squeezes into a fixed size hole. Contrast with Interference Press-fit. 66
Component
In this book: see Interconnects.
In general: see Electrical Component.
Component Carrier See DIP Component Carrier. 328
Composite Video Carries brightness, color and sync in a single line. 595
Compound Circular Connector Circular Connector on the outside, something other that a Circular Connector on the inside. 575
Compression Coax Con. See Coax Compression Connector. 369
Glossary and alphabetical index 751
Compression Interconnect {Coined} Interconnect that mates through a springy action. 359
Compression Connector An in-line crimp splice for large power wires. 248
Compression Terminal See Tubular Compression Lug. 247
Computer Card Socket PCB-mounted socket for a user-inserted computer Cards such as an SD card. 354
Concentric Connectors {Coined} Connectors with contacts on the same axis other than Coax Connectors. 473
Conductivity Reciprocal of resistance, measures in Siemens.
Conductive Ink Circuit (CIC) Flexible Printed Circuit that uses carbon ink instead of copper. 740
Conductor A material or device that conducts electricity, such as a wire or a Contact. Contrast with Insulator.
Conduit A channel or tube for electrical cables or wires.
Configurable Connector
Heavy-duty Connector that accepts a variety of modules. 641
D-Sub Connector with wide cavities for a big Contact, a Coax or Fiber-optic Connector, a vacuum hose. 582
Drawer connectors that includes smaller inserts. 646
Configurable Frame A plastic part with holes into which various Connectors can be snapped to make a custom solution. 654
Configuration See Contact Arrangement. 91
Confined Crimp Crimp that remains within the diameter of the uncrimped barrel. 59
Conformal Coating Spray or paint that protects the PCB assembly from the elements and increases breakdown voltages. 684
Conforming {Coined} Features that prevent mating two mismatched parts. Contrast with Keying, Polarization. 107
Connect (verb) The act of making an Electrical Connection.
Connecting Component See Interconnect. 1
Connection See Electrical Interconnection.
Compliancy The ability of a Socket Contact to accept pins of various sizes and shapes without damage. 82
Compliant Press Fit Press Fit PCB terminal that squeezes into a PCB hole without damaging it. 66
Contact Metal portion of a Separable Interconnect that makes an Electrical Connection with its Mate. 80
Contact Cavity Bore in a Connector Housing into which an Insertable Contact is snapped. 57
Contact Resistance See Connection Resistance. 133
Connection Resistance The total end-to-end Resistance across a Connection. 133
Connection Topology What two things are connected: Wire-to-wire, Wire-to-board, Board-to-board and more. 34
Connector
Interconnect that mates to another and makes one or more Electrical Connections. 33
See Fiber Optic Connector. 653
Connector Assembly The set of all members of a multi-part connector (e.g., housing and contacts).
Connector Block, Body See Connector Housing. 75
Connector Coding See Coded Connectors
Connector Contact A fixed or insertable conductor in a Connector that is Terminated at one end and mates at the other end. 80
Connector Dimorphism How two mates are distinguished: e.g., male and female, shrouded and enshrouded, tongue and groove. 101
Connector Family Collection of all the mutually-compatible Connectors from the same brand and model.
Connector Frame Plastic piece into which a sub-connector is inserted to make the complete connector. 654
Connector Gender Male (all Pins), Female (all Sockets), Hermaphrodite (both), or Genderless (neither). 89
Connector Housing Plastic piece with Contact Cavities into which Insertable Contacts are inserted. 75
Connector Insert
Interchangeable inner member in a multi-part housing that holds the contacts in Circular Connectors. 528
Same, in Heavy-duty Industrial Connectors. 639
Connector Latching Fastening that holds two mates together and must be released before two mates can be unmated. 118
Connector Locking Fastening that holds two mates together and must be unlocked with a key before unmating 118
Connector Lubrication Reduces the mating and unmating friction in threaded Connectors and results in consistent torque. 129
Connector Misalignment Mismatch between two Connectors’ position and orientation. 114
Connector Module See Configurable Connector. 78
Connector Pitch See Mating Pitch. 92
Connector Position Assurance Mechanism engaged after connector are latched and must be released before unlatching 127
Connector Set Two or more Connectors designed to be mated.
Connector Shell The rear, outer member of a multi-part Connector Housing. 528
Connectorless Connection A direct electrical connection that does not go through an Interconnect. 157
Contact (noun) See Connector Contact. 80
Contact (verb) The act of making an Electrical Connection.
Contact Alignment Measures to ensure that two contacts are on the same axis before mating.
Contact Area The place where two conductors touch and through which current can flow. 113
Contact Arrangement The placement of the Contacts on a Mating Face. 91
Contact Back Wipe Technology that overshoots the the contact point to clean it then returns to the clean area.
Contact Bounce Noisy and intermittent electrical connection for a short period before the contacts fully settle.
Contact Cavity Individual opening in a Connector Housing into which an Insertable Contact can be inserted. 91
Contact Clip The spring leaf inside a Machined Socket that touches the mated pin. 82
Contact Durability See Mating Cycles. 133
Contact Engagement Force See Insertion Force. 115
Contact Extraction Releasing an Insertable Contact from the housing and pulling it out. 724
Contact Float Range of movement (play) of a Contact within its cavity, to accommodate misalignment.
Contact Force See Contact Pressure. 88
Contact Fretting Scraping of the contact area due to relative vibration between mated contacts. 87
Contact Gender Male (pin), Female (Socket), Genderless (neither). 89
752 Glossary and alphabetical index
Contact Identifier
Number or letter assigned to each Contact in a connector to identity it uniquely. 92
Marker on a connector to identify its number or letter. 92
Contact Insertion Inserting an Insertable Contact into a cavity in a plastic housing. 57
Contact Interface See Contact Area.
Contact Length See Contact Wipe. 87
Contact Locking Barb Springy metal tab projecting from an Insertable Contact. Snaps into a grove in the housing to retain it. 57
Contact Locking Clip Springy plastic tab projecting into a cavity in the housing. Snaps into the Insertable Contact to retain it. 57
Contact Lubrication Reduces the mating and unmating friction, slows oxidation and Fretting. 88
Contact Numbering See Position Numbering. 92
Contact Pattern See Contact Arrangement. 91
Contact Plating Thin layer of additional metal deposited on a contact to improve performance and solderability. 85
Contact Point The area where two mating contacts touch. 87
Contact Positions See Number of Positions.
Contact Pressure Force that contact areas exert against each other. 88
Contact Rating See Ratings. 132
Contact Resistance Series electrical resistance through fully mated contacts, measured in milliOhm. 133
Contact Retainer See Contact Locking Barb or Contact Locking Clip.
Contact Retention Force Maximum pulling or pushing force that will not dislodge a contact from the housing. 57
Contact Separation Force See Extraction Force. 115
Contact Shoulder Flange that stops a contact when fully inserted into a Connector Housing.
Contact Size OD of a pin, ID or a socket, or a “gauge” code (e.g., size 20). 84
Contact Spacing See Mating Pitch. 92
Contact Spring The spring inside a machined socket that contacts the pin. 82
Contact Twist Fastening Manual Latching achieved through the shape of the contacts. 127
Contact Wipe The region on a contact’s surface that is touched by its mate during matting and unmating. 87
Contact, Female See Socket Contact. 82
Contact, Male See Pin Contact. 82
Continuity A connection with practically zero resistance.
Control Cable Multiple wires (possibly in twisted pairs) in a sheath. May be shielded. 732
Coplanar Concentric Connector Connector with concentric cylindrical contacts, e.g., on the base of an electric kettle. 484
Coplanar Connector Board-to-board Connector between two PCBs on the same plane. 396
Coplanar Topology Two PCBs are placed next to each other on the same plane. 177
Coplanarity A measure of how well SMT PCB Terminals are lined-up so none of them are lifted above the PCB. 65
Copper Clad Board Plain insulating sheet with a layer of copper on one or both sides. Contrast with PCB. 738
Copulatologist {Coined} Connector expert 13
Cord See Cable Assembly.
Cord cap AC power plugs of either gender. 603
Core See Wire Core. 731
Corrosion The gradual deterioration of contacts from a chemical reaction due to moisture and pollutants.
Cork & Bottle Seal See Interfacial Seal. 141
Country-Specific AC Power Connector AC power outlet and plug fused in a particular area. 606
Couple (noun) Ann and I. 118
Couple (verb) Mate two connector with mechanical advantage from the fastening mechanism.
Coupler
AC: see Appliance Coupler. 621
EV charging: Connector at the end of the cord from the charger and the Power Inlet in the vehicle. 624
See Coax Coupler. 518
DC: See DC Coupler. 627
Coupling (noun)
Round Connectors with hex shroud: see Coupling Nut. 129
Round Connectors with ring shroud: see Coupling Ring. 128
Rectangular Connectors: see Cam Coupler. 445
Coupling (verb) Operating a mechanism that brings the mates together and secures them. 128
Coupling Cam Handle that is rotated to bring the mates together. It snaps at the end to secure them. 445
Coupling Nut Threaded Coupling Ring in Coax Connectors. 129
Coupling Ring
Ring on a round plug with bayonet coupling. When rotated, it draws the mates closer, then latches them. 128
Captive ring on a round plug with threaded coupling. Rotated, it draws the mates closer, securing them. 129
Loose ring on a round plug with threaded fastening. After mating, it’s rotated to secure them. 128
Coupling Screw Screw in the middle of the plug. When turned, it draws the mates closer, then secures them. 445
CPU Fan Connector Rectangular single-row wire-to-board connector whose PCB headers has a single wall, 3 or 4 pins. 427
Crate See Module Crate or Card Cage. 195
Creepage Distance Shortest distance on the surface of an insulator separating two electrically conductive surfaces. 136
Crimp (noun) Location where a crimp barrel has been deformed to retain and connect to a wire permanently. 59
Crimp (verb) Compression and deformation of a wire barrel on a conductor to connect to it and retain it. 59
Crimp Band Splice Wire splice into which two stripped wires are placed and is then crimped. 240
Crimp Die Set A Crimping Die plus an Anvil Die installed in a Crimper. 675
Crimp Splice Wire splice that is terminated to wire by crimping. 239
Crimp Barrel Back end of contact or terminal into which a wire is inserted and crimped. Contrast with Solder Barrel. 59
Glossary and alphabetical index 753
Crimp Height The width of a crimp barrel after it has been crimped.
Crimp Sleeve
See Parallel Splice. 240
Metal tube crimped to the back of crimp-type Coax Connector to retain the coaxial cable. 710
Crimp Terminal Wire terminal that has a Crimp Barrel for a Wire. 221
Crimper Machine to crimp wires onto terminals, manually (crimp tool) or automatically. 675
Crimping Chamber Area in crimper jaws into which a crimp barrel is placed and deformed. 675
Crimping Die The upper half of a crimp die set that shapes the crimp. 675
Crimping Termination Technology to Terminate and retain a wire to a conductor by deforming its Crimp Barrel. 59
Crimping Tool Manual tool to crimp wires onto terminals. 675
Crocodile Clip Test clip. Squeezing the back opens Jaws at the front for temporary connection to conductors. 213
Cross Talk Leakage of signal from one circuit to an adjacent one due to Inter-capacitance. 139
Current The flow of electric charges, measured in Amp.
Current Carrying Capacity See Current Rating. 135
Current Derating Reduction it the Current Rating due to high ambient temperature or current in adjacent circuits. 135
Current Rating Maximum Current that a component or Conductor may carry without overheating. 135
Custom Connector Proprietary Connector made for a specific purpose. 741
Cut Off Burr/Nib/Tab The metal tab that remains on a terminal after it’s been cut off from a bandolier.
Cutoff Frequency Maximum usable frequency for a connector. 139
Cutout Hole in a panel or PCB for mounting a connecting device.
Cutout-Mount Connector Connector mounted inside a notch in a PCB. 71
Cycles See Mating Cycles. 134
Cylindrical Cell Socket Holds and connects to one or more cylindrical battery cells (e.g. AA cells, 18650). 322
D as in Dao
D-Shell Connector Exterior connector with a trapezoidal metal shell, including D-sub Connectors. 580
D-Sub Connector Classic gendered exterior connector with a trapezoidal metal shell. 582
Daisy Chain Connector
Insulation displacement connector whose wires can continue to the next connector. 426
Mass-terminated connector whose ribbon cable can continue to the next connector. 415
Data I/O Connector Exterior Connectors used in data cables in consumer electronics. 589
Data I/O Port The complete data I/O interface: functionality, protocol, electronics, and two mated Connectors. 27
Data Rate Measure of the speed of a digital link, measured in bits/second (bps) 139
Daughterboard Smaller Card installed on top of a Motherboard. 391
dB Units of measure of a logarithmic ratio between two values that use the same units. 138
DC Barrel Power Conn See Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 479
DC Coaxial Power Conn See Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 479
DC Coupler
The DC input power Receptacle on a product and its mate mounted at the end of a Power Cord. 627
The DC input power Receptacle on a small vehicle and its mate mounted at the end of a charger Cord. 627
DC Power Connector
See Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 479
See DC Couplers. 627
Any exterior power connector for DC. 627
Dead Face Technology in spacecraft Circular Connectors that disconnects or covers the contacts when unmated. 538
Dead Front Plug Male AC power plug whose wires are not accessible through the mating face. 603
Delta Power Three wire, three-phase AC power without a Neutral line. Contrast with Wye Power. 611
Depinning See Contact Extraction. 724
Depth of Crimp The depth of a crimp indentation into a wire barrel. 675
Derating Reduction in a maximum rating due to worse environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature). 135
Designator Component label in an electrical schematic diagram and on a PCB silk screen. 659
Detent Fastening See Snap-on Fastening. 123
Device Side Receptacle. 25
Device Socket Interconnect that mates to a device other than a Interconnect: fuse, battery, IC, Card, lamp, FFC. 305
Die The two replaceable parts placed in the jaw of a crimper that crimp. 675
Dielectric See Insulator.
Dielectric Breakdown See Dielectric Withstanding Voltage. 136
Dielectric Strength Maximum voltage between adjacent contacts or a contact and a conductive surface without breakdown. 136
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage See Dielectric Strength. 136
Differential Pair Contacts Two side-by-side contacts with a well-defined impedance for differential signals. 89
Dimorphism See Connector Dimorphism. 101
DIN 41612 Connector Industry-standard board-to-board Array Connector. 403
DIN Circular Connector Industry-standard unlatched Circular Connector used in audio applications. 534
DIN Rail Metal rail on the back wall of an industrial cabinet onto which components are snapped and wired. 275
DIN Rail Mount Component mounted on a DIN Rail. 275
DIN Rail Terminal Block Terminal block that snaps on a DIN Rail. 275
DIP Component Carrier Plug with fork terminals at the top for electronic components and pins at the bottom for a DIP socket. 328
DIP Plug Plug mass-terminated to Ribbon Cable and plugged into a DIP Socket. 327
DIP IC Socket Socket for an IC or other device in a Dual In Parallel package. 324
Direct Board-To-Board Interconnects Single-piece Interconnects installed between two parallel PCBs and connect them. 368
754 Glossary and alphabetical index
Direct Burial Component that can withstand being placed directly in dirt. 203
Direct Wire to PCB Interconnects See Board-in Interconnects. 295
Direct Wire to PCB Plug Single-piece plugs that mate directly to pads or holes on a PCB. 367
Disconnect
Single-circuit connector such as a Quick-connect Disconnect. 461
See Safety Disconnect. 313
Discontinuity Loss of electrical connection.
