"The electronic connector book" - A book by Davide Andrea

A practical guide and catalog for the inteconnects used in the electronic industry.
By Davide Andrea.

Glossary And Alphabetical Index

Italic terms are defined elsewhere within this glossary or in the previous list of abbreviations.

{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.	445
12 V Battery Clamp	Connects to a 12 V car battery.	306
2.8mm “automobile”	Rectangular Connector used in e-bikes and small motorcycles. Despite its name, not used in cars.	419
3.5 mm Phone Conn.	Miniature Phone Connector for headphones and power supplies.	446
7/8" IEC Circular Conn.	Industry-standard, sealed industrial Circular Connector.	510
9 V Battery Socket	Holds and connects to one or more 9 V batteries.	306

as in automatic

AC Adapter	See Power Supply.							573
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.							572
AC Power Outlet	Power Outlet for AC Power such as a wall outlet.							557
Accent Lighting Conn.	Connectors used in cabinet and showcase lighting.							519
Access	Whether anyone can touch an Interconnect (interior) or just technicians (exterior).
Accessory	Any component used in conjunction with Interconnects.							602
Accessory, Barrier Block	Interconnect used in conjunction with Barrier Blocks.							252
Accessory, Cable	Interconnect used in conjunction with Cables: cable glands, grommets, ribbon cable guides.							603
Accessory, Coax	Interconnect used in conjunction with Coax Connectors.							481
Accessory, Connector	Interconnect used in conjunction with Connectors: frames, ferrites.							602
Accessory, Heavy-duty	Interconnect used in conjunction with Heavy-duty Connectors.							592
Accessory, Rail Mount	Interconnect used in conjunction with DIN Rail Terminal Blocks.							266
ACF Bonding	Technology to heat-stake an FPC directly to a PCB.							162
Adapter	A device through which two Interconnects can be mated that could not mate otherwise.							599
Adapter, AC	See Power Supply.							573
Adapter, AC power	Adapts between different AC Power Connector standards.							566
Adapter, Aluminum Compression							See Aluminum Compression Adapter.	238
Adapter, Concentric	Adapts between different sizes of Phono Connectors, or between phono, phone, or coax barrel power.							452
Adapter, Coax	Adapts between different Coax Connectors.							481
Adapter, DIP male	DIP male-to-male.							311
Adapter, IC	Adapts between different IC packages.							311
Aerial Connector	Antenna Connector in consumer products and wall outlets.							475
Alignment	Repositioning of a Connector so its mating axis matches its mate’s mating axis.							103
Alignment Peg	Pointed post that fits in a pocket in the mate to align Blind Mate Connectors before mating.							595
Alligator Clip	Test clip. Squeezing the back opens Jaws at the front for temporary connection to conductors.							205
	Grabber test clip. Pressing a button on the back opens Jaws at the front.							206
Aluminum Compression Adapter						Crimped to aluminum wire and inserted in a copper Wire Cage.		238
Ammeter	Test instrument to measure Current.
Amp	Measurement units for Current.
Ampacity	See Current Rating.							129
Amperage	Deprecated. See Current.							129
AmpModu Connector	{Proprietary} See Shroudless Strips.							357
Anisotropic Conductive Film		Tape used in ACF bonding.						162
Antenna Connector	See Aerial Connector.							475
Antispark Tip	Contact with a tip that performs Precharge.							80
Anvil Die	The lower half of a Crimp Die Set.							623
Appliance	Consumer product. See Home Appliance.							413
Appliance Connector	Connector used in a Home Appliance.							178
Appliance Coupler	Power Inlet in a product and Connector at the end of a Power Cord that plugs into it.							572
Application Specific Connector					Connector for a particular application, such as Automotive, Home Appliances.			413
Application Tooling	Tools and equipment to terminate wires to Interconnects.							618
Applicator	Mechanism in a Crimping press that feeds the next terminal and crimps it.
ARINC	Avionics Drawer Connector.							596
	Fiber Optic Connector.							601
Armored Cable	AC power cable in a flexible metal tube.							684
Arrangement, Contacts	See Contact Arrangement.							83
Arrangement, PCB Terminals				See PCB Terminal Arrangement.				62
Arrangement, Wire Termination				See Wire Termination Arrangement.				56
Array Board-to-board Connector					Connector with contacts in a grid with many rows that connects two boards.			378
Attenuation Constant	See Insertion Loss.							133
Attenuator	Device that reduces the power of a signal. See Coax Attenuator.							481
Audio Connector	Connector used for signals in the hearing range.							179
Automotive Connector	Rectangular Connector used inside cars and other vehicles.							414
	Circular Connector used inside cars and other vehicles.							521
	EV charging Connector.							577
Automotive Fuse Socket	Clip, Block, or Holder for a blade fuse designed for low voltage in vehicles.							300
Aviation Connector	MIL-spec Circular Connector used in airplanes.							186
	GX Circular Connector, not used in airplanes (despite the name).							502
Avionics Drawer Connector			Blind Mate and Configurable Frames at the back of Modules in airplane Module Crates.					596
AWG equivalent	The size of a flat conductor with the same cross-sectional area as a given round wire.							44

