Classification of Connectors
Classification of Connectors
Due to the increasing diversity of connector structures and the continuous emergence of new designs and application fields, attempting to address classification and naming using a single, fixed model has become impractical. Nevertheless, certain basic classifications remain valid.
1. Levels of Interconnection
Based on the function of connections within and outside electronic equipment, interconnection can be categorized into five levels:
① Internal connections within chip packaging.
② Connections between IC package pins and the PCB (e.g., IC sockets).
③ Connections between printed circuits and wires or other printed circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit connectors).
④ Connections between backplanes (e.g., rack-and-panel connectors).
⑤ Connections between separate pieces of equipment (e.g., circular connectors).
There is some overlap between levels ③ and ④. Among these five levels, products in levels ③ and ⑤ hold the largest market share, while level ③ products are currently experiencing the fastest growth.
2. Hierarchy of Connector Specifications
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) classification, connectors fall under the category of electromechanical components for electronic equipment. The specification hierarchy is as follows: Family (e.g., Connector) → Sub-family (e.g., Circular Connector) → Type (e.g., YB-type Circular Connector) → Style (e.g., YB3470) → Variant.
3. Definition of Connectors in my country
In my country's industry management system, connectors, switches, and keyboards are collectively referred to as "electrical connection components," while electrical connection components and relays are collectively termed "electromechanical components."
4. Connector Product Categories
Although the classification of connector product types can be somewhat confusing, from a technical standpoint, there are only two fundamental ways to categorize them: ① by physical structure/shape: circular and rectangular (based on cross-section); and ② by operating frequency: low-frequency and high-frequency (with 3 MHz as the dividing line).
Based on this classification, coaxial connectors fall into the circular category, while printed circuit connectors fall into the rectangular category (historically, printed circuit connectors did indeed evolve as a distinct class separated from rectangular connectors); notably, many currently popular "rectangular" connectors actually feature a trapezoidal cross-section that approximates a rectangle. The use of 3 MHz as the threshold between low and high frequencies aligns with standard radio wave frequency classifications.
While numerous other types exist—categorized by application, mounting method, special structure, or special performance characteristics—and frequently appear in trade publications and manufacturer promotional materials, these usually serve to highlight specific features or uses; the fundamental classification principles remain unchanged.
Taking into account technical evolution, practical realities, versatility, and relevant technical standards, connectors can be categorized into the following groups: ① low-frequency circular connectors; ② rectangular connectors; ③ printed circuit connectors; ④ RF (radio frequency) connectors; and ⑤ fiber-optic connectors.
5. Connector Model Designation.
Connector model designations serve as the basis for customer procurement and manufacturer production planning. Within the connector industry—both domestically and internationally—there are two approaches to model naming. One method combines letter codes with numbers, aiming to reflect the product's primary structural characteristics within the designation itself. While this approach offers easy identification, the resulting strings can be excessively long and complex, creating printing difficulties as connectors become increasingly miniaturized. This method remains prevalent in China and is mandated by certain industry and national standards, such as SJ2298-83 (printed circuit connectors), SJ2297-83 (rectangular connectors), SJ2459-84 (ribbon cable connectors), and GB9538-88 (ribbon cable connectors). As connector structures become increasingly diverse, it is becoming difficult to cover a specific category of connectors with a single naming convention in practice. An alternative approach is to use combinations of Arabic numerals. This method offers the advantages of conciseness and suitability for computer-based management and marking on small products. Major international connector manufacturers currently employ this system. It is anticipated that manufacturer-specific naming schemes—reflecting each company's unique characteristics—will gradually replace the industry-wide, standardized naming rules that prevailed under the planned economy system.
Due to the increasing diversity of connector structures and the continuous emergence of new designs and application fields, attempting to address classification and naming using a single, fixed model has become impractical. Nevertheless, certain basic classifications remain valid.
1. Levels of Interconnection
Based on the function of connections within and outside electronic equipment, interconnection can be categorized into five levels:
① Internal connections within chip packaging.
② Connections between IC package pins and the PCB (e.g., IC sockets).
③ Connections between printed circuits and wires or other printed circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit connectors).
④ Connections between backplanes (e.g., rack-and-panel connectors).
⑤ Connections between separate pieces of equipment (e.g., circular connectors).
There is some overlap between levels ③ and ④. Among these five levels, products in levels ③ and ⑤ hold the largest market share, while level ③ products are currently experiencing the fastest growth.
2. Hierarchy of Connector Specifications
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) classification, connectors fall under the category of electromechanical components for electronic equipment. The specification hierarchy is as follows: Family (e.g., Connector) → Sub-family (e.g., Circular Connector) → Type (e.g., YB-type Circular Connector) → Style (e.g., YB3470) → Variant.
3. Definition of Connectors in my country
In my country's industry management system, connectors, switches, and keyboards are collectively referred to as "electrical connection components," while electrical connection components and relays are collectively termed "electromechanical components."
4. Connector Product Categories
Although the classification of connector product types can be somewhat confusing, from a technical standpoint, there are only two fundamental ways to categorize them: ① by physical structure/shape: circular and rectangular (based on cross-section); and ② by operating frequency: low-frequency and high-frequency (with 3 MHz as the dividing line).
Based on this classification, coaxial connectors fall into the circular category, while printed circuit connectors fall into the rectangular category (historically, printed circuit connectors did indeed evolve as a distinct class separated from rectangular connectors); notably, many currently popular "rectangular" connectors actually feature a trapezoidal cross-section that approximates a rectangle. The use of 3 MHz as the threshold between low and high frequencies aligns with standard radio wave frequency classifications.
While numerous other types exist—categorized by application, mounting method, special structure, or special performance characteristics—and frequently appear in trade publications and manufacturer promotional materials, these usually serve to highlight specific features or uses; the fundamental classification principles remain unchanged.
Taking into account technical evolution, practical realities, versatility, and relevant technical standards, connectors can be categorized into the following groups: ① low-frequency circular connectors; ② rectangular connectors; ③ printed circuit connectors; ④ RF (radio frequency) connectors; and ⑤ fiber-optic connectors.
5. Connector Model Designation.
Connector model designations serve as the basis for customer procurement and manufacturer production planning. Within the connector industry—both domestically and internationally—there are two approaches to model naming. One method combines letter codes with numbers, aiming to reflect the product's primary structural characteristics within the designation itself. While this approach offers easy identification, the resulting strings can be excessively long and complex, creating printing difficulties as connectors become increasingly miniaturized. This method remains prevalent in China and is mandated by certain industry and national standards, such as SJ2298-83 (printed circuit connectors), SJ2297-83 (rectangular connectors), SJ2459-84 (ribbon cable connectors), and GB9538-88 (ribbon cable connectors). As connector structures become increasingly diverse, it is becoming difficult to cover a specific category of connectors with a single naming convention in practice. An alternative approach is to use combinations of Arabic numerals. This method offers the advantages of conciseness and suitability for computer-based management and marking on small products. Major international connector manufacturers currently employ this system. It is anticipated that manufacturer-specific naming schemes—reflecting each company's unique characteristics—will gradually replace the industry-wide, standardized naming rules that prevailed under the planned economy system.
Sep 15,2026