Discrete Terminal A single-circuit Interconnect, not in an assembly with other Contacts or Terminals. 217
Discrete Wire A Wire by itself, not in a Cable. 731
DisplayPort Connector Data I/O connector for computer monitors. 595
Distribution Block A Block with multiple interconnected terminations to route a line to many other lines. (E.g., CAN bus) 447
Dog See Key.
Domino Strip See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
Dongle Small computer peripheral plugged into a connector, such as a USB “thumb drive”.
Dot Coding Indentation on a crimped Tongue Terminal indicating that the proper tool was used. 221
Double Crimp/Grip Crimp barrel with two sets of wings: insulation and core. See Insulation Grip. 59
Double Crimping Crimping a barrel twice.
Double Ended Interconnect that has two Mating Faces or two Terminations at opposite ends. E.g., a loose male pin.
Double-grip Barrel Open Barrel with two sets of crimp wings, one for the Wire Core, and one for the Wire Insulation. 677
Downhole Connector Connector for the high temperature and pressure inside an oil well. 571
Drain Wire A bare wire in contact with the shield of a Shielded Cable that eased termination to the shield. 733
Drawer Connector Blind Mate Connectors on the rear of a module and its mate on the inner panel of a Module Crate. 644
Dry Circuit A low-current circuit that doesn’t arc when connected, so it doesn’t clean contacts.
Drip loop A hanging loop of wire or cable below an Interconnect to let water flow away from it.
Dry Contact A floating and unpowered circuit, such as going to a switch or relay contacts.
Dry Mate Connector Circular Connector that is mated on the vessel and then lowered into the sea. Contrast with Wet Mate. 569
DTL-38999 Connector Standard MIL-spec Circular Connector. 540
Dual Beam Mezzanine Connectors {Coined} Low-profile Board-To-Board Connectors that connect two parallel PCBs. 397
Dual Cantilever Contact Socket contact with two cantilevered springs. Produces a gradually increasing force as a pin is inserted.
Dual Readout Card Edge Socket that mates to both sides of a Card. May be single row or dual row. 331
Dual Receptacle Receptacle with two openings for two simultaneous plugs. 116
Duckhead Connector Apple proprietary DC coupler. 621
Dummy Connector See Dust Cap. 520
Dummy Plug Plastic pin installed in a Position Cavity for Field Keying or Sealing of unused positions. 112
Duplex Connector Fiber optics: connector coupler or cable with two fibers. 653
DuPont Connector {Street} See Shroudless Plugs. 378
Durability The life expectancy of a component. See Mating Cycles. 134
Dust Cap Protecting cover that may be placed over an unmated connector. 520
DVI Connector Consumer data I/O and video connector. 597
Dynamic Connector {Trade - TE} Large class of Rectangular Connectors made by TE and JST. 436
E comme en Eau de Cologne
e-bike Connector
Circular Connectors for cables inside the electric bicycle. 565
Exterior Connectors for the DC coupler to charge an electric bicycle. 628
Earth Ground Electrical connection to the soil underneath.
Earth Contact See Power Earth Contact. 89
Earth Wire Wire that is connected to the Earth and does not carry current. Typically green or green/yellow. 604
Earthing Connecting an electrical node to the dirt underneath. 604
Edge Board Connector See Card Edge Socket. 329
Edge Mount Coplanar with the PCB, mounted in a notch in the PCB. Contrast with Straddle Mount (no notch). 70
Edison Base Fuse Socket Socket for a screw-in fuse. 319
Edison Base Lamp Socket Socket for a screw-in light bulb. 356
EIA flange Connector Large, high-power Coax Connector secured with screws. 515
EIAJ Coax Barrel Power Connector Japanese standard Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 481
Ejector Latching Lever that aids unmating Connectors. E.g., Bump IDC headers. 415
Elastomer Elastic polymer used for sealing (Interfacial Seal) and in Elastomeric Strips. 368
Elastomeric Strip Double-ended strip with microscopic parallel conductors for board-to-display connection. 368
Electric Vehicle Conn.
See EV charging Connectors. 624
See Automotive Rectangular Connectors. 441
See Automotive Unipole Connectors. 472
See Automotive Circular Connectors. 567
For traction batteries. 441
See Electric Vehicle DC connectors. 627
Electrical Component Any individual component used in a electrical circuit: wires, Connectors, resistors, transistors, switches.
Electrical Connection The interface between two electrically conductive parts, such as two Contacts.
Electrical Interconnect Device See Interconnects.
Electrical Polarity Which circuit is positive. E.g., center positive vs center negative in a Coax Barrel Power Coupler. 107
Glossary and alphabetical index 755
Electrical Schematic Diagram Drawing representing the electrical circuit. 658
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Undesirable Electromagnetic Radiation from a product or into a product. 140
Electromagnetic Interference Compliance (EMC) Meeting the regulatory requirements on unintended radio emissions. 200
Electromagnetic Radiation Radio frequency emissions through the air. 200
Emboss Mold or stamp position numbers on the housing.
EMI Shielding Resilient Materials Spongy products placed in a gap to connect two conductive parts. 366
EMI Shielding Conductive cage to prevent EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) from entering or exiting a system. 366
Emissions See Electromagnetic Interference. 140
End Bell Back end of a Circular Connector’s housing. 528
End Cap Splice See Cap Crimp Splice. 240
End Launch Connector Connector mounted on the straight edge of a PCB. Contrast with Straddle Mount and Cutout mount. 70
End Position Mounting Panel-mount Barrier Blocks whose end positions have holes instead of contacts as mounting flanges. 261
End Stackable Connect. PCB Connectors that can be mounted end-to-end while retaining constant pitch. 78
End Stackable Plug Banana plug with a male on the front end a socket on the back end. 458
End Stackable Terminal Block
PCB terminal blocks that can be mounted side-by-side while retaining constant pitch. 280
Pluggable 2-wall terminal blocks that can be lengthened by mounting side-by-side. 288
Engagement Force See Insertion Force. 115
Enshrouded Mate {Coined} A connector that fits inside its Shrouded Mate. 97
Entry Direction
See Wire/Cable Entry Direction. 51
See Board-to-board Topology. 391
Environmental Seal Measures to exclude the entry of foreign substances (e.g., dust and water). 141
eSata Connector Industry-standard exterior connector for computer peripherals. 594
Etched Copper Jumper {Coined} (ECJ) Rectangular like FFC but with latching features at the ends like FPC. 740
Ethernet Connector
Circular Connector designed for Ethernet. 572
See Modular Connector. 587
Euro Battery Connector (EBC) Industry-standard connector for European forklift batteries. 628
Euroblock
See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
See Pluggable Terminal Block. 281
Eurocard Connector See DIN 41612 Connectors. 403
Europa Style Terminal Strip Screw terminal block for European AC wiring divided into separable tubular sections. 270
Europlug CEE 7 type C AC power male plug. 609
Eurostrip See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
Eurostyle Strip See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
EV Charging Connector Exterior connector at the end of cord from a charging station and power inlet in the vehicle. 624
Expansion Connector
Card Edge Socket in a computer for an expansion card. 338
See Ground Strap. 250
Explosion Proof
Connector
Circular Connector for use in environments with risk of explosion. 571
Heavy-Duty Connector for use in environments with risk of explosion. 639
Exposed Pin Connector {Coined} Single-circuit connector whose male pin is completely exposed when not mated. 464
Extender Board See Card Extender.
Extension Cable Cable assembly terminated with Connectors of the same family but opposite genders.
Exterior Connector Connector that is accessible to the end user outside a product or on its surface. Contrast Interior. 29
Extraction See Contact Extraction. 724
Extraction Force Force required to unmate two Contacts or Connectors. 115
Extraction Tool Tool that releases an Insertable Contact from a Housing so that it may be extracted. See Insertion Tool. 724
Eye Pattern Diagram Plot to discriminate a 0 from a 1 in a digital link. 139
Eyelet See Solder Eyelet. 60
F as in photograph
F-type Connector Coax Connector for cable TV and aerials. 512
Face Seal See Interfacial Seal. 141
Fahnestock Clip Vintage clip mounted on woof panels for point-to-point wiring. 217
FAKRA Connector Automotive version of a SMB Coax Connector. 447
Family Polarity {Coined}Combination of a connector family’s Dimorphism and Shrouding. E.g., shrouded male. 103
Faraday Cage/Chamber Metal room that stops electromagnetic waves from entering or exiting.
Fastener See Metal Fastener. 740
Fastening The mechanism that keeps two Connectors mated, ranging from Friction to Locking. 118
Fastin/Faston Disconnect {Trade -TE} See Quick-connect Disconnect. 461
Faston Boot {Trade - TE} Soft Nylon housing for a few Quick-connect Disconnects. 441
Feed-to Connector IDC with wire/cable termination blocked from continuing on. Contrast with Daisy Chain Connector.
Feedthrough Adapter Double-ended coax adapter mounted through a panel with mating faces on both sides of the panel. 518
Feedthrough Barrier Block Barrier Block with a single row of screws and terminals on the back that poke through a panel. 261
Feedthrough Connector
Shroudless Strip to stack boards with sockets on the top side and long pins and the bottom side. 377
Connector Termination that allows a Daisy Chain. Contrast with Feed-to Connector. 415
Feedthrough Insulator See Feed-Through Terminal.
Feedthrough Post Isolated single-circuit Junction Post that goes from one side of a panel to the other. 260
756 Glossary and alphabetical index
Feedthrough Terminal
Double-ended isolated terminal mounted through a panel. The contact appears on both sides. 252
Double-ended isolated terminal mounted through a PCB. The contact appears on both sides. 227
Feedthrough Terminal Block Terminal Block mounted through a hole in a panel. 273
Female Connector Connector with just Female Contacts. 89
Female Contact Contact into which a Male Contact is inserted. See Socket Contact. 82
Ferrite Iron oxide compound used in filters.
Ferrule
See Wire Ferrule. 224
See Crimp Sleeve. 239
Fiber-optics: Fixture to confine and align the end of an optical fiber. 653
Ferrule Fuse Block/Clip Fuse Block or Fuse Clip for Cartridge Fuse with flush ends. 314
Festoon Track A type of rail for terminal blocks. 275
FFC Jacket Plastic pieces clamped on a Flexible Flat Cable to convert it to a plug. 353
FFC Jumper A short length of Flexible Flat Cable with exposed traces at its ends or terminated ends. 735
FFC Socket See Flexible Flat Cable Socket. 341
Fiber Optic Cable Bundle of multiple optical fibers in a protective coating. Contrast with optical fiber (Single light pipe). 653
Fiber Optic Connector Two-piece connector for Fiber Optic Cable. 653
Field Attachable Connector that can be terminated by the user (as opposed to one that can only be molded at the factory). 23
Field Installable See Field Attachable. 23
Field Keying See Coding. 112
Filler
Material squeezed into a connector’s shell to seal it.
Material between wires in a cable.
Fillet See Solder Fillet
Filtered Connector
A connector that includes ferrite filters on its leads. 79
An assembly that includes a connector and filter components such as ferrites and capacitors.
Fin Vertical key in a pluggable terminal block. 284
Finger Pads on the edge of a Card designed to mate with a Card Edge Socket. 332
Finger Stock Strip of Spring Leaves for EMI Shielding. 366
Firewall Barrier between an engine compartment and passenger space. 141
Firewall Rated Connector Connector mounted through a Firewall that can hold off a 1100 °C fire for at least 20 minutes. 141
Firewire Connector See IEEE 1394. 595
First Make Last Break A longer Contact that mates before the others and unmates after the others have unmated. See Earth. 89
Five-way Alligator Clip Test clip used in landline telephone test equipment. 213
Fixed Connector See Jack and Receptacle 25
Fixed Contact Contact permanently included in a connector. Contrast with Insertable Contact. 57
Fixture See Test Fixture. 362
Flag Terminal Right angle wire terminal with the axis of the wire barrel on the same plane as the tongue or tab.
Flammability Rating Specifies how long a material can withstand a fire. 75
Flange
Mounting plate with mounting holes that extends around a through-panel mounted component. 72
See Contact Shoulder. 80
Upturned ends of a fork tongue terminal that keep it from slipping off a screw terminal. 223
Flange Mount The mounting of a through-panel component by fastening to its flange. Contrast with Bulkhead Mount. 72
Flap
A cover in an insulation displacement wire splice that is closed to terminate the wire. 238
A cover in a LED strip splice that is closed to terminate the wires. 370
Flaring (noun) The bell-shaped entry to a wire barrel. 59
Flaring (verb) The mechanical widening of a tube at the end of a terminal to retain it to a board or panel.
Flash plating Very thin contact plating to reduce costs. 85
Flat Cable
See Flexible Flat Cable. 735
See Ribbon Cable. 734
Flat Flex Cable See Flexible Flat Cable. 735
Flat Modular/ Telephone Cable Four solid wires in a flat Sheath for termination to Modular Connectors. 734
Flatness See Coplanarity. 65
Flex Circuit See Flexible Printed Circuit. 739
Flex Circuit Sockets See Flexible Flat Cable socket. 341
Flex On Board See ACF bonding. 166
Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) Thin band with flat parallel copper traces. Contrast with Flexible Printed Circuit, Ribbon Cable. 735
Flexible Flat Cable Socket PCB socket into which a Flexible Flat cable (FFC) or circuit (FPC) is inserted directly. 341
Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) PCB on thin, flexible material. May include a tail for an FFC Socket. 739
Floating Board-To-Board Connector Board-to-board Connector with two housings, one fixed to the PCB, one to its mate. 401
Floating Bushing Fastener for Blind Mate Connectors with some degree of freedom to allow self-alignment. 644
Floating Component An unmounted component, such as a plug at the end of a cable or a wire splice. 44
Floating Contact Contacts in a Board-to-board Connector with some degree of freedom to compensate for misalignment. 401
Floating Mount Mount of a Drawer Connector to a panel that lets it move a bit to align itself with its mate. 644
Flush Connector Through-panel mount connector whose mating face does not protrude beyond the surface of the panel.
Flush Face Mating face of a connector is completely flat. Contrast with Stepped Face and Partitioned Face. 95
Flush Panel Mount Component mounted only on one side of a panel. Contrast with through-panel mounting. 72
Flux See Solder Flux.
Glossary and alphabetical index 757
Foil Thin sheet of metal for shielding or as a flat conductor. 231
Foil Terminal Terminal crimped to a metal foil and to a wire. 231
Folded Contact See Formed Contacts. 80
Footprint A mechanical drawing of the location and size of each PCB pad and hole. Used for PCB layout. 660
Force, Extraction See Extraction Force. 115
Force, Insertion See Insertion Force. 336
Force, Mating See Insertion Force. 115
Force, Retention See Retention Force. 115
Force, Unmating See Extraction Force. 115
Fork Contact Female contact that grabs the pin from two sides.
Fork Terminal Tongue terminal with an opening at the front and two straight tines at either side of the opening. 223
Form Factor The ensemble of the size, shape, and other mechanical specifications of a component.
Formed Contact Contact made from sheet metal stamped, folded, formed into its final shape. Contrast with Machined. 82
FPC Jackets, Sockets Plastic pieces snapped on a Flexible Printed Circuit to convert it to a plug. 353
Frame See Configurable Frame. 654
Free Connector See Plug. 23
Free Hanging Mount See In-line Mount. 45
Frequency Repetition rate of a signal, measured in Hertz (Hz). 139
Fretting
See Contact Fretting. 87
Mother’s modus operandi.