as in bdellium

B-Wire Piercing Splice	Crimp splice that pierces the insulation of unstripped wire.						229
Back End	See Termination End.						40
Back Flip FFC socket	PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by lowering an actuator.						333
Back Jam Mount	A Bulkhead Mount interconnect inserted from the outside and secured on the inside with a Jam Nut.						67
Back Nut	Round cap with a hole for the cable that is installed at the back end of a round Connector.						487
Back Panel Mount	See Rear Panel Mount.						67
Back Release	See Rear Contact Release.						673
Back Shell	Part of a Connector that is installed on its wiring face. It may clamp/ strain relieve a cable.						487
Backlight Connector	Low profile Wire-To-Board Connectors with wide spacing to power fluorescent tubes in flat screens.						183
Backplane	A Motherboard or the board at the back of a Rack, Module Crate, or Card Cage.						170
Backplane Connector	Board-to-board Connector that places a Card at a right-angle to a PCB. See also Drawer Connector.						370
Backplane Topology	A PCB is placed perpendicular to another.						170
Balance Connector	Connector with Tap Wires that sense the voltages of all the cells in a Li-ion battery.						180
Banana Connector	Large Naked Pin single-circuit Connector with leaf springs on its sides.						433
Bandwidth	Width of a range of frequencies from a low to a high limit.						456
Bantam	Smaller Phone Connector.						445
Bar	See Neutral Bar.						239
	See Ground Bar.						239
	See Junction Bar.						250
	See Bus Bar.						239
Barb	See Contact Locking Barb.						58
Barrel	See Crimp Barrel and Solder Barrel.						52
Barrel Adapter	Male-to-male Coax Connector adapter. Contrast with Bullet Adapter (female-to-female).						480
Barrel Power Connector	See Coax Barrel Power Coupler.						447
Barrier	An insulating wall that separates circuits from each other or from ground.						250
Barrier Block	Black plastic base with separating walls and plain screws for ring terminals of plain stripped wires.						250
Base	The panel-mounted Housing for a Heavy-duty Connector.						588
Base Station Connector	Circular Connector designed for use in communication towers.						526
Battery Blade Connector	Connector for laptop batteries with blades on the battery and a Blind Mate receptacle on the laptop.						384
Battery Cable	Large gauge, flexible stranded wire.						683
Battery Clip	Single Contact for one end of a cell or battery.						302
Battery Connector	For a 9 V battery.						306
	For a forklift battery, North America, SB connector.						579
	For a forklift battery, Europe, Euro Battery Connector (EBC).						579
	For a laptop computer.						384
	For a tablet computer. See Parallel Mate Connectors.						408
	For an e-bike. See e-Bike Battery Connectors.						580
	For an RC model. See RC Model Connectors.						422
Battery/Cell Holder	Socket for a cell or battery that also holds it.						302
Battery Post	Battery terminal in the form of a metal cylinder, possibly threaded.						306
Battery Socket	Clip or holder of any type that connects to a cell or battery.						302
Bayonet Coupling	Latching mechanism for round Connectors (e.g., slots in a ring in shrouded part and studs in its mate).						116
Beanie	See B-Wire Piercing Splice.						229
Bed of Nails	A panel is a test fixture with Test Fixture Probes.						342
Bed of Needles	Array of sharp pins that cut through the wire insulation in Test Clips.						56
Belling Lee	Coax Connector for TV aerials.						472
Bell Mouth	Flared entry on a wire barrel to ease wire insertion.						212
Bellows Contact	Contacts in a Card Edge Socket.						317
Berg Connector	{Street} See Shroudless PCB Headers.						355
Bifurcated Contact	Socket Contact with two mating contact points to the pin.						73
Bifurcated Terminal	Board-mounted solder terminal with two vertical posts.						218
Bilevel Card	Card with two staggered rows of Fingers on its Card Edge.						316
Bilevel FPC	FPC with two staggered rows of pads.						324
Bilevel Pitch	Pitch of a Bilevel Card or a Bilevel FPC.						83
Binding Post	Panel-mounted female receptacle for a male Banana plug, a Spade Terminal, or a Stripped Wire.						221
Birdcaging	When wire strands bulge out between the insulation and the solder point.						622
Blade and Beam	See Dual Beam Mezzanine Board-to-board Connectors.						375
Bitch Clip/Clamp	(Sorry.) See Mechanical Connector.						238
Blade Cartridge Fuse Block, Holder					Socket for a cylindrical fuse with blades at the ends.		300
Blade Contact	A flat, tab-shaped Male Contact. See also Pin and Post.						73
Blade Fuse Socket	Clip, block, or holder for a cylindrical fuse with metal blades at the two ends.						300
Blade Terminal	{Street} See Quick-connect Disconnect.						430
Blade Tongue Terminal	Tongue Terminal that ends in a blade. Crimped to a wire and inserted in a Wire Cage.						215
Blind Mate Connector	Board-To-Board Connectors for Blind Mating.						368
	Drawer Connectors for Blind Mating.						595
	Board-to-board microwave Coax Connectors for Blind Mating.						466
Blind Mating	Unlatched Connector with self-alignment features. Mated when unseen by the user (e.g. Card Cage).						103
Block	Generally, a substantial insulating plate or bar with one or more terminals.
	See Barrier Block.						250
	See Distribution Block.						418
	See Fuse Block.						292
	See Grounding Block.						239
	See Junction Block.						250
	See Neutral Bar.						239
	See Punch Down Block.						241
	See Terminal Block.						253
BNC Connector	Standard Coax Connector with bayonet coupling.						473
Board	Plain insulating sheet onto which components can be installed. Contrast with PCB.						688
Board Guides	See Card Guides.						316
Board Pins, Posts	Cylindrical or square PCB-mounted terminals.						218
Board Sockets	PCB-mounted terminals that accept a pin, post, or blade.						220
