What Is an Electrical Connector?

An electrical connector is an electromechanical component that provides a separable interface between two parts of an electronic system without compromising the performance of the system. Connectors provide much more flexibility to optimize electronic systems than permanent connections. For example, there are a variety of connectors on the market to satisfy the needs for testing, burn‐in, and assembly of different kinds of electronic systems. They help in supply‐chain management, avoid direct connections, provide opportunities for part replacement and repair, and, in some cases, offer cost savings. The main components of a connector include the contact springs, contact finish, and connector housing. Connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends: board‐to‐board connectors, cable/wire‐to‐cable/wire connectors, and cable/wire‐to‐board connectors. The chapter also provides some of the common terminology used with respect to connectors.