Friction Fastening Retention of mated Connectors simply by the friction of their contacts or housings. 123
Friction Lock Coupling {Misnomer: neither lock, nor coupling} See Friction Fastening. 123
Fritting Wet current required to break through the oxidation layer. Don’t confuse with Fretting. 87
Front Contact Release Connector with Insertable Contacts released by inserting a tool into holes in the mating face. 724
Front End See Mating Face. 95
Front Flip FFC socket PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by lowering an actuator. 352
Front Panel Mount Connector inserted into a panel from the outside of an enclosure. Contrast with Rear Panel Mount. 72
Funnel Entry Wire barrel with a beveled edge to facilitate wire insertion. 59
Fuse Block Connects one or more fuses but does not enclose them. Contrast with Fuse Holder (enclosed). 308
Fuse Clip Single contact for a fuse. 308
Fuse Holder Connects and encloses a fuse. Contrast with Fuse Block (open). 308
Fuse Lug Block with a threaded bore and a screw terminal for a single end of a large fuse. 316
Fuse Tap Connector shaped like an automotive fuse with an exiting wire. 317
G as in gnome
Gage Measuring device. Misspelling of “Gauge”. 49
Ganged Connector Two or more Connectors joined to form a Combo Connector. 116
Galvanic Isolation Total physical separation between circuits. 571
Gas Inlet Entry for inert gas in EIA flange Coax Connectors. 515
Gap Loss Power loss due to imperfect butting of fibers in a fiber optic connector.
Gas Nipple See Gas Inlet. 515
Gas Tight Connection Intimate connection that excludes air into the contact area, therefore avoiding corrosion.
Gasket Shaped form of resilient material placed between surfaces for sealing. 141
Gauge
Diameter of wires. 49
Code for the size of contacts. 84
Gender
See Connector Gender. 89
See Contact Gender. 80
Gendered Connector Connector with pins (male) sockets (female) or both (hermaphrodite).
Gendered Contact A pin or socket contact. 80
Gendered Family Polarity {Coined} Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with pins, sockets; e.g., Shrouded male. 104
Genderless Connector {Disputed} Connector whose contacts are neither pins nor sockets. May or may not be self-mating. 22
Genderless Contact {Disputed} Contact the neither envelops its mate nor is enveloped by it. E.g., a flat spring leaf. 83
Genderless Family Polarity Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with neither pins nor sockets. E.g., Shrouded tongue. 106
Gland See Cable Gland. 654
Gold Plating Contact Plating with gold. 85
Golf Cart Connector DC Coupler for golf carts. 629
Gonochoric Connector {Coined} Connector pair in which one is Male and the other is Female. Contrast with Hermaphrodite. 89
Grabber Clip Test clip with a push-button on the back that, when pressed, opens a hook or pincers at the front. 214
Grid Placement of contacts or PCB terminals at the intersections of horizontal and vertical lines.
Grid Array IC Socket Socket for an IC in a package with terminals in a grid. 326
Grid Spacing See Pitch.
Grommet
Rubber ring with a groove in its outer perimeter, installed in a hole in a panel to protect a cable. 654
Ring-shaped gasket at the rear end of a connector, to retain a cable and seal its entry point. 528
Groove A slot for a Key. 388
Groove Connector {Coined} Genderless Connector with a Genderless Contacts on a long middle pocket. 106
Ground The node in a circuit that we chose as a reference for all other voltages. See Earth ground.
758 Glossary and alphabetical index
Ground Bar Non-insulated, panel-mounted bar with several Wire Cages for large-gauge Earth wires. 250
Ground Lug Uninsulated, panel-mounted terminal with one or more Wire Cages to ground large-gauge wires. 249
Ground Rod Clamp Copper clamp that joins a large ground wire to a rod in the earth. 249
Ground Strap Weaved wire braid used for flexible connections. 250
Grounded Connected to an electrical node that we defined as the ground.
Grounded Wire Connected to the Earth Ground and that carries current. See Neutral Wire. 604
Grounding Compression Connector C-shaped copper piece crimped to splice two large-gauge uninsulated wires. 248
Grounding Mechanical Connector Large uninsulated Interconnect that connects an Earth wire to a rod or metal panel. 249
Grounding Block Uninsulated, panel-mounted bar with several Wire Cages for large-gauge wires grounded to the panel. 250
Grounding Bus Bar Insulated copper plate with holes for many wires terminated in Tubular Compression Lugs. 250
Grounding Fingers See Finger Stock. 366
Grounding Wire Wire that is connected to the Earth and does not carry current. See Earth Wire. 604
Grounding Wire Terminals Clips crimped to an Earth wire and snapped on the edge of a metal panel. 225
Guide Pin
Alignment pegs on the mating face of a connector that fit in pockets in the mate. 644
Alignment pegs on the Termination End of an Interconnect that fit in PCB holes. 64
Gull Wing PCB Terminal flat against the PCB pointing away from the comportment in SMDs. 65
Gusset The transition between the tongue and crimp barrel in a tongue terminal. 221
GX Circular Connector Industry-standard threaded metal-shell Circular Connector. A.k.a. “aviation”. 545
H as in herb
Hairpin Contacts Thin contact in Card Edge Sockets. 335
Hard Metric Connector Board-to-board array connector with integer mm pitch and row spacing. 405
Hardware Small mechanical parts used with Interconnects.
Harness See Cable Harness and Wire harness.
Harsh Environment Connector Industry-standard Automotive Circular Connector. 568
HDMI Connector Exterior video data connector for consumer products. 597
Header See PCB Header. 64
Heat Shrink Tubing Tube slipped on a cable or connector and shrunk with a heat gun.
Heat Staking Direct and permanent connection of an FPC to a PCB using a hot bar and ACF tape. 166
Heavy-duty Connector Large, metal, cable-to-panel industrial connector. 631
Heliax Cable {Trade - CommScope} High-power Coaxial Cable. 737
Hermaphrodite Connector {Disputed} Gendered connector with both pins and socket. May or may not be self-mating. 22
Hermaphrodite Contact {Coined} Single Contact that includes a male blade and female socket for that blade. 83
Hermaphrodite Disconnect {Coined} Single Quick-Connect disconnect that includes a male tab and female socket. 461
Hermaphrodite Family Polarity Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with pins and sockets. E.g., Shrouded Hermaphrodite. 106
Hermetic Seal See Environmental Seal. 141
Hertz Measurement units for Frequency. Cycles per second.
Hex Nut Fastener with an hexagonal cross-section.
Hipot Test (High Potential) Application of ≥ 1 kV between a conductor and the chassis to check for Breakdown.
High Density Connector
Two-row gendered Board-to-board Connector with many contacts similar to the DIN 41612. 405
Semi-standard wearable self-latching Slim Circular Connector. 557
Higher contact count version of a D-sub connector in a given Shell Size. 582
High Density Interconnect Connector (HDI) Connector for hard drives. 594
High Voltage Connector
Coax Connector derivative modified for high voltage. 517
See Backlight Connectors. 189
Rectangular Connector with widely separated, partitioned circuits. 454
Hinged Socket Memory card socket with a cover that is closed after the card is inserted. 354
Hinged Cap IDC Splice Wire splice that is terminated by inserting a wire and then closing and pressing a flap. 239
Holder
See Fuse Holder. 309
See Battery/Cell Holder. 319
Home Appliance
Connector
Rectangular Connectors (RAST, Timer) specifically for washers, driers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. 440
RAST 5 card edge plugs. 340
Hood
Cover piece at the back end of a Circular Connector plug. 528
The rear Housing for a Heavy-duty Connector plug. 638
Hook Grabber
Interconnect installed on a harness manufacturing fixture to hold and contact a terminal. 215
Test clip with a button on the back that when pressed opens a hook on the front. 214
Hook Terminal Wire crimp terminal with a hook-shaped Tongue. 223
Hook Up Wire Standard insulated stranded wire. 731
Horizontal See Right-angle.
Horse Saddle Mount See Straddle Mount. 70
Hot Bar Bonding Direct and permanent termination of an FPC to a PCB or display. 166
Hot Pluggable Connector Wire-to-board connector. Plug is a Card Edge Socket. For internal computer peripherals. 449
Hot Stamp Mark in a plastic housing or wire insulation.
Hot Wire See Line Wire. 604
Housing The plastic position of a connector. See Connector Housing. 75
Housing Color Some manufacturers use a trademark color for their housings. 76
Glossary and alphabetical index 759
HSD Circular Connector Industry-standard Circular Connector with 4 contacts for high-speed data and FAKRA shell. 567
Hybrid Connector Connector with signal and power contacts, or discrete contacts and coaxial sub-connectors.
Hysteresis Difference in a force depending if mating or unmating. 115
Hz See Hertz.
I as in IX century CE
I/O Connector See Data I/O Connector. 589
I/O Port See Data I/O Port. 27
IC Clip Test Interconnect clipped on the leads of an IC to provide one test point per lead. 216
IC Socket PCB socket for an integrated circuit. See also Transistor Socket. 324
IDC/IDT Plug Single-row insulation displacement connector for several wires, then soldered to a PCB. 300
IDC/IDT Splice Wire Splice that cuts through the insulation of wires. 238
Identiconn This book’s companion online utility. 145
IDT Board-in Header A set of insulation displacement PCB terminals for direct multiple wire-to-PCB connections. 301
IDT Board-in Terminal Insulation displacement PCB terminal for a direct single wire-to-PCB connection. 299
IEC 60309 See Pin-and-sleeve Connector. 619
IEC 60320 See Appliance Coupler. 621
IEC Circular Connector Industry-standard, small, sealed Circular Connectors for industrial use, including the M12. 547
IEEE 1394 Connector Exterior connector for the Firewire data I/O link. 595
Immersion Circular Connector Connector for mating underwater (wet mate) or placement under water after mating (dry mate). 569
Impedance A measure of the opposition to to alternating current presented by the combined effect of resistance. 138
In Line Mount Terminated just to a wire of a cable and not mounted to anything. E.g., Plugs. 45
In Line Splicer/Reducer In-line Wire Splice for two large wires of different gauges. 249
Inductance The effect of having a long conductor. Affects high speed and Coax Connectors. 492
Inertia Latching Sudden reduction in Insertion Force when fully mated, just as a latch engages. 124
Ingress Protection See Environmental Seal. 141
Ingress Protection Rating (IP rating) Measure of the ability to exclude the entry of extraneous substances. 140
Inlet
Connector on a product that receives AC power. See Appliance Coupler. 603
Connector on a product that receives DC power. See DC Coupler. 627
Input A circuit that receives power or a signal.
Inrush Current Damaging impulse when a low resistance source (battery) is first connected to a capacitive load.
Insert See Connector Insert. 528
Insert Retention Force Pushing or pulling force that will not dislodge an insert from the connector shell.
Insertable Contact Connector contact that is Terminated to a wire and then inserted into a Connector Housing. 57
Insertion See Contact Insertion. 57
Insertion Force Effort required to mate two Contacts or Connectors. 115
Insertion Loss Power loss due to inclusion of a Connectors, compared to a direct connection. Measured in dB. 495
Insertion Tool Tool to insert contacts into an insert. Contrast with Extraction Tool. 705
Inside Diameter (ID) The inner diameter of a socket contact or other circular object. See also Outside Diameter.
Inspection Hole
Hole in a tubular compression lug for visual inspection of proper wire insertion prior to crimping. 247
Small hole in a Solder Cup to see that the wire reached its bottom and soldered flowed down. 673
Installing Tool Device used to install contacts into a Connector. Device used to install taper pins into receptacles.
Insulate The act of providing electrical Isolation or thermal insulation. Contrast to Isolate.
Insulated Enclosed in an electrical insulating device or material. Contrast with Isolated.
Insulated Barrel Crimp termination in a insulating tube. 59
Insulated Multi Tap Connector Wire Splice with many Wire Cages. 250
Insulating Material
Plastic, ceramic, rubber, fiberglass, or any other non electrically conductive material.
Material with a high thermal resistance.
Insulating Sleeve Dielectric tube that isolates the terminals from a metal handle (outer housing) in a concentric plug. 473
Insulation
Thermal resistance against the transfer of heat.
Part that provides electrical separation to prevent the flow of current.
Insulation Crimp Rear section of a terminal with wings that wrap around the wire insulation. 59
Insulation Displacement Connector Rapid terminations of unstripped wires. A blade cuts the insulation and contacts the core. 55
Insulation Displacement Splice Wire Splice that terminates unstripped wires. 238
Insulation Displacement Technology Technology used in insulation displacement Connectors. 55
Insulation Grip The rear set of wings in a Double-Grip terminal that retain the wire’s Insulation. 59
Insulation Housing See Connector Housing. 75
Insulation Jacket See Cable Sheath. 731
Insulation Piercing A needle contacts the core of an insulated wire during testing. Contrast with Insulation Displacement. 210
Insulation Resistance Extremely high parallel resistance between two conductors.
Insulation Support Portion at the end of a terminal that holds the wire insulation but is not crimped to it.
Insulation Thickness Thickness of the wire insulation, between the core and the air.
Insulator A material that provide electrical isolation. Contrast with Conductor, Isolator, and Insulation.
Integrated Magnetics Connector Data I/O or Modular Connector that includes filters and transformers. 587
Inter Capacitance Capacitance between a circuit and adjacent conductors. Results in Cross Talk. 139
Interconnect Component Any electric component that makes a connection between Conductors. 1
760 Glossary and alphabetical index
Interconnect Structure {Coined} Whether Interconnects mate and how. E.g., a Connector is, single mating face in family. 30
Interconnection Electrical circuits between one or more conductors to other conductors through 0 or more Interconnects.
Electrical Interconnection See Interconnection.
Interface See Mating Face. 95
Interfacial Junction See Mating Face. 95
Interfacial Seal Elastomer sheet with a hole for each pin installed on the Mating Face of a male connector. 141
Interference Press-Fit Press-fit PCB terminal that distorts a PCB hole. Contrast with compliant Press-fit. 66
Interim Clip Frame into which multiple Connectors are placed to form a larger, ganged connector. 654
Interior Component Component inside a product, not accessible to the end user. 29
Interleaved Arranged in alternate layers.
Interlock Switch AC power switch that can only be closed if a plug is installed in a Pin and sleeve outlet. 619
Interlocking Connector Connectors or terminal blocks that can be placed side-by side (maybe interlocked) to form a longer part. 78
Intermateable Ability of two Connectors to mate (especially if manufactured by a different companies).
Intermodulation See Passive Intermodulation. 139
Interposer
Any loose third Connector that is placed between two rectangular Board-to-board Connectors. 391
Any loose third Connector that is placed between two coax Board-to-board Connectors. 503
IP rating See Ingress Protection Rating. 140
ISO 15170 Industry-standard Automotive Circular Connector. 567
Isolate Disconnecting. Contrast to Insulate.
Isolated Disconnected. Contrast to Insulated.
Isolation
1) The state of being electrically isolated;
2) A material used to provide electrical isolation. See Insulator.
Isolator A component made of insulating material that provide electrical isolation. Contrast with Insulator.
Isometric view Mechanical drawing that shows three faces.
Isotherm At the same temperature.
J as in Jose
J928 Connector See Bullet Disconnect. 463
Jack A small Receptacle, usually round. E.g., Phone, Coax Barrel Power, Phono, Modular. 23
Jack Screw Screw in the center of a plug that implements Screw Coupling. 132
Jacket
See Cable Sheath. 732
See FFC Jacket. 353
Jam Nut Low profile hex nut
Jaw
The opening in an alligator clip 213
The opening in a ratcheting crimper into which dies are placed. 675
JFA Connector {Trade - JST} See Dynamic Connector. 436
Joint 1) The connecting point of two conductors; 2) Colorado product.