Board Stack	PCBs on top of each other, connected with Stacking Connectors.						356
Board Terminal	Terminal mounted to a board first (PCB or other panel).						217
Board-In Interconnect	Single piece to connect wires or cables directly to a PCB, usually permanently.						281
Board-in Coaxial Cable Terminator				{Coined} Board-in Interconnect terminated to a Coaxial Cable and then soldered to a PCB.			286
Board-in Crimp Plug	Terminals are crimped to individual wires, placed in a housing, soldered to a PCB.						286
Board-in IDC Plug	Individual wires are pressed into insulation displacement terminals. Then plug is soldered to a PCB.						286
Board-in Mass-Terminated PCB Header						Soldered to a PCB. Wires are placed in holes. Pressing the top terminates all wires.	287
Board-in open IDT PCB Header			Soldered to a PCB. Wires are insulation-displacement terminated individually.				286
Board-in PCB Header	Single PCB-mounted Interconnect to connect wires directly and permanently to a PCB						286
Board-in PCB Solder Strip		Similar to PCB Pin Strips but with Solder Cups or Fork Terminals for direct wire-to-board.					287
Board-in PCB Terminal	Board-in Terminal soldered to a PCB and then a single wire wire is terminated to it permanently.						285
Board-in Plug	Terminated to wires then soldered to a PCB for a direct and permanent wire-to-board interconnection.						286
Board-in Poke-in PCB Header			Soldered to a PCB. Wires are poked into holes individually.				287
Board-in Ribbon Cable Connector			Single Interconnect to connect a ribbon cable directly to a PCB.				287
Board-in Ribbon Cable Guide			See Ribbon Cable Guide.				603
Board-in Wire Terminator			{Coined} Board-in Interconnect terminated to Wires and then soldered to a PCB				286
Board-in Terminal			Single Interconnect that connects individual wires directly to a PCB.				283
Board-in Wire Terminal	Board-in Terminal terminated to a single wire and then soldered to a PCB.						283
Board-to-board	Connection between two PCBs, direct or through Interconnects (no intervening cable).						368
Board-to-board Connector			Two-piece Connector that connects two PCBs, one mate on each PCB.				36
Board-to-board Solder Strip			Double-ended pin strip for a permanent board-to-board interconnection.				243
Board-to-board Topologies			Relative orientation of two PCBs connected with Board-To-Board Connectors.				368
Body	See Housing.						120
Boot	Soft plastic or rubber tube installed on an alligator clip, with a hole for a wire.						205
	Soft plastic accessory installed on a fuse block to isolate it.						298
	Quick-connect: see Faston Boot.						413
	Soft plastic or rubber tubular accessory on the back end of a round Connector, with a hole for a cable.						463
	See Potting Boot.						496
Boot Lace	See Wire Ferrule.						215
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.						376
Bottom Entry Connector			Connector mounted on the top side of a PCB that accepts a made from the other side				64
Bottom Mount	Placed on a PCB’s side opposite the component side. Contrast with top mount.						64
Box	See Post and Box.						355
Box Mount	See Flange Mount.						67
Braid	Tube or ribbon made of woven wire strands.						683
	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.						687
Brazed Seam Barrel	Crimp barrel in a which the two folded ends of the fold are soldered. Contrast with Butted Seam Barrel.						212
Breadboard	See Solderless Breadboard.						689
Breakaway Connector	Unlatched Exterior Connector that unmates if someone trips on the cord.						512
Breakaway Header	Shroudless pin strip header with notches in the wafer between adjacent contacts. Snapped to length.						355
Breakdown Voltage	See Dielectric Withstanding Voltage.						130
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.						600
Brick Nogging	Straight SMD with cap. Mistranslation of 立贴, (立= vertical; 贴 is short for 贴片 = Pick & Place).						631
Broaching PCB fastener	Nut or screw press-fit in a plated through hole. A single wire or ring terminal is secured to it.						218
Brush contacts	Self-mating genderless contacts whose bristles intermesh.						75
Buckle Latch Fastening	Connector latching mechanism like a mason jar or ski boots.						116
Building Cable	Cable for wiring AC power and low voltage in a house, business, or industrial space.						684
Building Wire	Wire for wiring AC power withing conduits and boxes.						683
Bulkhead Mount	Interconnect without a flange installed through a hole in a panel. Contrast with Flange Mount.						67
Bullet Adapter	Female-to-female Coax Connector adapter. Contrast with Barrel (male-to-male).						480
Bullet Disconnect	Interior single-circuit Crimp Connectors. The male is a hollow pin. The female is a round socket.						432
Bump IDC Connector	Plug with a boxy key is mass-terminated to ribbon cable. Male PCB header with a gap has two rows.						390
Burial	See Direct Burial.						196
Bus	The set of circuits in a digital link.
Bus Bar	Thick copper bar for high current.						690
Bus Bar Clip	PCB-mounted or bus bar-mounted clip that snaps onto a bus bar for a high-current connection.						338
Bus Card Edge Socket	Card Edge Socket for an expansion Card in a computer for a standard data bus.						320
Bus Wire	Non-insulated, solid wire.						682
Busbar wire	See Bus Wire.						682
Bushing	See Cable Bushing.						603
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.						228
Butt Splice	See Butt Crimp Splice.						228
Butted Seam Barrel	Crimp Barrel whose two folded ends are brought together but not Brazed.						212
Button Actuator	Pressed to release a latch before unmating a Connector.						114
	Pressed to open an FFC socket and release the cable.						330
Button IDC Splice	Splice with wire entry holes on the sides and a cap on the top that is pressed to terminate.						227