Joint Splice {Coined} Wire splice at the ends of two wires. Contrast with Tap Splice. 236
JST Connector {Street} See Low Profile Wire-to-board Connector. 429
Julet {Trade - Jun Lei} Line of e-bike Connectors from Jun Lei. 565
Jumper
See FFC Jumper. 735
See PCB Jumper.
See Programming Jumper. 379
See Ribbon Cable Jumper. 734
Jumper Bus Bar Copper bar that connects two battery cells or two AC power circuits. 250
Junction Bar Single or dual bar for power distribution with a threaded rod and multiple screws. 260
Junction Block Multiple threaded rods in a panel-mounted insulating base. Accepts high current ring terminals. 260
Junction Feedthrough Double-ended threaded rod or threaded nut in a panel-mounted insulating base. 260
Junction Nut Single- or double-ended threaded nut in a panel-mounted insulating base. 260
Junction Post Threaded rod in a panel-mounted insulating base. Accepts high current ring terminals. 259
K as in knife
Kapton Tape Strong, translucent orange tape used in electronics, such on a SMT connector for pick-up. 65
Kelvin Connection Four wire connection to measure Resistance. Two wires for current and two for a Voltmeter. 133
Key
See Coding Key. 284
Protrusion in a connector that fits in a slot in the mate. 107
Keyed Connector Connector with slight modifications to differentiate parts to make them unique. Contrast with Polarized. 107
Keying Small changes that differentiate parts to make them unique. Contrast with Conforming, Polarization. 107
Keying Plug See Coding Key. 112
Keystone Plate Industry-standard Configurable Frame. 654
Keyway Slot or groove in a connector that matches a key in the mate. 107
Kink Sharp bend in a conductor or wire strand.
Kinked PC Pin PCB Terminals with a bend to hold onto the PCB hole. 65
Knife Disconnect Self-mating Disconnect. 463
Knife Terminal Tongue Terminal that ends in a blade with an upturned lip. Crimped to a wire, inserted in a Wire Cage. 223
Knuckle Thread Thread with a semi-circular cross-section used in threaded plastic Circular Connectors. 129
Knurled Coupler Coupling ring with parallel bosses around the perimeter, to help grabbing. 128
Glossary and alphabetical index 761
Knurled PCB Terminal PCB press-fit terminal with vertical ridges and grooves. 225
Kojiri test Rocking motion durability test. 666
Kycon See Power DIN connector. 538
L as in llama
Label See Designator. 658
Lamp Socket See Light Bulb Socket. 356
Land See PCB Pad. 64
Landline Telephone that is wired to the central office. 586
Latch A mechanism that secures Connectors to prevent unmating. Must be released before unmating. 118
Latching See Connector Latching. Contrast with Locking. 118
Lanyard Loop of wire on a breakaway plug pulled in case of emergency to unmate it.
Lap Joint
See Parallel Splice. 240
Flat conductor placed on a flat terminal and then terminated (e.g., Ultrasonic Weld). 60
Latch (verb) After Mating two Connectors, manually engaging a Latch to prevent unwanted Unmating. 118
Latch Fastening Mechanism that prevents unwanted Unmating of two mated Connectors. 118
Latching Connector Includes a manually-engaged and disengaged Latch. Contrast with Self-latching Connector. 118
Latching Mechanism See Latch. 118
Lay In Ground Lugs Splice that taps an uninterrupted uninsulated large gauge wire with the end of a large gauge wire. 249
Lead (“leed”)
Terminal of a leaded (“leeded”) electronic component.
Bus bar wire. 731
Lead (“led”) Metallic element and main component of leaded (“leded”) solder wire.
Lead Strip Multiple parallel solid wires held by a Wafer to connect two boards permanently together. 253
Lead In Mechanical device that guides connector mating.
Leaf Contact
See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal. 365
See Spring Leaf Contact. 83
Leakage
Small current flowing along the surface of the insulation between two contacts. See Creepage. 136
Radio frequency that escapes a Coax Connector. 491
LEC Layered Elastomeric Connector. See Elastomeric Strip. 368
LED Lamp Connector Through-board Shroudless Strip used lamps. 380
LED Lighting Connector Sealed plastic Circular Connector with 2 or 3 circuits for solid state lighting. 562
LED Strip Flexible Printed Circuit with evenly spaced LEDs for lighting in consumer places. 369
LED Strip Plug Plug that connects to LED Strips. 380
LED Strip Splice Connects two LED Strips directly, end-to-end. 370
Less Pin MIL-spec male connector housing without any pin contacts. 540
Less Socket MIL-spec female connector housing without any socket contacts. 540
Lever Actuator Lever that opens a wire cage and closes it after the wire is inserted. 61
Lever Latch Self-latching mechanism that is released by pressing a lever. 124
Lever Splice Wire splice that uses a lever to open its wire cage. 241
LIF FFC/FPC Socket PCB-mounted socket for a flex cable or circuit. 350
Light Bulb Socket Socket for an incandescent or LED light bulb. 356
Lighting Connector Circular Connector specifically for low-voltage indoor lighting. 562
Lighting Fixture Conn. Rectangular Connectors specifically for lighting fixtures. 455
Lightning Connector Apple proprietary Data I/O Connector. 595
Line/Live Wire AC power wire with a voltage. Contrast with Neutral wire and Earth Wire. 604
Litz Wire Multiple individually insulated wires weaved together to reduce resistance at high frequencies.
Locating Peg Post that fits in a PCB hole to locate a PCB mount connector before soldering. 65
Locator Fixture that positions terminals in a crimping press. 675
Locking See Connector Locking. Contrast with Latching. 118
Locking Barb See Contact Locking Barb. 57
Locking Clip See Contact Locking Clip. 57
Locking Latch {Misnomer: not a lock} See Latch Fastening. 118
Locking Ramp {Misnomer: not a lock} See Friction Fastening. 123
Locking Spring, Tang See Contact Locking Barb. 57
Locking Window Hole in a housing into which a contact’s barb snaps for retention. Access for an Extraction Tool. 57
Loose Interconnect Interconnect that is not mounted to anything, such a double-ended pin. 45
Loss See Insertion Loss 495
Low Insertion Force LIF Connector with reduced Insertion Force relative to a standard version. Compare to ZIF. 343
Low Profile Mezzanine Connector Low profile Board-to board connector for parallel boards. 397
Low Profile Sidelined Connector Low profile Wire-to board connector. One mate’s contacts are embedded in the housing walls. 429
Low profile Wire-to-board Connector Small rectangular Wire-to-board Connectors with a low mated height. 429
Lubricant Mineral oil or other liquid placed on contacts and threaded coupling.
Lubrication
See Connector Lubrication. 722
See Contact Lubrication. 722
Lug See Fuse Lug. 316
See Ground Lug. 249
762 Glossary and alphabetical index
See Quick-connect Disconnect. 461
See Solder Eyelet. 60
See Solder Lug. 230
See Tubular Compression Lug. 247
LVDS Connector Single-row, many contacts, right-angle header flush to PCB. Plug terminated to wires, FFC, or coax. 438
M as in mnemonic
M12 IEC Circular Conn. See IEC Circular Connector. 550
Machined Contact Contact manufactured in a lathe from a rod. Contrast with Formed Contact. 85
Magnet Wire Wire with enamel insulation for windings in inductors, motors, and transformers. 732
Magnet Wire Terminal Terminal terminated to magnet wire on one or both ends and to a PCB or a hook-up wire. 231
Magnetic Connector
Rectangular Connector fastened with magnets. 440
Circular Connector fastened with magnets. 574
Exterior Connector fastened with magnets. 598
Magnetic Fastening Fastening mechanism that hold mates together with magnets. 123
Mains Connector Connector for AC power 606
Male Connector Connector with just Male Contacts. 89
Male Contact Contact that fits inside a Female Contact. Pin, Post, or Blade. 82
Male Mate For Card Edge Sockets Component that emulates a Card Edge so it can mate to a Card Edge Socket. 341
Manual Latching Fastening mechanism that the user engages during mating and disengages before unmating. 127
Marette See Wire Nut. 242
Marshaling Large rail-mounted terminal block for the orderly and well-organized connection on many related wires. 277
Mass Splicing Fiber optics: simultaneous joining of fibers. 653
Mass Terminated Connectors
Rectangular Connector terminated to a ribbon cable at once. 415
Board-in connector terminated to a ribbon cable at once. 302
Mass Termination Simultaneous termination of a ribbon cable to a connector using IDC. 57
Mate (noun) The other connector that is intended to be connected to a given connector.
Mate (verb) The act of connecting two Connectors. 113
Mated Height The total height above the PCB of a connector or set of mated Connectors. 429
Mated Pair A plug and receptacle joined or to be joined together.
Mating Act of joining two connector together; may be followed by coupling (latching). See also Unmating. 46
Mating Cycles Number of times parts may be mated and unmated and still meet its contact Resistance specification. 134
Mating Diameter Outer diameter of a round Enshrouded Mate. Contrast with Shield Diameter. 498
Mating Direction Axis along which a connector approaches its mate. 113
Mating End See Mating Face. 95
Mating Face Surface of a connector that is brought into contact with its mate. Opposite the Termination End. 95
Mating Face Rows A straight line of Contacts, Positions, or Contact Cavities on a Mating Face. 93
Mating Force See Insertion Force. 115
Mating Pitch The center-to-center distance between adjacent positions within a row in the mating face of a connector. 92
Mating Width Width of a rectangular component. 95
MC4 Connector Unipole Connector for solar panels. 472
Mechanical Connector Removable splice for large-gauge wires. 248
Medical Connector Slim Circular Connector that meets clinical requirements. 557
Metal Fastener Hardware (screws, nuts, threaded studs) used to secure components and as a conductor. 740
Metal-to-Metal {Rare} Two-piece Board-To-Board Connectors (as opposed to a metal-to-card Card Edge Socket). 410
Metalized An isolator covered in a thin metallic layer.
Meter Test instrument to measure voltage, current, resistance, and more.
Metrimate Connector {Trade - TE} Semi-standard large Rectangular Connector. TE. ITT Cannon makes the Trident. 435
Mezzanine Connector Board-to-board Connector that places a Card parallel to a PCB and in close proximity with it. 392
Mezzanine Topology A PCB is placed on top of another. 169
Micro Circular Connect. Minimalist Circular Connector for medical devices. See also Nano Circular Connector. 561
Micro Fit Connector {Trade - Molex} Industry-standard Rectangular Connector with a 3 mm pitch. 425
Micro-D Connector Industry-standard D-shell exterior connector. 585
Micro-Ribbon Connector {Trade}Classic genderless D-shell exterior connector with a blue insulator. 580
Microstrip Constant-impedance RF trace on the surface of a PCB. 662
Microswitch Industry-standard limit switch to detect the position of a mechanical device. 357
Microwave Connector General class of Coax Connectors. 503
MIL-spec Circular Conn Industry-standard rugged latched Circular Connector for aerospace applications. 538
Millivolt Drop Voltage drop across mated contacts while carrying a specified current due to the Contact Resistance. 133
Mini D Ribbon Connector Industry-standard D-shell exterior genderless connector smaller than a Micro-Ribbon connector. 581
Mini DIN Circular Connector Industry-standard unlatched metal-shell Circular Connector. 537
Mini Fit Connector {Trade - Molex} The male shroud has walls between pins. Each socket has a separate squarish shroud. 423
Mini-XLR Circular Connector Smaller version of the XLR connector. 534
Miniature RF Cable-to-board Connector Cable-to-board connector in computer products. 503
Miniflex Connector {Coined} Industry-standard ribbon-wire-to-board connector with two rows of staggered contacts. 418
Misalignment See Connector Misalignment. 114
Glossary and alphabetical index 763
Misalignment Accommodation {Coined} The ability of a connector to work well with a Misaligned mate. 114
Misconnect Mating of the wrong connector or to the right corrector in the wrong orientation.
Misregister
Mating of the right connector in the wrong position. 97
Placement of a component on a PCB in the wrong position. 65
Miswire Incorrect termination to a multi-wire Interconnect.
Modular Branch See Interim Clip.
Modular Connector Family of simple, 2~8 position Connectors used in telephony and computer networks 587
Modular Frame
Holder that accepts various Inserts in a Drawer Connector. 646
See Keystone Plate. 654
Holder that accepts various Inserts in a Heavy-duty Connector. 641
Modular Terminal Block Terminal block composed of slices. 272
Module Brick-sized, tall, enclosed assembly intended to be stacked vertically, in parallel with other modules. 195
Module Crate Box open at the front that accepts multiple Modules stacked vertically. 195
Module Potting Electronic assembly ruggedized by enclosing in compound with exposed Connectors. 684
Molded Plug Connector on a cable that is molded to the cable after termination. 195
Molex Connector {Street} See Pin-and-socket Connector. 419
Monolithic Terminal Block Terminal block a single housing. Contrast with Modular Terminal Block.
Monopolar Connector See Unipole Connector. 467
Motherboard PCB assembly onto which cards (daughter-boards) are installed, such as a computer main board.
Motor Connector Industry-standard IEC M16 hybrid Connectors designed for industrial motors. 554
Mount Installation method of a connector, such as PCB or bulkhead, or even in-line (no mount). 44
Mounting Hole Hole in a Housing for fasteners to secure a Component to a PCB or panel.
Mouth See Bell Mouth. 221
Multi-conductor See Control Cable. 732
Multi-port See Combo Connector. 116
N as in pneumonia
N-m See Newton-meter.
N-type Connector Classic industry-standard Coax Connector. 510
Nail Pin Plain round PCB Terminal. 227
Naked-pin Connector {Coined} Male mate has a single unshrouded pin. E.g., Banana Connector. 464
Nano Circular Connect. Minimalist Circular Connector for medical devices. See also Micro Circular Connector. 561
Nano-D Connector Industry-standard D-shell gendered connector. 585
NEMA Type A, B AC Power Connectors used in North America for home electrical appliances. 611
NEMA Twistlock Conn. A range of industry-standard high-power AC Power Connectors used in North America. 618
Nest See Anvil Die. 675
Network An electrical circuit.
Neutral AC power: line with theoretically 0 V against which a phase (line) wire is measured.
Neutral Bar Insulated, panel-mounted bar with several Wire Cages for large-gauge neutral or line wires. 250
Newton-meter Units of torque.
Nick Partial cut into a wire strand or a wire insulation. 670
Nipple
See Gas Inlet. 515
Protrusion on an alkaline battery cell’s positive terminal.
NMEA 2000 Circular C. Data bus used in vessels. Uses an M12 IEC Circular Connector. 554
Node A portion of an electrical circuit that is interconnected and all at the same voltage.
Non-Gendered See Genderless Connector, Genderless Contact.
Non-Self-Mating Connecting device that cannot mate to an identical part. Contrast with Self-mating Connector.
Notch Incision on the edge of a PCB into which an Interconnect is mounted.
Notch Mount Mounted on the edge of a PCB, in a notch, facing out, terminals on either face. See Straddle Mount. 70
Nuclear Radiation Conn. Circular Connector hardened for use in a radioactive environment, operated by robots. 571
Number of Circuits Number of electrical Nodes that go through an Interconnect. 39
Number of Contact Cavities Number of position in an Interconnect that accepts Insertable Contacts. Otherwise, zero. 39
Number of Contacts Actual number of Contacts that an Interconnect has (some positions could be empty). 39
Number of Positions Maximum number of contacts that an Interconnect can have (some Positions could be empty). 39
Numbering See Position Numbering. 92
Nut
Fastener that is threaded on a screw
Author of this book.