as in czar

C-E Board-to-board Connector

Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and E.

374

C-I Mezzanine Conn.

Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and I.

374

C-T Board-to-board Conn.

Genderless, Surface-Mount, Board-To-Board Connector. The cross-sections look like C and T.

376

Cable

See Coaxial Cable.

687

See Control Cable.

684

See Fiber Optic Cable.

See Ribbon Cable.

685

See Flexible Flat Cable (FFC).

686

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

603

Cable Cladding

See Cable Sheath. Contrast with fiber optic cable Cladding.

684

Cable Clamp

Retains a Cable at its entry point into a panel or Connector.

P-shaped or Ω-shaped metal or plastic fastener wrapped around a cable and mounted to a panel.

603

Cable Entry Direction

The orientation of a Cable as it enters a Termination with respect to the Mating Face axis.

Cable Gland

Round component installed in a hole in a panel to retain, protect, and seal a Cable going through it.

603

Round part at the back of a Circular Connector plug to retain, relieve, and seal the cable.

487

Round part at the back of a Heavy-duty Connector plug to retain, relieve, and seal the cable.

588

Cable Grommet

Round component installed in a hole in a panel to protect a Cable going through it.

603

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.

242

Cable Sheath

Outer layer in a Cable, providing isolation and protection. Contrast with Wire Insulation (for a Wire).

684

Cable Side

A Plug.

Cable-to-Board

Connection between a Cable and a PCB, direct or through Interconnects.

Cable-to-Cable

Connection between two Cables, through Interconnects.

Cage

See Wire Cage.

See Card Cage.

189

Cam Coupler

See Coupling Cam.

416

Camlock Connector

High-power Unipole Connector for temporary AC power connections.

437

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.

418

Cantilever Latch

An inward lever latch that is released by pressing a point between the pivot and the catch.

112

Cantilevered Contact

A female Contact that uses cantilevered springs to press against the pin.

Cap

See Dust Cap.

481

Molex’s old term for a receptacle.

Cap Crimp Splice

Insulated wire splice with a multiple-wire entry on one end. Terminated by squeezing its body.

229

Cap Housing

{Rare} Molex’s and Amp’s old 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.

134

Captive Coupling Ring

A ring that draws the mates together because it remains in place.

117

Captive Screw

A fastener that remains with the Connector even when unscrewed.

117

Card

A PCB assembly with card edge Fingers, designed to be inserted into a Card Edge Socket.

312

Card Cage

Frame onto which several cards are inserted, connected to a back panel or motherboard at the rear.

189

Card Connector

See Backplane Connector.

370

Card Edge

One side of a PCB with Fingers on a Tab, suitable for placement in a Card Edge Socket.

612

Card Edge Plug

Plug terminated to a wire or cable and plugged to a Card Edge.