Used for termination to a Junction Block. 260
See Coupling Nut. 128
O as in one
O-Ring Ring of resilient material used as part of environmental sealing. 141
Offset Tongue Terminal A terminal whose tongue is stepped down to a plane lower than the plane of the wire barrel. 221
Ohm Measurement units for resistance and impedance.
Ohmmeter Test instrument to measure resistance.
Open Barrel Crimp barrel into whose opening a wire is placed and crimped. Contrast with Closed Barrel. 59
Open Bottom Socket A pin can go through the Socket Contact and come out the other end. 229
764 Glossary and alphabetical index
Open Entry Contact Socket contact that can’t prevent the insertion of an over-sized pin. Contrast with Closed Entry Socket. 82
Open Frame IC socket DIP IC Socket with no plastic between the rows, 324
Optic Fiber A single thin plastic, silica or glass pipe core. Contrast with Fiber Optic Cable. 653
Orthogonal Connector Board-to-board Connector that connects a vertical PCB to a horizontal one in front of it. 395
Orthogonal Topology A vertical PCB is in front of a horizontal one. 179
Outlet A Receptacle that provides AC or DC electrical power. 603
Output A line that provides a voltage, a signal, or power.
Outside Diameter Measurement of the diameter outside a cylinder (e.g., a pin). See also Inside Diameter.
Over-Board Connector {Coined} Connector mounted near the PCB edge. The mating face faces down past the PCB’s edge. 69
Over Compression Force that deforms a Contact such it cannot recover its shape.
Oxidation See Corrosion. 49
P as in phone
P Circular Connector See CNR01 Connectors. 545
Package Physical form and interface of an IC, Card or module.
Packaging How Components are stored in a shipment. E.g., tape and reel.
Packard 56 Tab disconnect similar to Quick-connect Disconnect but with a side spring latch. 463
Pads See PCB pads.
Panel Mount See Flush-panel Mount and Through-panel Mount.
Panel Barrier Block Barrier Block mounted flush on a panel. Contrast with PCB Barrier Block. 261
Panel Mount Terminal Terminal mounted on a panel. E.g., Solder Lug. 230
Panel Mount Terminal Block Terminal Block mounted flush on a panel. Contrast with Feedthrough Terminal Blocks. 270
Parallel Clamp Mechanical connector that joins two large-gauge uninsulated wires side-by-side. 249
Parallel Mate Connector {Coined} Wire-to-board connector. Right-angle plug. Header is flat against PCB. 434
Parallel Splice Terminal to join two or more conductors permanently, in which the conductors lie parallel and adjacent. 240
Parallel Board-to-board Topology See Mezzanine Topology. 169
Pareidolia The human tendency to perceive a human facial expression when looking at an Interconnect. 7
Partitioned Face Connector {Coined} The male shroud has walls between each pin. Each socket has a separate shroud. 96
Passive Fastening See Friction Fastening. Contrast with Self-latching Connector. 118
Passive Intermodulation Unwanted harmonics generated in a Coax Connector that carries many channels. 139
Passive Latch Coupling {Misnomer: not a latch, not coupling} See Friction Fastening. 118
Patch Bay A panel with an array of equally-spaced receptacles, such as for audio of video. 512
Patch Cord Cable assembly with two identical plugs on its ends, used on a patch panel.
Patch Panel See Patch Bay. 512
PC Card Parallel peripheral interface for computers, e.g., PCMCIA. Compare to PCB Card.
PCB Barrier Block Barrier block with a single row of screws and PCB terminals at the back. 262
PCB Card See Card. 330
PCB Clip PCB-mounted clips into which you snap a device other than a cell or fuse. 358
PCB Header PCB connector that mates to a Plug. Usually Male. 64
PCB Jumper A wire mounted on a PCB to connect two pads. Mainly used in single-sided boards.
PCB Mount Component mounted and terminated to a PCB. 64
PCB Pads Small copper disks, rectangles, or rings around a hole, onto which a component is soldered. 64
PCB Pattern See Footprint. 660
PCB Pin Thin terminal mounted on a PCB 227
PCB Pin Strip See Shroudless Pin Header. 376
PCB Post See PCB Pin. 227
PCB Socket PCB-mounted terminal that receives a pin. 229
PCB Socket Strip See Shroudless Socket Header. 377
PCB Spring Spiral or solenoid spring mounted to a PCB to contact a front panel for a touch switch function. 365
PCB Spring Leaf Folder flat spring mounted on a PCB that touches a conductive surface. 365
PCB Stackers See Shroudless Stacker. 378
PCB Tail See PCB Terminal. 64
PCB Terminal Metal pins, leads, or surfaces on a component that are soldered to a PCB. 64
PCB Terminal Arrangement The pattern, pitch, and row spacing of PCB Terminals. 66
PCB Terminal Block Single-piece Terminal Block with a row of Wire Cages and PCB Terminals. 279
PCB Terminal Length Length of a PCB pin in a through-hole component 64
PCB Terminal Pattern See Footprint. 660
PCB Terminal Pitch The center-to-center distance between adjacent PCB terminals in a row in a PCB component. 67
PCB Terminal Rows A straight line of PCB terminals. 67
PCB Test Loop Round PCB-mounted terminal that accepts a test clip’s hook, for temporary testing. 229
Peckerhead Wiring terminals inside a mid-size motor. (Never mind the other, vulgar meaning.) 259
Peephole See Inspection Hole. 247
Peg
See Alignment Peg. 644
See Locating Peg. 65
Penetrator Through-panel circular Interconnect for permanent wiring across a barrier (e.g., under water). 252
Perfboard Prototyping insulating sheet with a holes in a grid. Or, PCB with pads and holes in a grid. 738
Glossary and alphabetical index 765
Permanent Termination Termination to a component meant to remain in place. Removal damages the Interconnect or wire. 55
Perpendicular Board-to-board Topology See Backplane Topology. 175
Phone Connector Industry-standard concentric connector with cylindrical contacts in a line. 478
Phono Connector Industry-standard concentric 2-circuit connector used in consumer entertainment products. 483
Photovoltaic Connector See Solar Panel Connector. 472
Pick & Place PCB assembly technology for SMD components. 429
Pick & Place Cap/Clip Clip on a straight SMD connector. Allows a pick & place machine to lift it. Removed after assembly. 661
Piercing See Insulation Piercing. 210
Piercing Crocodile Clip Test Clip with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation. 213
Piercing Splice See B-wire Piercing Splices. 240
Piercing Test Clip Grabber Clip with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation. 214
Piercing Test Fixture Grabber Clamp mounted on a panel with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation. 215
Pigtail A single wire of a given length, with a single terminal on one end.
Pin
See Loose Pin. 230
See PCB Pin. 227
See PCB Terminal. 64
See Pin Contact. 82
Pin And Sleeve Connector Industry-standard high-power AC Power Connector. 619
Pin And Socket
Connector
Classic rectangular Wire-To-Board Connector with formed contacts in a Nylon housing. 419
Unipole interior connector that uses the same contacts as a rectangular Pin-and-socket connector. 468
Pin Contact Male contact that is inserted in a matching socket contact. Contrast with Genderless Contact. 82
Pin Grid Array Package IC package with a grid of pins below the IC. 326
Pin Number See Position Marker. 92
Pin Strip Male Shroudless Strip. 376
Pincer Grabber Clip Test clip with a button on the back. When pressed two thin spring exit the tip to grab a pin. 214
Pinout List of functions for each circuit for a connector.
Pitch, Bilevel See Bilevel Pitch. 343
Pitch, PCB Terminal See PCB Terminal Pitch. 67
Pitch, Mating See Mating Pitch. 92
Pitch, Rail-mount Terminal Blocks The width of a slice. 277
Pitch, Termination See Termination Pitch. 64
Plastic Power Connector Semi-standard plastic Circular Connectors for high current. 559
Plated-Through Hole PCB hole with conductive walls connecting pads on opposite sides of the PCB. 65
Plating See Contact Plating. 85
Play
Range of movement of a75 Contact within a Connector Housing.
Range of movement of a Drawer Connector within its Floating Mount. 644
PLCC Socket Socket for an IC in a PLCC package. 326
Plenum Area over a dropped ceiling through which Plenum Cable is run.
Plenum Cable AC power cable suitable for placement over a dropped ceiling without having to be in metal tubing.
Plug {Disputed} An in-line connector (terminated to a cable or wires). Contrast with Receptacle. 23
Pluggable Europa Style Strip Two- piece (male/female) Terminal Block with individual sections with a square cross-section. 271
Pluggable Terminal
Block
Two-piece Terminal Block. Usually female Plug and usually male PCB Header. 281
Single piece: see Card Edge Terminal Blocks. 340
Plunger The spring-loaded pin in a Pogo pin. 361
Pocket
Mechanics: a cavity into which a matching boss fits perfectly.
{Coined} Plastic trough lined with Genderless Contacts in a Board-to-board Connector. See Groove. 400
Pogo Pin Single PCB terminal with a spring-loaded plunger. Contrast with Test Fixture Probes. 361
Pogo Pin Header Interconnect with several Pogo Pins. Mates to matching conductors or a Spring Loaded Target. 362
Poka Yoke A design that helps a worker avoid mistakes.
Poke Home/In
Termination
A stripped wire inserted in a hole is grabbed by a leg spring. Permanent. 60
A stripped wire inserted in a hole is grabbed by a leg spring. Includes a release button. 63
Poke-In Board-In Header A set of poke-in PCB terminals for direct multiple wire-to-PCB connections. 301
Poke-In Board-In Terminal Poke-in PCB terminal for a direct single wire-to-PCB connection. 299
Poke In Splice Wire splice into which stripped wires are inserted and grabbed by a leg spring. 241
Polarity
See Electrical Polarity: center positive vs center negative. 107
See Family Polarity: shrouded male vs. shrouded female. 103
Polarization Features that minimize ways two matched parts may be mismated. Contrast with keying, Conforming. 107
Polarized Connector that can only be inserted in the correct orientation. 107
Polarizing Peg, Pin See Key.
Polarizing Slot
Any cavity into which a key fits to provide polarization. 107
Notch in a Card into which a coding key in a Card Edge Socket fits. 333
Pole
See Circuits 604
My favorite customer.
Positioner See Locator. 675
Port See Data I/O Port. Contrast with Connector. 27
Portable Cord Cable for extension cords and the flexible and often detachable power cords for appliances. 733
766 Glossary and alphabetical index
Position A spot on a multi-circuit Interconnect that has or can accept a contact. Some positions may be empty. 91
Position Arrangement See Contact Arrangement. 91
Position Cavity See Contact Cavity. 91
Position Count See Number of Positions 39
Position Marker Embossed or printed numbers, letters, or symbols to indicate the Position Number. 92
Position Number The number (or letter) assigned by the manufacturer to a specific position. 92
Position Numbering The path along which position numbers advance. 92
Positive Latch See Self-latching Connector. 118
Positive Lock Disconnects {Trade -TE} Male quick-connect disconnects with an integral latch. 461
Post
See Binding Post. 464
See Junction Post. 259
See Feedthrough Post. 260
See Wire-wrap Post. 227
See Battery Post. 323
Pin with square cross-section. 82
The male header in a backplane (Post and Box) connector pair. 376
Post and Box
{Rare} Shroudless Strips when used as Board-To-Board Connectors. 376
{Rare} Plain prismatic Connectors when used as Board-To-Board Connectors. 413
Potting Boot Soft tube installed on back of MIL-spec Circular Connector, filled with potting material, heat shrunk. 538
Potting Boot Ring Screwed on the back of a MIL-spec Circular Connector. A Potting Boot snaps on back of ring, 538
Potting Compound Two-part mix poured into a mold with a PCB assembly or the back of a plug and allowed to cure. 684
Power Rate at which electrical energy is transferred, measured in Watt [W].
Power Contact Contact rated for high current. Contrast with signal contact.
Power Cord Cable with a AC power plug and at the other end an appliance coupler plug or terminated to a product. 603
Power DIN Connector Industry-standard unlatched metal shell Circular Connector used as DC Coupler. 538
Power Distribution Terminal Block Panel-mounted terminal block with wire cages for large-gauge wires. 272
Power Earth Contact Contact in an AC Power Connector dedicated to the connection to Earth. 89
Power Entry Module Module with an AC power inlet, plus a switch, fuse holder and fuse, filter, or LEDs. 624
Power Handling
Maximum power that a Coaxial Cable can carry. 495
Maximum power that a Coax Connector can carry. 494
Power Inlet
Receptacle that accepts AC power, such as an Appliance Coupler. 621
Receptacle that accepts DC power, such as a DC Coupler. 627
Power Outlet Receptacle that delivers AC power such as Wall Outlet 603
Power Supply Converter from AC power to DC. E.g., AC power adapter. 621
Power Tool Battery Connector Board-To-Board Connectors. Blades on the power tool and quad leaf sockets in the battery. 455
Powerlock Connector High-power unipole for AC power distribution. 470
Powerpole Connector {Trade - Anderson Power} Self-mating, genderless, interlocking, Unipole Connector for AC power. 468
Precharge Slow charge of a load capacitor from a battery to avoid a spark at the moment of direct connection. 88
Preload Force
The initial force required to start pressing a Pogo Pin. 361
The initial force required to start pressing a preloaded Spring Leaf terminal. 365
Press-Fit Connector Rectangular Connector Pressed into a PCB. Makes contact without soldering. 661
Press-Fit Compliance The resilience of a Press-fit PCB terminal that allows it to squeeze in a Plated Through Hole. 66
Press-Fit Peg Resilient posts in a PCB component. Inserted into PCB hole to retain it. 64
Press-Fit Mount Installing a Interconnect with resilient contacts into a through-hole PCB without soldering. 66
Press-Fit PCB Terminal
Solderless resilient PCB terminal inserted into a plated-through PCB hole to grab it and contact to it. 66
Solderless solid PCB terminal inserted into a plated-through PCB hole to deform it and contact to it. 66
Press-Fit Threaded Terminal PCB terminal with a threaded rod or bore that is pressed into holes in a board deforming them. 226
Pressure Connection The contact method used by Compression Interconnects. 359
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) An insulated board with copper traces and pads. Electronic components are soldered to it. 739
Printed Wiring Board (PWB) See Printed Circuit Board. 739
Prismatic Connector Rectangular wire-to-board connector. Plug is a plain black box similar to Shroudless Plugs. 412
Probe
Contact at the tip of a meter probe. 211
See Test Fixture Probes. 362
Profile Height A Component’s height above a PCB. See Mated Height. 429
Programming Jumper/Shunt Small single-circuit loose female component used to short two pins in a shroudless Pin Strip. 379
Prong Male contact is an AC Power Connector 604
Protocol The complete set of electrical, mechanical, and communication rules that define a port.
Public Address Connect. Connector used in stage productions. 574
Pull Out Force See Wire Pull Out Force. 667
Pull Tab Handle on a connector that help unmate it.