321

Card Edge Socket

A socket for a Card, mating to rectangular pads at the Card Edge.

311

Card Edge Terminal Blocks

Terminal blocks that are plugged onto and held by the edge of a PCB.

322

Card Extender

PCB with straddle-mounted Card Edge Socket to use a Card outside its Card Cage for troubleshooting.

311

Card Guide

Channel mounted on a Card Cage or on a Card Edge Socket to guide and support a Card.

316

Card Insertion Force

Force required when inserting a Card Edge in a Card Edge Socket.

315

Card Slot

A position in a Card Cage.

189

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.

297

Cartridge Fuse Socket

Clip, block, or holder for a cylindrical fuse with metal caps at the two ends.

297

Castellated Board

A PCB with plated-through half-cylindrical holes along the edges.

165

Catcher’s Mitt

Blind Mate microwave Coax Connector with an entry funnel.

470

Cavity

Housing for Insertable Contacts: see Contact Cavity

Each of the Receptacles in a Combo Connector.

106

Blind Mate Connector: Pocket that receives an Alignment Peg.

103

Partitioned Face Connector: the space within the inner walls of a male, surrounding a pin.

395

A hole in a Connector Frame or Keystone Plate into which a connector can be snapped.

602

Injection molding: each of the sections that produces a single plastic part.

Cavity Count

See Number of Contact Cavities.

CCTV Connector

Concentric Connector similar to a Coax Barrel Power Coupler used for security cameras.

449

CEE 7 Connector

European AC Power Connector.

561

Cell/Battery Socket

Socket that contains a cell, such as coin cell.

302

Center-to-Center Distance

See Mating Pitch.

Center Tap

Mid point in a transformer winding. Mid point in a split battery.

Centerline Spacing

See Mating Pitch.

Centronics Connector

See Micro-Ribbon Connector Historically used for computer printer ports.

532

Ceramic Tag Strip

Ceramic plates with silver-metalized slots on one edge for wiring inside Tektronix scopes.

241

Chamfer

An angled cut to create a sloping edge.

Characteristic Impedance

Characteristic of an Interconnect or cable for high-frequency signals, measured in Ohm.

132

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.

562

Chip Carrier

Four-sided IC socket for LCCC, LLCC, PLCC packages.

594

Choke Joint

Round-about contact between two Waveguide Flanges to avoid arcing. Contrast with Contact Joint.

482

Chocolate block

See Europa-style Terminal Strip.

259

Cigarette Lighter Conn.

12 V DC outlet in cars.

451

Cinch Jones Connector

Vintage. Blade Rectangular Connector.

594

Circuit

Electrical path from a source, through a conductor, a load, another conductor, and back to the source.

Circuit Identifier

See Position Marker.

Circuit Numbering

See Position Numbering.

Circuit Size

See Number of Positions.

Circular Connector

Connector with a round housing with multiple, non-coaxial contacts.

483

Circular Modular Conn.

Modular Connector inside a sealed Circular Connector.

539

Circular Mil

The area or a circle (such as wire) with a 0.001" diameter.

Circular Mil Area

The area or a circle (such as wire) measured in Circular Mils.

Circumferential Crimp

Crimp method that results in indentations completely surrounding the barrel.

623

Cladding

The reflective layer around a glass fiber in a fiber-optic cable.

601

Clamp

See Cable Clamp.

See Test Clamp.

206

See Wire Clamp.

Clamping Screw

Screw in a Terminal Block.

253

Clasp

A clasp uses two separate parts. A latch uses one part that grabs a catch built into the other piece.

107

Clip

See Battery Clip.

302

See Bus Bar Clip.

338

See Contact Clip.

See Contact Locking Clip.

See Fahnestock clip.

209

See Fuse Clip.

292

See IC clip.

208

See PCB clip.

338

See Test Clip.

204

Clip Ring Fastening

Manual latching mechanism for Circular Connectors.

116

Clip Terminal

See Wire Terminal.

212

Clocking

Keying in IEC 60309 Pin And Sleeve Connectors.

571

Closed Barrel

Hollow cylinder into which a wire is inserted and crimped. Contrast with Open Barrel.

625

Closed Bottom Socket

A pin stops at the bottom of the Socket Contact.

220

Closed End Splice

Wire spice that accepts wires from only one end.

223

Closed Entry Socket

Two-tine Socket Contact inside a hard sleeve that prevent over-travel of the tines due to a too-big pin.

Closed Frame IC socket

DIP IC socket with a plastic plate between the rows, suitable for pick-and-place.

307

CNR01 Circular Conn.

Industry-standard threaded metal-shell Circular Connector. A.k.a. “P connector”.