Pull Test Test of the quality of a wire or cable termination. 667
Pull-to-seat Automotive Connector whose Contacts are inserted from the front. 707
Punch Down Block Panel with many interconnected insulation displacement blades for wiring Landlines. 252
Push-Pull Fastening See Friction Fastening. 123
Push-Pull Latching Self-latching Connector that the user releases unconsciously when pulling on a sleeve. 125
Push-Push Fastening Self-latching computer card socket that is released by pushing the card further in (like a pen). 354
Glossary and alphabetical index 767
Push-Twist Latching Self-latching Connector released by twisting a ring. 126
Push-Button Latching Self-latching Connector released by pressing a button. 126
PVC Strip See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
Q 如 Qian
Quick Connect Disconnect Terminal that mates in family whose tongue is a tab. 461
Quick Spring Terminal Block {Coined} Like an Europa-style Terminal Strip but with Button Release instead of screws. 272
R como no Rio de Janeiro
Raceway Enclosed conduit for electrical wiring.
Rack Tall cabinet that accepts 19 inch wide product (shelves). 195
Rack And Panel Connectors See Drawer Connector. 644
Radio Frequency Any frequency between 20 kHz and 300 GHz suitable for transmission and cables.
Radsok Connector {Trade - Amphenol} High-current socket with a paraboloid mesh of springs. 467
Rail See DIN Rail.
Rail Mount Terminal Block Slices with Wire Cages snapped together and onto a DIN Rail. 275
Railway Connector
Rugged Unipole Connector used in trains. 471
Rugged Circular Connector used in trains 569
Ramp See Friction Fastening. 123
RAST Card Edge Plug Plug terminated to wires or cable and plugged to the edge of a PCB in a Home Appliance. 340
RAST Connector Plug and PCB header for a Home Appliance 441
Raster See Mating Pitch. 92
Ratcheting Crimp Tool Hand tool that closes in steps and cannot be released until the crimp is complete. 675
Ratings Range of electrical, mechanical, and environmental conditions within which the component operates. 132
RC Bullet Connector Single-circuit high-current exposed pin connector developed for batteries in radio control models. 466
RC Model Connector
Selection 185
Signal, rectangular wire-to-wire 414
High current, for batteries. 451
RCA Connector See Phono Connector. 483
Readout Whether a Card Edge Socket mates with both sides of a Card or only one. 331
Rear Accessories See Back Shell. 528
Rear Contact Release Connector with Insertable Contacts released by inserting a tool into holes in the wire entry side. 724
Rear Panel Mount Interconnect that is inserted into a panel from inside of an enclosure. Contrast with Front Panel Mount. 72
Rear Plug Up Shroud on the bottom side of a Hard Metric connector to convert its PCB terminals into male pins. 405
Rear Seal An Environmental Seal at the Termination End of a connector. 141
Receptacle {Disputed} Connector fixed to a panel or board that mates to a Plug. Contrast with Plug. 25
Recovered Diameter Final inner diameter of empty heat shrink tubing after heating. 682
Rectangular Connector Interior Connectors with a generally rectangular Mating Face. 381
Rectangular Tongue Terminal See Blade Tongue Terminal. 223
Reducing Adapter Accessory that allows a UHF plug to use cables of various diameters. 520
Reflection Coefficient The percentage of the RF power that is reflected back to the source. Ideally, 0 %. 138
Reflow Oven Solders surface mount components at an assembly house.
Registered Jack See Modular Connector. 587
Relay Socket Socket for an electromechanical relay: an electrically operated switch. 357
Removable Termination Termination to an Interconnect that can be easily undone with no damage to either. 61
Removal Tool See Extraction Tool. 499
Resilient Material A soft material that absorbs energy when compressed, and releases it when freed.
Resistance The measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit, measured in Ohm.
Retainer See Contact Locking Barb. 57
Retention PCB Terminal PCB Terminal that grabs onto the PCB hole and retains the connector until soldered. 65
Retention Force Force that keeps connector mated, such as by static friction. 115
Return Loss The radio (In dB) of the RF power that is reflected back to the source. Ideally, ∞ dB. 138
Reverse Bayonet Coupling Like bayonet coupling, except that inward studs are inside the ring and slots are in the mate. 128
Reverse Gender Connectors See Reverse Polarity Connectors. 104
Reverse Thread Connectors Round connector with threaded coupling with a counter-clockwise thread. 499
Reverse Polarity Connectors Connectors whose Family Polarity is opposite compared to the standard version Connectors. 104
Rewirable See Field Attachable. 23
RF Automotive Conn. Automotive connector for Radio Frequency, either a FAKRA coax, or rectangular. 447
RF Connector
See Coax Connector. 487
Rectangular Automotive Connector for Radio Frequency use. 447
RF Contact Shielded contact with specified impedance and low insertion loss for Radio Frequency applications.
Rib See Fin.
Ribbon Cable Flat Cable with parallel round Wires in a flat Insulator for Mass-termination. Contrast with FFC. 734
Ribbon Cable Guide, Holder A plastic piece snapped to a PCB into which a Ribbon Cable is inserted. 655
Ribbon Cable Jumper A short length of Ribbon Cable with Stripped and Tinned ends suitable for direct soldering to two PCBs. 734
Ribbon Cable Mass Termination See Mass Terminated Connector. 415
768 Glossary and alphabetical index
Ribbon Cable Socket Socket soldered to a PCB. A stripped Ribbon Cable is plugged into it, and removable. 355
Ribbon Cable Trap Permanent Board-in Interconnect. Soldered to a PCB. A stripped Ribbon Cable is inserted into it. 302
Right-angle Connector
Receptacle whose mating face is parallel to its mounting plane. Contrast with Straight Connector. 67
Plug whose wires or cable enter from the side (instead of in the same axis as the mating). 51
Right-angle Terminal
PCB terminal whose mating end is parallel to its mounting plane. 64
Wire terminal whose back end is at right angle with the mating end. 221
Ring Terminal
Tongue Wire Terminal whose Tongue is ring shaped, for installation onto a stud or screw.
Contrast to Spade Terminal (has a hole slot instead of a hole; stud doesn’t need to be fully unfastened).
222
Rolled Contact Insertable connector contact manufactured with rollers 85
Romex Cable {Trade - Southwire} Cable used for AC power wiring inside walls in the US.
Round Conductor Ribbon Cable Ribbon cable wrapped inside a tube. 734
Round Connector See Unipole Connectors, Concentric Connectors, Coax Connectors, and Circular Connectors.
Rounded Partition Connector {Coined} The male shroud has walls between each pin. Each socket has a separate rounded shroud. 422
Row
See Mating Face Rows 93
See PCB Terminal Rows. 67
See Termination Rows. 64
Row Spacing
Distance between rows of positions on a connector’s mating face. 93
Distance between rows of PCB terminals. 67
Distance between rows of Wire Terminations. 64
RS-232 Point-to-point un balanced data link protocol. Often uses a D-sub connector. 582
RS-485 Multi-point balanced data link protocol. Often uses a terminal block. 263
Rubber Connectors
Unipole Connectors for underwater use. 468
Circular Connectors for underwater use. 569
S as in psychic
SAE J560 Connector Industry-standard 7-position Circular Connector for cables between a vehicle and its trailer. 568
SAE J1239 Connector Hermaphrodite connector based on bullet disconnects. 448
Safety Disconnect Plug on the outside of a traction battery that is unplugged to disable the battery. May include a fuse. 313
Safety Wire A (non-electrical) wire through a plug’s coupling to keep it from rotating due to vibrations.
SAS/PCIe Connector Industry-standard Hot-pluggable Connector. 450
SATA Connector Industry-standard Hot-pluggable Connector. 449
SB Battery Connector Self-mating, genderless forklift battery power connector. Anderson Power. 627
SCART Connector French video connector. 597
Schematic Diagram See Electrical Schematic Diagram. 658
Schuko Connector German CEE 7 type 3 and 4 AC Power Connectors. 609
Scoop Proof Connector Connector that is not damaged by scooping. 532
Scooping Rotating a Circular Connector until it finds the correct orientation and drops in. 532
Screw
Used for termination to a Barrier Block. 260
Used for Screw Fastening. 128
Screw Coupling Turning a screw in the center of the plug brings the mates together and finally secures them. 132
Screw Fastening After Connectors are mated, they are secured with screws. 128
Screw Machined Contact See Machined Contact 80
Screw Terminal Board-mounted terminal. A single wire or ring terminal is secured by a screw. 226
Screw Terminal Block See Terminal Block. Contrast with Screw Terminal (single) and Barrier Block (no wire cages). 263
Screwless Terminal Block Terminal block that closes the Wire Cage with an actuator. 263
Seal See Environmental Seal. 141
Sealing Gland See Cable Gland. 654
Sealing Grommet A Grommet that also seals the cable entry. 654
Sealing Plug Plug installed in an unused contact cavity to maintain the Environmental Seal. 141
Seamless Barrel Crimp Barrel in a Tubular Compression Lug manufactured from an extruded tube. 247
Section A group of contacts in a multiple-section Card Edge Socket. 330
Selective Loading Keying a Connector by skipping some Contacts.
Selective Plating Plating limited to the Contact Area. 85
Self-Latching Connector Connector whose Latch snaps closed when mated and must be manually released before unmating. 118
Self-Latching Contact Contact that includes a Latch. Snaps closed when mated. Manually released before unmating. 124
Self-Mate Connector
Board-to-board Connector that mates to an identical part. 403
Hermaphroditic coplanar Board-to-board Connector with blades that mates to an identical part. 409
Power-pole connector. 468
Forklift battery power connector: see SB Connector. 627
Self-Mating Connector that mates to a part that is completely identical to it. Contrast with Non-self-mating. 22
Self-Mating Hermaphrodite {Coined} Self Mating Connector Family in which each mate has both pins and sockets. 104
Self-Mating Genderless {Coined} Self Mating Connector Family in which each mate has neither pins nor sockets. 104
Self-Tapping Connector See Insulation Displacement Connector. 57
Sensor Connector Wire-to-board connector. The PCH header accepts multiple plugs from sensors. 454
Separable Interconnect Connector or Socket that mates and can be easily unmated. 32
Serrated Pin PCB terminal with saw-blade indentations for retention onto the PCB hole. 64
Glossary and alphabetical index 769
Serrations Small grooves inside a crimp Barrel to increase retention and reduce contact resistance. 59
Service Rating See Ratings. 132
Sexless Connector See Genderless Connector. 22
Sexless Contact See Genderless Contact. 83
SFP Connector Industry-standard Hot-pluggable Connector. 450
Shank Cylindrical or rod-like portion of a connector or contact.
Shear Bolt Connector Permanent in-line wire splice for large-gauge uninsulated wires. 249
Sheath See Cable Sheath. 732
Sheet Metal Contacts See Formed Contacts. 80
Shell The rear, outer member of a multi-part connector housing. 528
Shell Size
Code for the size of the metal shield in a MIL-spec Circular Connector. 538
Code for the size of the metal shield in a D-shell connector. 580
Shield
Outer metal layer surrounding the center contact in a Coaxial Cable. 737
Outer metal layer surrounding the wires in a Shielded Cable. 733
Metal sheet surrounding a component to reduce Electromagnetic Interference. 140
Shield Adapter Kit of parts to add a ground drain wire to a cable and seals the cable and to a connector shell.
Shield Contact Last contact in a Phone plug, usually connected to Ground. 477
Shield Coverage Percentage of a coaxial/shielded cable covered by the shield. Foil provides 100%. Braid a bit less. 737
Shield Diameter Inner diameter of the shield in a Coax Connector’s Mating Face. Contrast with Mating Diameter. 498
Shield/Fastener Separation {Coined} Characteristic of Coax Connectors. Whether the fastener is also the shield. 497
Shield Terminal PCB terminal that connects an electronic component’s Shield to the Ground in the PCB. 64
Shielded Cable Multiple wires in a tubular Shield and a sheath. May be shielded. Contrast with Coaxial Cable. 733
Shielding Conductive item surrounding a circuit to reduce susceptibility to and emission of EMI. 140
Shielding Material Component or supply of conductive material that provides Shielding. 366
Shore Power Stationary AC power outlet for docked vessels or parked vehicles.
Shorting Plug See Programming Jumper. 379
Shoulder A small Flange.
Shrink-Fit Terminal Terminal with Heat Shrink Tubing insulation.
Shrink-Fit Termination Wire termination using a heat gun to melt the solder and shrink the insulation in a single step.
Shroud Portion of a shrouded connector’s housing that encompasses the mate’s housing. 97
Shroud Polarity The gender of the Shrouded Connector. I.e., shrouded male or shrouded female. 103
Shrouded Connector Connector with walls on the perimeter of its mating face that encompass its mate. 97
Shrouded Female Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is Female and the Enshrouded Mate is Male. 104
Shrouded Groove {Coined} Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is a Groove Connector. 104
Shrouded Hermaphrodite Non-self-mating Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate has both Pins and Sockets. 104
Shrouded Male Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is Male and the Enshrouded Mate is Female. 104
Shrouded Mate {Coined} A connector that envelops its Enshrouded Mate. 97
Shrouded Header Any PCB header other than a Shroudless Strip. 97
Shrouded Tongue {Coined} Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is a Tongue Connector. 104
Shrouding {Coined} The Dimorphism of a Shrouded Mate and its Enshrouded Mate. 97
Shroudless Connector PCB pin strips and socket strips and shroudless plugs (either gender) that can mate to them. 371
Shroudless Genderless {Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, mates have neither pins nor sockets. 104
Shroudless Gonochoric {Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, and one mate has pins and the other has sockets. 104
Shroudless Hermaphrodite {Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, and each mate has both pins and sockets. 104
Shroudless PCB Header A shroudless PCB Pin Strip or a Shroudless Strip. 376
Shroudless PCB Pin Strip Single-or multiple row of pins in a wafer suitable for PCB mounting. 376
Shroudless PCB Socket Strip Single-or multiple row of sockets in a housing with PCB terminals. 377
Shroudless Plug Single or two-row crimp plug with a plain black box housing, either gender. Mates to PCB strips. 378
Shroudless Stacker Tall male-to-male PCB strip with two wafers for board-to-board connections at a specified height. 378
Shroudless Strip {Coined} PCB pin strip, PCB socket strip, PCB stacker, plug for them, and programming jumpers. 371
Shroudless Two Piece Terminal Block Terminal block female plug and Shroudless Strip. 292
Shunt
Comb-shaped accessory that shorts multiple rail-mounted terminal blocks. 278
Metal plate that shorts across two screws in a barrier block 262
Metal plate that shorts across two binding posts. 464
See Programming Jumper. 379
Side Load Unintended lateral force on a Contact or Terminal.
Side Wipe Contact Contact in a through-hole IC socket that touches the front and back faces of the IC pin. 82
Sidebands Frequency bands on either side of the carrier with the modulated signal.
Sidelined Wire-to-Board Connector {Coined} Genderless wire-to-board rectangular header with contacts against the wall. 433
Signal Contact Contact not rated for high current. Contrast with power contact.
Silkscreen The text and symbols printed on the top of a PCB.