502

Coax…

as in Dao

D-Shell Connector	Exterior connector with a trapezoidal metal shell, including D-sub Connectors.					532
D-Sub Connector	Classic gendered exterior connector with a trapezoidal metal shell.					533
Daisy Chain Connector	Insulation displacement connector whose wires can continue to the next connector.					400
	Mass-terminated connector whose ribbon cable can continue to the next connector.					390
Data I/O Connector	Exterior Connectors used in data cables in consumer electronics.					540
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)					134
Daughterboard	Smaller Card installed on top of a Motherboard.					368
dB	Units of measure of a logarithmic ratio between two values that use the same units.					132
DC Barrel Power Conn	See Coax Barrel Power Coupler.					447
DC Coaxial Power Conn	See Coax Barrel Power Coupler.					447
DC Coupler	The DC input power Receptacle on a product and its mate mounted at the end of a Power Cord.					578
	The DC input power Receptacle on a small vehicle and its mate mounted at the end of a charger Cord.					578
DC Power Connector	See Coax Barrel Power Coupler.					447
	See DC Couplers.					578
	Any exterior power connector for DC.					578
Dead Face	Technology in spacecraft Circular Connectors that disconnects or covers the contacts when unmated.					496
Dead Front Plug	Male AC power plug whose wires are not accessible through the mating face.					554
Delta Power	Three wire, three-phase AC power without a Neutral line. Contrast with Wye Power.					562
Depinning	See Contact Extraction.					673
Depth of Crimp	The depth of a crimp indentation into a wire barrel.					623
Derating	Reduction in a maximum rating due to worse environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature).					129
Designator	Component label in an electrical schematic diagram and on a PCB silkscreen.					609
Detent Fastening	See Snap-on Fastening.					112
Device Side	A Receptacle.					25
Device Socket	Interconnect that mates to a device other than an Interconnect: fuse, battery, IC, Card, lamp, FFC.					289
Die	The two replaceable parts placed in the jaw of a crimper that crimp.					623
Dielectric	See Insulator.
Dielectric Breakdown	See Dielectric Withstanding Voltage.					130
Dielectric Strength	Maximum voltage between adjacent contacts or a contact and a conductive surface without breakdown.					130
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage			See Dielectric Strength.			130
Differential Pair Contacts			Two side-by-side contacts with a well-defined impedance for differential signals.			80
Dimorphism	See Connector Dimorphism.					91
DIN 41612 Connector	Industry-standard board-to-board Array Connector.					378
DIN Circular Connector	Industry-standard unlatched Circular Connector used in audio applications.					492
DIN Rail	Metal rail on the back wall of an industrial cabinet onto which components are snapped and wired.					263
DIN Rail Mount	Component mounted on a DIN Rail.					263
DIN Rail Terminal Block		Terminal block that snaps on a DIN Rail.				263
DIP Component Carrier	Plug with fork terminals at the top for electronic components and pins at the bottom for a DIP socket.					310
DIP Plug	Plug mass-terminated to Ribbon Cable and plugged into a DIP Socket.					310
DIP IC Socket	Socket for an IC or other device in a Dual In Parallel package.					307
Direct Board-To-Board Interconnects				Single-piece Interconnects installed between two parallel PCBs and connect them.		347
Direct Burial	Component that can withstand being placed directly in dirt.					196
Direct Wire to PCB Interconnects				See Board-in Interconnects.		281
Direct Wire to PCB Plug				Single-piece plugs that mate directly to pads or holes on a PCB.		346
Disconnect	Single-circuit connector such as a Quick-connect Disconnect.					430
	See Safety Disconnect.					296
Discontinuity	Loss of electrical connection.
Discrete Terminal	A single-circuit Interconnect, not in an assembly with other Contacts or Terminals.					209
Discrete Wire	A Wire by itself, not in a Cable.					682
DisplayPort Connector	Data I/O connector for computer monitors.					546
Distribution Block	A Block with multiple interconnected terminations to route a line to many other lines. (e.g., CAN bus)					418
Dog	See Key.
Domino Strip	See Europa-style Terminal Strip.					259
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.					212
Double Crimp/Grip	Crimp barrel with two sets of wings: insulation and core. See Insulation Grip.					52
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.					624
Double Insulated	An AC-powered product that does not need an earth connection.					573
Downhole Connector	Connector for the high temperature and pressure inside an oil well.					524
Drain Wire	A bare wire in contact with the shield of a Shielded Cable that eased termination to the shield.					684
Drawer Connector	Blind Mate Connectors on the rear of a module and its mate on the inner panel of a Module Crate.					595
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.					524
DTL-38999 Connector	Standard MIL-spec Circular Connector.					498
Dual Beam Mezzanine Connectors					{Coined} Low-profile Board-To-Board Connectors that connect two parallel PCBs.	373
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.					313
Dual Receptacle	Receptacle with two openings for two simultaneous plugs.					106
Duckhead Connector	Apple proprietary DC coupler.					573
Dummy Connector	See Dust Cap.					481
Dummy Plug	Plastic pin installed in a Position Cavity for Field Keying or Sealing of unused positions.					102
Duplex Connector	Fiber optics: connector coupler or cable with two fibers.					601
DuPont Connector	{Street} See Shroudless Plugs.					357
Durability	The life expectancy of a component. See Mating Cycles.					128
Dust Cap	Protecting cover that may be placed over an unmated connector.					481
DVI Connector	Consumer data I/O and video connector.					546
Dynamic Connector	{Trade - TE} Large class of Rectangular Connectors made by TE and JST.					409