SIMM Package Single In-line Memory Module. Standard package for computer memory modules. 338
Simplex Fiber optic cable or connector with a single fiber. 653
Single Circuit Connector {Coined} Connectors such as Disconnects, Banana, and Unipole. 457
Single Crimp/Grip Crimp Barrel with a single set of wings just for the wire core. Contrast to Double-crimp. 59
Single-Ended Terminal Strips {Coined} Strip of single-circuit Wire Cage terminals with only one wire entry. 294
770 Glossary and alphabetical index
Single Readout Card Edge Socket that mates to only one side of the Card. 331
Single Wall Connectors {Coined} Rectangular single-row Wire-to-board Connectors whose PCB headers have a single wall. 426
SKEDD Industry-standard technology for plugs that mate directly to PCB pads. 367
Skookum (Slang) Strong and impressive manufacturing or service tool. 675
Sleeve
See Insulating Sleeve. 473
See Self-latching Fastening. 118
See Pin-and-sleeve Connector. 619
The last contact in a Phone Connector. 477
See Socket Contact Sleeve. 82
See Crimp Sleeve. 240
Slice
An individual section in a Modular Panel-Mount Terminal Block. 272
An individual section in a DIN Rail Terminal Block. 275
Slider FFC socket PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by pushing in an actuator. 352
Slim Connector
{Coined} Semi-standard self-latching metal-shell Unipole Connector. Thin and sexy. 468
{Coined} Semi-standard self-latching metal-shell Circular Connector. Thin and sexy. 555
Slip Off See Pick & place Clip. 661
Slot
See Keyway. 107
See Slotted Terminal. 227
See Polarizing Slot. 107
Slotted Ring Terminal Tongue Terminal with a round tongue and an opening on the front. 222
Slotted Terminal Board-in Terminal with a horizontal gap between two vertical posts. For soldering wires. 300
SMA Microwave Conn. Industry-standard threaded Coax Connector for microwaves. 505
SMB Microwave Conn. Industry-standard push-pull Coax Connector for microwaves. 507
Snap Disconnect Simple single-circuit connector used on 9 V batteries and medical surface electrodes. 463
Snap Fit Mount Retention of a Through-panel Connector using snaps in its housing.
Snap-In FPC Sockets When an FPC is inserted into these FFC Sockets, the socket snaps shut. An actuator releases it. 350
Snap-In Pegs See Pegs
Snap-On Fastening When mating, the connector snap into place. To unmate, pull harder to overcome the snap point. 123
Snap Strip Breakaway pin strip PCB Header. 376
Socapex Connector {Trade - Amphenol} Circular Connector used in stage performances. 624
Socket
PCB-mounted socket terminal: see PCB Socket. 229
Contact in a connector: see Socket Contact. 82
AC power outlet: see AC Power Outlet. 606
Accepts a component other than a Interconnect: See Device Socket. 305
Socket Contact Female contact into which a matching Pin Contact is inserted. Contrast with Genderless Contact. 82
Socket Contact Compliance A socket contact’s ability to widen as a pin in inserted, and restore its shape when it’s extracted. 82
Socket Contact Sleeve Sleeve around a Socket Contact that keeps it from opening too wide is the pin is too big. 82
Socket Strip Female Shroudless Strip. 377
Socket Terminal
Wire terminal whose mating end is a Socket Contact. 225
Board terminal whose mating end is a Socket Contact. 229
SOIC ZIF Socket Zero Insertion Force socket for a SMD IC in a SOIC package 325
Solar Panel Connector Unipole Connector for photovoltaic panels, such as MC4. 472
Solder (noun) Alloy of metals such as tin and lead with low melting temperature. 672
Solder (verb) The act of connecting metals with Solder. 672
Solder Barrel Wiring end of a contact or terminal for soldering a wire. Contrast with Crimp Barrel. 60
Solder Cup Wire termination with a cavity into which a wire is inserted and soldered. 300
Solder Eyelet A terminal in a non-PCB-mounted component for soldering a single wire to. 60
Solder Fillet A solder joint between two conductors.
Solder Flux Paste or liquid is solder wire or applied to joints before and during soldering.
Solder Lug Panel-mount terminal with two hole for a fastener and a soldered wire. Contrast with Solder Eyelet. 230
Solder Mask A coating that keeps solder from contacting selected areas on a PCB during manufacturing.
Solder Pot Cup of molten Solder. 672
Solder Tail A post used as a PCB Terminal. 65
Solder Terminal Any terminal that is soldered to a wire. Contrast with Crimp Terminal. 230
Solder Terminal Strip See Terminal Strip. 251
Solder Termination
Soldering a Wire to a Component. 672
Soldering a Component to a PCB 684
Solder Wetting The extent of a film of solder over conductors that have been soldered. 672
Solder Wicking Capillary flow of solder on wire strands beyond the soldered area. 672
Solder Wire Spool of soft metal that is melted with a soldering iron.
Solderless Breadboard Prototyping panel with holes in a grid backed by conductive clips on each row of five holes. 739
Solderless Contact Crimp termination. 59
Solderless Terminal See Crimp Terminal. 221
Solderless Termination Wire termination that connects and retains a wire through mechanical means (e.g., crimping, poke-in)
Solderless Wrap See Wire Wrap Termination. 61
Solid State Lighting Connector Shroudless strips designed specifically for the LED lighting industry. 380
Glossary and alphabetical index 771
Rectangular Connectors designed specifically for the LED lighting industry. 455
Circular Connectors designed specifically for the LED lighting industry. 562
Solid Wire Wide composed of a single Wire Strand. Contrast with Stranded Wire. 731
SP Plastic Circular Connector Semi-standard threaded plastic-shell Circular Connector. Black with blue coupling ring. 560
Spacer
Protrusion under a PCB connector to raise it off the PCB.
Fastener that separates two panels or PCBs
Spacing
Distance between two adjacent conductors through air or over surfaces. 136
See Row Spacing.
Spade Terminal
See Fork Terminal. 223
{Street} See Quick-connect Disconnect.
Span Center-to-center distance between the first and last position within a Row in a connector. 92
Speaker Connector See DIN Circular Connector, speakOn Connector, Feedthrough Terminal Block, and Binding Post.
speakOn Connector {Trade - Neutrik} High-power genderless Circular Connector for public address loudspeakers. 574
Specs/Specifications Document from the component manufacturer specifying Ratings and dimensions. 132
Spindle Coupling A knob at the back of the plug rotates a large screw that brings the mates together and secures them. 132
Splice
See Wire Splice. 233
Mating of two Optic Fibers. 653
Splicing Mechanical Connectors Large uninsulated Interconnects that join two large AC power cables. 248
Split Bolt Large bolt with a gap along the middle. Splices two wires side-by-side. 249
Split Peg See Press-Fit Peg.
Splitter See Coax Splitter. 519
Spot Welding Join conductors at a single point by melting them together with heat from a high current pulse.
Spring
See Compression Interconnect. 359
See Contact Spring. 82
See Finger Stock. 366
See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal. 365
See PCB Spring. 365
See Contact Locking Barb. 57
See PCB Spring Terminal. 365
See Quick-Spring Terminal Block. 272
Spring Fastening After Connectors are mated, they are secured with a wide spring on the side side or two end springs. 128
Spring Finger
Spring leaves on a connector’s mating face to connect the two mate’s shields.
See Finger Stock. 366
Spring Leaf Contact
See Shielding Materials. 366
See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal. 365
Spring Leaf Header Interconnect with s several Spring Leaves that contacts matching pads or a Spring-loaded Target. 366
Spring Leaf Terminal Single PCB terminal with a flat spring that contacts a conductive surface. 365
Spring Loaded Connect. Rectangular Connectors that use genderless Spring Contacts.
Spring Loaded Target Optional Interconnect with several flush contacts that match the pogo pins or spring leaves of a header. 366
Spring Socket Socket that includes a spring contact. 82
Stack (noun) See Board Stack. 377
Stack (verb)
The placement of two or more Cards or stacking Connectors on top of each other. 377
See End-stackable Connector. 78
Stackable Connector
Quick-connect Disconnect whose back end can accept another plug. 461
See Interlocking Connectors. 78
Stackable Plug Banana plug with a male on the front end a socket on the back end. 458
Stacked One on top of the other. See D-cups.
Stacked Connector Tower-shaped PCB receptacle with two or more mating faces one above the other. 116
Stacker See Shroudless Stacker. 378
Stacking Banana Plug Banana plugs with a socket of the back end that accepts another male banana plug. 464
Stacking Connector Straight Board-to-board Connector with two mating faces, one above the PCB and one below. 377
Stacking Header See Shroudless Stacker. 378
Stacking Height Face to face distance between two parallel PCBs. 392
Stage Connectors Connectors used for lighting, sound, or video in public performances on a stage.
Staggered Rows Multiple rows of positions where the odd rows are offset to the side compared to the even rows.
Staking See Heat Staking. 166
Stamped Contacts Contacts made by stamping and bending sheet metal rather than by the machining of metal stock. 85
Standoff
Threaded Spacer.
An extension at the bottom of a Interconnect to raise it above the PCB.
Stepped Face Mating face of a connector has two or more depths. Contrast with Flush Face and Partitioned Face. 96
Straddle Mount Mounted on the edge of a PCB, not in a notch, facing out, terminals on either face. 70
Straight Connector
Receptacle with mating face perpendicular to the mounting plane. Contrast with Right-angle Connector. 51
Plug whose wires or cable enter from the the same axis as the mating (instead of from the side). 51
Straight Terminal
Board terminal whose mating end is perpendicular to the board. 225
Wire terminal whose wire enters in the same general axis as the body. 221
Strain Relief Resilient extension of a plug or bushing that relieves the stress on the wire or cable.
772 Glossary and alphabetical index
Strain Relief Clamp See Cable Clamp. 61
Strand See Wire Strand. 731
Stranded Wire Wide composed of multiple Wire Strands. Contrast with Solid Wire. 731
Stress Relief Slack in wires and cables to isolate components from pull forces. Contrast with Strain Relief.
Strip (noun)
See Europa-style Terminal Strip. 270
See Terminal Strip. 251
See Turret Strip. 251
See Board-in PCB Solder Strip. 301
See Board-to-board Strip. 253
See Ceramic Tag Strip. 252
See LED Strip. 369
See Lead Strip. 253
See Shroudless Pin Header 376
See Shroudless Socket Header. 377
See Elastomeric Strip. 368
Strip (verb) To remove insulation from a wire or sheath from a cable.
Strip And Retain Partial wire stripping: the insulation is moved partially, leaving a small gap of exposed core. 670
Strip Length Specified length of wire Insulation to be removed from a wire. 670
Stripe Painted marker along a Zip Cord. 734
Stripline Constant-impedance RF trace on the inner layer of a PCB. 662
Stripped Cable Cable with the Sheath removed from its end to expose its Wires. 683
Stripped Wire Wire with the insulation removed from its end to expose its Wire Core. 670
Stripper See Wire Stripper and exotic. 670
Stripping
Wire: Removal of wire insulation. 670
Cable: See Unsheathing. 683
Stroke The extent of the travel of a plunger in a Pogo Pin. 361
Stud
See Junction Post. 259
See Alignment Peg.
Stud Hole Opening in a Tongue Terminal for a screw or a stud. 221
Stud Terminal See Ring Terminal. 222
Sub-Connector
Circular Connector that contains smaller Connectors. 575
Heavy-duty Connector that contains smaller Connectors. 641
Subsea Connector See Immersion Connector.
Subsea Penetrator Permanent. Passes several circuits between the high-pressure and ambient-pressure sides. 252
Suction Nozzle Tool that picks up SMDs in a pick-and-place machine. 429
Suitcase Splice Insulation displacement Wire Splice that is isolated by closing a flap. 238
Surface Electrode Connector Single-circuit pin and socket at the end of a wire to an adhesive pad placed on the skin. 468
Surface Electrode Terminal Snap Disconnect that connects a wire to an adhesive pad placed on the skin. 463
Surface Mount Compatible Through-hole component that can withstand the high temperatures in the SMD reflow oven.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) PCB assembly technology using surface mount devices.
Surface Mounted Device (SMD) Component without leads soldered to the surface of the PCB. See also Through Hole Device. 65
Swage Terminal Terminal whose thin tubular end is inserted in a hole on a board or panel and flared to retain it. 228
Swaging Flaring of a thin, tubular end of a swage terminal onto a panel or board. 228
Switch Socket Socket for a manually-operated switch (rocker, microswitch, push-button). 357
T as in Tao
T-Connector, T-Tap IDC Wire Terminal that connects a new Wire end to an old Wire that remains uncut in the process. 238
Tab
See Cut-off Tab.
The portion of a Card that fits in a Card Edge Socket. 329
See Weld Tab. 225
Tab Contact See Blade Contact. 82
Tab Terminal See Quick-connect Disconnect. 461
Tag Strip See Ceramic Tag Strip. 252
Tail
See PCB Terminal. 64
See Pigtail.
Tail Length See PCB Terminal Length. 64
Tang See contact Contact Locking Barb. 57
Tap (noun)
See T-tap. 238
Insulated multi-tap connector. 250
IDT Quick-connect male plug that bytes into an existing wire. A female plug is plugged into it. 461
Adapter to convert an AC power outlet into three or more outlets. 611
See Center Tap.
See Fuse Tap. 317
Tap (verb) To connect a new wire to an existing one without disturbing the old wire.
Tap Splice Wire splice in the middle of an existing, unbroken wire. Contrast with Joint Splice. 236
Tap Wire Wire in a Balance Connector that sense the voltage of a cell in a Li-ion battery. 186
Glossary and alphabetical index 773
Tape and Reel A Packaging method in which Components are placed in a row in tape and rolled in a reel.
Tape-to-tape LED strip Splice. 358
Tape-to-wire LED strip Connector. 358
Target Optional Interconnect that received the touch of a Spring Leaf Header or a Pogo Pin Header. 366
TELCO Punch Down Block See Punch Down Block. 252
Telecom RF Connector Coax Connector designed for cell phone towers. 513
Telephone Connector
See Modular Connector. 587
See 1/4" Phone Connector. 477
Vintage wall plate telephone Connectors. 586
Tensile Strength See Wire Pull-out Force. 667
Terminal
Small, single circuit Interconnect, wire or board mounted, with no housing. 217
See PCB Terminals. 64
Terminal Block Housing with several wire cages. Contrast with barrier block (simple screws) and Screw Terminal (single). 263
Terminal Board Insulated panel (not a PCB) with terminals such as turrets. Vintage wiring method. 251
Terminal Junction System Panel-mounted splices into which multiple wires terminated in sockets are inserted. 647
Terminal Lug See Lug.
Terminal Pitch Center-to-center distance between adjacent PCB Terminals within a row. Contrast with Mating Pitch. 92
Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) Drawer in connector housing that can only be closed if all contacts are seated. 59
Terminal Strip Solder Eyelets mounted to a panel-mounted Bakelite strip. Vintage wiring method. 251
Terminate Act of making a Termination. 43
Termination Connection between an Interconnect and wires, cables, or a PCB. 43
Termination End Side of an Interconnect where it is terminated to wires, a cable or a PCB. Contrast with Mating Face. 43
Termination Pitch The center-to-center distance between adjacent Wire Entries in a row in a Termination End. 64
Termination Points Per Circuit In some Interconnects, each circuit has two or more wire entries. 63
Termination Rows A straight line of Wire Terminations. 64
Terminator
See Coax Terminator 519
{Coined}See Board-in Wire Terminator. 300
{Coined}See Board-in Coaxial Cable Terminator. 302
Test Clamp Large clamp such as ones used in car battery jumper cables. 214
Test Clip Alligator, grabber and other clips for temporary connections. 212
Test Fixture Device to test a PCB assembly during manufacture. 362
Test Fixture Grabber Mounted on a panel. Grabs a wire and connects to it. 215
Test Fixture Probe Spring-loaded plunger that contacts a PCB assembly under test. Contrast with Pogo Pin. 362
Test Loop See PCB Test Loop. 229
Test Point Board Terminal onto which a Test Clip or a meter probe is connected temporarily. 229
Thermocouple Temperature sensor that generates a tiny voltage from the junction of two dissimilar metals.
Thermocouple Connector Connector that does not change the voltage from a thermocouple due to temperature gradients. 454
Thermocouple Contact Contact designed to generate a minimal voltage as a result of its own temperature gradient.
Thread The solenoid cut in screws, nuts, and Couplers that advances when rotated.
Threaded Coupling Connector fastening that uses a threaded ring to bring the mates together and secure them. 129
Threaded Ring Fastening After Connectors are mated, ring that is screwed on to secure them. 128
Threaded Self-Locking Coupling Threaded Coupling with a locking mechanism to prevent loosening under vibration. 129
Through Board Connector PCB header that goes partially through a hole in the PCB and accepts a mate from below. 68
Through Hole Device PCB component with PCB leads for Through-Hole Mounting. Contrast with SMD.
Through Hole Mounting PCB assembly technology in which component leads are inserted in holes. Contrast with SMT.
Through Panel Mount Component mounted in a hole through a panel, mating face on one side, termination on the other side. 72
Thunderbolt Connector Apple proprietary data I/O port that uses the Mini-DisplayPort or USB-C connector. 595
Timer Socket Semi-standard wire-to-device connector used in old Home Appliances with Quick-connect contacts. 441
Tin Plating Contact Plating with tin. 85
Tin Whisker A thin and nearly invisible line of tin that grows over time between soldered pads.
Tinned Wire Stranded wire that has been coated with solder. 731
Tinning See Wire Tinning. 672
Tip Connector Test Connectors with a 2-mm diameter pin compatible with meter probes. 465
Tip Contact The front contact in a Phone Connector Plug. 477
Tip Ring Sleeve Conn. See Phone Connectors. 477
TNC Connector Coax Connector typical of mid-power transceivers. 512
Tongue Connector {Coined} Genderless Connector with a Genderless Contacts on a long middle ridge. 106
Tongue Terminal Crimp wire terminal with a flat area at the other end: a ring, a blade, a hook, or a fork. 221
Top Mount Placed on the component side of a PCB. Contrast with Bottom Mount
Topology
See Connection Topology. 34
See Board-to-board Topology 391
Torque Rotational force, as when turning a screw or a Threaded Coupler, or twisting a cable.
Tower Connector Right-angle PCB connector that is taller than its width. 436
TQFP ZIF Socket Socket for an IC in a TQFP package and is latched after insertion. 326
Tracer Stripe Thin colored trace on wire insulation to distinguish it from the non-striped one of the same base color. 733
Traction Battery Conn. High-current connector for automotive applications. 191
774 Glossary and alphabetical index
High-current Rectangular Connector for automotive applications. 448
High-current Unipole Connector for automotive applications. 467
High-current Circular Connector for automotive applications. 568
Tractor/Trailer Conn. See SAE J560 Connector. 568
Transceiver Transmitter/receiver.
Transformer Converts from one AC voltage to another at the same frequency.
Transistor Socket Socket for a transistor. See also IC Socket. 324
Transition Connector Mass-terminated to a Ribbon Cable, then soldered to a board for a permanent Board-in connection. 302
Transmitter Radio frequency transmitter.
Trapezoidal Connector See D-Shell Connectors. 580
Tray A Packaging method in which Components are placed in a grid in a plastic sheet.
Tray Cable Cable qualified for use in raceways, outdoors, and buried. 733
Tri-eco Circular Conn. {Coined} Semi-standard high-power Circular Connectors with a 3-stud reverse bayonet coupling. 558
Triaxial Connector Coaxial Connector with two concentric shields. 517
Trident Connector {Trade - ITT Cannon} Semi-standard large Rectangular Connector. TE makes the Metrimate. 435
Tube A Packaging method in which Components are placed in a row in plastic tube.
Tubing Insulated tube such as Heat Shrink Tubing. 682
Tubular Compression Lug Heavy-duty crimp wire terminal formed from a tube. 247
Tubular Terminal Strip {Coined} Terminal block with separate square cross-section sections, including Europa-style. 270
Tuchel Circular Connector {Trade - Amphenol} Vintage Circular Connector with blade contacts, precursor of DIN circular. 534
Tuning Fork Contact See Fork Contact. 82
Turned Contact See Machined Contact. 85
Turret Base Barrier Block Feedthrough Barrier Block with Turret Terminals on the bottom. 261
Turret Strip/Board Plain insulating board with several Turret Terminals. For small wiring jobs without a PCB. 251
Turret Terminal Board-mount terminal with multiple cylindrical sections. A wire may be wrapped and soldered. 228
TV Coax Connector Coax Connector with a 75 Ohm impedance for TV aerials. 512
Twinaxial Connector Coax Connector derivative with two center contacts side-by-side. 516
Twist Latch Fastening Self-latching of round Connectors released by rotating a ring.
Twist Lock Connector Industry-standard industrial AC Power Connector in North America latched by rotating. 618
Twist-On Splice See Wire Nut Splice. 242
Twist Termination {Coined} How Wire Nuts are terminated. 62
Twisted Pair Two Wires wrapped around each other to improve immunity to differential EMI. 732
Two Piece Terminal Block See Pluggable Terminal Block. 281
Type A Connector AC Power Connectors used in North America (NEMA). 611
Type B Connector AC Power Connectors used in North America (NEMA). 611
Type C Connector AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7. 609
Type D Connector AC Power Connectors used in South Africa. 614
Type E Connector AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7. 609
Type F Connector AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7. 609
Type G Connector AC Power Connectors used in the UK. 612
Type H Connector AC Power Connectors used in Israel. 613
Type I Connector AC Power Connectors used in Australia, Argentina. 613
Type J Connector AC Power Connectors used in Switzerland. 613
Type K Connector AC Power Connectors used in Denmark. 613
Type L Connector AC Power Connectors used in Italy, Chile. 614
Type M Connector AC Power Connectors used in South Africa. 614
Type N Connector AC Power Connectors used in South Africa and Brazil. 614
Type O Connector AC Power Connectors used in Thailand. 613
U as in you rock!
U.fl Connector {Trade - Hirose} Miniature cable-to-board connector. {Street} Any miniature cable-to-board connector. 502
UHF Connector Industry-standard Coax Connector. 509
Ultrasonic Weld Wire termination through powerful sound waves. 60
Uncladding See Unsheathing. 683
Uncoupling Unmating Connectors in which a coupling latch separates the mates with mechanical advantage. 118
Under-Board Connector {Coined} Upside-down right-angle connector. It’s right-side-up wen mounted to the PCB bottom side. 69
Unfasten Release a latch (if any) or otherwise release Connectors so they may be unmated. 118
Ungrounded Circuit not connected to ground.
Unipolar Single-circuit.
Unipole Connector Single-circuit connector, usually round and exterior. 467
Unisex See Genderless. 89
Unkeyed Connector
A connector that has provisions for field coding but has not been coded.
A connector that can be inserted in any orientation (e.g., concentric or coax).
Unlatched
A mated connector whose latch has not yet been engaged. 118
A connector that does not have a latch. 118
Unlatching Releasing a Latch so that two Connectors can be Unmated. 118
Glossary and alphabetical index 775
Unmate Separating two Connectors (may be preceded by Unlatching). Contrast to Mating.
Unmating Force See Extraction Force. 115
Unmounted A component that is not mounted to anything (e.g., a plug).
Unplug See Unmate.
Unpolarized A connector that doesn’t prevent mating in the wrong orientation. 107
Unsealed A connector that does not include an Environmental Seal. 141
Unsheathing Removing the outer sheath around a Cable. Contrast to Stripping (single wire). 683
Unshielded A cable or component that does not include a metal shield.
Unshrouded… See Shroudless… 371
Unsolder To uninstall a soldered component from a PCB, or a soldered wire from a termination.
Unspecified Gender Housing Housing that may accept either Pin Contacts or Socket Contacts. 420
Unstripped Wire Plain insulated wire without an exposed core.
Unterminated A wire or Interconnect that has not yet been terminated.
Unthreaded Unfastened connector or one that uses a fastening method other than threaded coupling. 118
Untinned Wire Stripped wire that has no solder on the exposed strands.
USB Connector Industry-standard exterior data I/O connector for consumer computing products. 589
V SICUT IN VNIVERSITATIS CALIFORNENSIS
Vacuum Connector Circular Connector between the outside and the inside of a vacuum chamber. 571
Vacuum Feedthrough For permanent wiring between the outside and the inside of a vacuum chamber. 252
Vacuum Pad The horizontal area for a Pick and Place machine’s Suction Nozzle. 65
Vacuum Tube Socket Socket for a thermionic tube (valve). 356
Vertical See Straight Connector and Straight Terminal. Contrast with Horizontal.
Vertically stackable
Straight female shroudless header with long PCB posts that can mate above and below a Card. 377
Tall right-angle PCB header that can be mounted above a standard one to get a Stacked Connector. 78
Via A PCB plated-through hole just to transfer a line from one layer to another, not for a component.
Vibration Tests Prolonged shaking of connector or assembly to reveal its effects while in use. 666
Video Connector
Coax Connector with a 75 Ohm impedance. 512
Exterior connector for consumer video products. 595
Vintage Connector
See Appliance Couplers. 621
See AC Power Connectors. 599
Telephone. 586
Volt Measurement units for Voltage.
Volt, Voltage The difference in electric potential between two points.
Voltage Drop Indirect method to measure Connection Resistance. 134
Voltmeter Test instrument to measure voltage.
W as in wrap
Wafer
Thin plastic piece that holds the pins together in a shroudless pin strip. 376
{Street} Shrouded PCB header. 411
{Street} Low-profile wire-to-board Rectangular Connector. 429
{Street} Single-wall wire-to-board connector. 426
Wall The portion of a shrouded connector that wraps around its mate.
Wall Outlet Wall-mounted receptacle that delivers AC power. 603
Wall Wart AC adapter or transformer that is plugged directly to an AC power outlet.
Wander Plug Vintage single-circuit connector. 466
Washer Fastener; flat disc with a hole.
Waterproof Providing some degree of environmental Seal. 141
Waterproof Cable Junction See Cable Junction. 253
Watt Units of Power.
Wave solder Machine that solders the bottom side of a PCB with a wave of molten solder.
Waveguide Tube that conveys microwaves. 520
Waveguide Flange Connector for waveguides. 520
Ways See Circuits. 91
Wearable Communication Equipment Radios carried by police and other uniformed people. 573
Weatherproof Providing some degree of Environmental Seal. 141
Weld Join of two metals by melting them. E.g., spot weld. Contrast with Soldering.
Welding Cable Large gauge, flexible stranded wire. 732
Weld Tab A terminal welded to a metal panel for grounding a wire. 225
Wet Mate Connector Circular Connector that is mated underwater. Contrast with Dry Mate. 569
Wetting See Solder Wetting. 672
Whisker See Tin Whisker.
Wicking See Solder Wicking. 672
Wings The tabs at the end of an open crimp barrel that are folded on the wire when crimping. 59
Wiping Length The path on the surface of a contact over which the contact point to its mate travels. 87
Wire
Conductor, either solid or composed of a group of strands, often in an isolating sleeve. See also Cable. 731
In AC power: see Circuits. 91
776 Glossary and alphabetical index
Wire Assembly A single wire with terminals on one end (Pigtail) or both ends (Jumper). See also Cable Assembly.
Wire Barrel See Crimp Barrel and Solder Barrel. 59
Wire Cage Terminal with a Wire Clamp that retains a wire (possibly in a Ferrule). 61
Wire Cage Terminal PCB-mount terminal. A single wire placed in its opening is secured with a screw. 226
Wire Clamp Opening in a Wire Cage that retains a wire by pressing it between two plates. 61
Wire Core Inner strands of a stranded wire or solid copper in a solid wire. 731
Wire Cutting Machine Automated wire cutter and stripped to make Wire Assemblies. 671
Wire Diameter The Wire Size, including any insulation, measured in mm or inches (not in AWG). 49
Wire Entry Hole or position where a Wire is terminated on the Termination End. 47
Wire Entry Direction The orientation of a Wire as it enters a Termination with respect to the Mating Face axis. 51
Wire Ferrule Metal tube crimped to a wire then inserted in a wire cage. 224
Wire Harness An assembly of multiple wires terminated with terminals or Connectors. Compare to Cable Assembly.
Wire Insulation Flexible electrically insulating layer over a wire core. Contrast with Cable Sheath.
Wire Mount Terminals See Wire Terminals. 221
Wire Nut Splice Wire Splice that is twisted onto the stripped ends of two or more wires. 242
Wire Pierce See Insulation Pierce. 210
Wire Pin Terminal Pins crimped to a wire and installed in a Wire Cage. Compare to Wire Ferrules. 225
Wire Pull Out Force Force pulling a wire from a terminal that will not result in the termination breaking. See Pull Test. 667
Wire Range The range of wire sizes that a wire termination can accept.
Wire Scooping Insertion of a wire into a wire barrel too deeply such that the strands fold back onto themselves. 59
Wire Size A measure of the diameter of a Wire including any insulation in a variety of units. 49
Wire Splice Interconnect that joins two or more Wires. 233
Wire Stop Mechanical obstruction at the back of a wire barrel to prevent it from protruding past it. 59
Wire Strand Single thin wire in a stranded wire, coaxial cable shield, or braid. 731
Wire Stripper Hand tool that removes the Insulation from a Wire.
Wire Tail See Pigtail.
Wire Terminal Terminals that are terminated to a wire first.
Wire Termination Termination of a wire to an Interconnect such as in a wire barrel. 55
Wire Termination Arrangement The pattern, pitch, row spacing, and number of entry points of Wire Termination. 63
Wire Tinning Dipping a wire into a Solder Pot to add solder to wire strands. 672
Wire Wrap Post A square pin for Wire Wrap Termination. 61
Wire Wrap Termination A stripped solid wire is tightly wrapped around a square post. 61
Wire-to-board Connector Family of Rectangular Connectors with plugs and PCB headers. 411
Wire-to-board Topology A connection between one or more wires (or a cable) and a PCB. 36
Wire-to-wire Connector Family of Rectangular Connectors with plugs of both genders. 437
Wire-to-wire Topology A connection between wires (or cables). 35
Wiring (noun) A collection of Circuits.
Wiring (verb) Installing electrical wiring such as in a home.
Wiring End See Termination End 42
Wiring Pitch Center-to-center distance between adjacent wire terminations within a row. Contrast with Mating Pitch. 92
Wiring Face Side of an Interconnect terminated to wires or a PCB. For a connector, it’s opposite the Mating Face. 42
Withdrawal Force See Extraction Force.
Wrap Post Post intended for Wire Wrap Termination 61
Wye Power Four-wire three-phase AC power with a Neutral line. Contrast with Delta power. 611
X as in Xerox
X-style Circular Conn. Semi-standard general class of plastic-shell Circular Connectors. 558
XLR Circular Connector Industry-standard metal-shell latched Circular Connector used in audio applications 533
XS Circular Connector Industry-standard metal-shell self-latching Circular Connector 547
Y como en Y tu mama tambien
Yoke
Component in the clamping mechanism of a Terminal Block that compressed the wire. 61
Component in a cable clamp that compresses the cable.
Z como en Zaragosa
Zebra Strip See Elastomeric Strips. 368
Zero Insertion Force Socket with no insertion force that is then locked in place. 343
ZIF DIP Socket Socket for an IC or other device in a Dual In Parallel package, latched after insertion. 325
ZIF FFC/FPC Socket PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by moving an actuator. 351
Zig-Zag In-line Package Zig-Zag In-line Package. IC package with two parallel rows of pins in a staggered pattern. 324
Zip Cord Cable with two (or more) easily separable wires, side-by-side. For lamps and AC adapters. 734
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I moved the references to this book’s website (connectorbook.com/references) to reduce its page count.
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/
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