comme en Eau de Cologne

e-bike Connector	Circular Connectors for cables inside the electric bicycle.							519
	Exterior Connectors for the DC coupler to charge an electric bicycle.							580
Earth Ground	Electrical connection to the soil underneath.
Earth Contact	See Power Earth Contact.							80
Earth Wire	Wire that is connected to the Earth and does not carry current. Typically green or green/yellow.							556
Earthing	Connecting an electrical node to the dirt underneath.							556
Edge Board Connector	See Card Edge Socket.							311
Edge Mount	Coplanar with the PCB, mounted in a notch in the PCB. Contrast with Straddle Mount (no notch).							65
Edison Base Fuse Socket			Socket for a screw-in fuse.					302
Edison Base Lamp Socket		Socket for a screw-in light bulb.						335
EIA flange Connector	Large, high-power Coax Connector secured with screws.							477
EIAJ Coax Barrel Power Connector						Japanese standard Coax Barrel Power Coupler.		448
Ejector Latching	Lever that aids unmating Connectors (e.g., Bump IDC headers).							390
Elastomer	Elastic polymer used for sealing (Interfacial Seal) and in Elastomeric Strips.							347
Elastomeric Strip	Double-ended strip with microscopic parallel conductors for board-to-display connection.							347
Electric Vehicle Conn.	See EV charging Connectors.							577
	See Automotive Rectangular Connectors.							414
	See Automotive Unipole Connectors.							440
	See Automotive Circular Connectors.							521
	For traction batteries.							414
	See Electric Vehicle DC connectors.							578
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).							97
Electrical Schematic Diagram				Drawing representing the electrical circuit.				609
Electromagnetic Interference				(EMI) Undesirable Electromagnetic Radiation from a product or into a product.				135
Electromagnetic Interference Compliance							(EMC) Meeting the regulatory requirements on unintended radio emissions.	194
Electromagnetic Radiation				Radio frequency emissions through the air.				194
Emboss	Mold or stamp position numbers on the housing.
EMI Shielding Resilient Materials					Spongy products placed in a gap to connect two conductive parts.			345
EMI Shielding	Conductive cage to prevent EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) from entering or exiting a system.							345
Emissions	See Electromagnetic Interference.							135
End Bell	Back end of a Circular Connector’s housing.							487
End Cap Splice	See Cap Crimp Splice.							229
End Launch Connector	Connector mounted on the straight edge of a PCB. Contrast with Straddle Mount and Cutout mount.							65
End Position Mounting	Panel-mount Barrier Blocks whose end positions have holes instead of contacts as mounting flanges.							251
End Stackable Connect.	PCB Connectors that can be mounted end-to-end while retaining constant pitch.							124
End Stackable Plug	Banana plug with a male on the front end a socket on the back end.							433
End Stackable Terminal Block				PCB terminal blocks that can be mounted side-by-side while retaining constant pitch.				268
				Pluggable 2-wall terminal blocks that can be lengthened by mounting side-by-side.				276
Engagement Force	See Insertion Force.							105
Enshrouded Mate	{Coined} A connector that fits inside its Shrouded Mate.							90
Entry Direction	See Wire/Cable Entry Direction.							47
	See Board-to-board Topology.							368
Environmental Seal	Measures to exclude the entry of foreign substances (e.g., dust and water).							122
eSata Connector	Industry-standard exterior connector for computer peripherals.							544
Ethernet Connector	Circular Connector designed for Ethernet.							526
	See Modular Connector.							538
Euro Battery Connector	(EBC) Industry-standard connector for European forklift batteries.							579
Euroblock	See Europa-style Terminal Strip.							259
	See Pluggable Terminal Block.							269
Eurocard Connector	See DIN 41612 Connectors.							378
Europa Style Terminal Strip				Screw terminal block for European AC wiring divided into separable tubular sections.				259
Europlug	CEE 7 type C AC power male plug.							561
Eurostrip	See Europa-style Terminal Strip.							259
Eurostyle Strip	See Europa-style Terminal Strip.							259
EV Charging Connector	Exterior connector at the end of cord from a charging station and power inlet in the vehicle.							577
Expansion Connector	Card Edge Socket in a computer for an expansion card.							320
	See Ground Strap.							240
Explosion Proof Connector	Circular Connector for use in environments with risk of explosion.							525
	Heavy-Duty Connector for use in environments with risk of explosion.							589
Exposed Pin Connector	{Coined} Single-circuit connector whose male pin is completely exposed when not mated.							433
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.							30
Extraction	See Contact Extraction.							673
Extraction Force	Force required to unmate two Contacts or Connectors.							105
Extraction Tool	Tool that releases an Insertable Contact from a Housing so that it may be extracted. See Insertion Tool.							673
Eye Pattern Diagram	Plot to discriminate a 0 from a 1 in a digital link.							134
Eyelet	See Solder Eyelet.							53

as in photograph

F-type Connector	Coax Connector for cable TV and aerials.								475
Face Seal	See Interfacial Seal.								122
Fahnestock Clip	Vintage clip mounted on woof panels for point-to-point wiring.								209
FAKRA Connector	Automotive version of a SMB Coax Connector.								418
Family Polarity	{Coined}Combination of a connector family’s Dimorphism and Shrouding (e.g., shrouded male).								93
Faraday Cage/Chamber	Metal room that stops electromagnetic waves from entering or exiting.
Fastener	See Metal Fastener.								690
Fastening	The mechanism that keeps two Connectors mated, ranging from Friction to Locking.								107
Fastin/Faston Disconnect					{Trade -TE} See Quick-connect Disconnect.				430
Faston Boot	{Trade - TE} Soft Nylon housing for a few Quick-connect Disconnects.								413
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.								480
Feedthrough Barrier Block					Barrier Block with a single row of screws and terminals on the back that poke through a panel.				251
Feedthrough Connector	Shroudless Strip to stack boards with sockets on the top side and long pins and the bottom side.								356
	Connector Termination that allows a Daisy Chain. Contrast with Feed-to Connector.								390
Feedthrough Insulator	See Feed-Through Terminal.
Feedthrough Post	Isolated single-circuit Junction Post that goes from one side of a panel to the other.								249
Feedthrough Terminal	Double-ended isolated terminal mounted through a panel. The contact appears on both sides.								241
	Double-ended isolated terminal mounted through a PCB. The contact appears on both sides.								218
Feedthrough Terminal Block						Terminal Block mounted through a hole in a panel.			261
Female Connector	Connector with just Female Contacts.								81
Female Contact	Contact into which a Male Contact is inserted. See Socket Contact.								73
Ferrite	Iron oxide compound used in filters.
Ferrule	See Wire Ferrule.								215
	See Crimp Sleeve.								228
	Metal sleeve crimped on a coaxial cable when terminating to a coax plug								661
	Fiber-optics: Fixture to confine and align the end of an optical fiber.								601
Ferrule Fuse Block/Clip	Fuse Block or Fuse Clip for Cartridge Fuse with flush ends.								297
Festoon Track	A type of rail for terminal blocks.								263
FFC Jacket	Plastic pieces clamped on a Flexible Flat Cable to convert it to a plug.								333
FFC Jumper	A short length of Flexible Flat Cable with exposed traces at its ends or terminated ends.								686
FFC Socket	See Flexible Flat Cable Socket.								322
Fiber Optic Cable	Bundle of multiple optical fibers in a protective coating. Contrast with optical fiber (Single light pipe).								601
Fiber Optic Connector	Two-piece connector for Fiber Optic Cable.								601
Field Attachable/Installable				Connector that can be terminated by the user (as opposed to one that can only be molded at the factory).					23
Field Keying	See Coding.								102
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.								126
	An assembly that includes a connector and filter components such as ferrites and capacitors.
Fin	Vertical key in a pluggable terminal block.								271
Finger	Pads on the edge of a Card designed to mate with a Card Edge Socket.								315
Finger Stock	Strip of Spring Leaves for EMI Shielding.								346
Firewall	Barrier between an engine compartment and passenger space.								135
Firewall Rated Connector		Connector mounted through a Firewall that can hold off a 1100 °C fire for at least 20 minutes.							135
Firewire Connector	See IEEE 1394.								545
First Make Last Break	A longer Contact that mates before the others and unmates after the others have unmated. See Earth.								80
Five-way Alligator Clip	Test clip used in landline telephone test equipment.								206
Fixed Connector	See Jack and Receptacle								25
Fixed Contact	Contact permanently included in a connector. Contrast with Insertable Contact.								58
Fixture	See Test Fixture.								342
Flag Terminal	Right angle wire terminal with the axis of the wire barrel on the same plane as the tongue or tab.
Flange Mount	Interconnect mounted through a hole in a panel and secured with screws in its flat plate								67
Flammability Rating	Specifies how long a material can withstand a fire.								120
Flange	Mounting plate with mounting holes that extends around a Bulkhead-Mount component.								67
	See Contact Shoulder.								71
	Upturned ends of a fork tongue terminal that keep it from slipping off a screw terminal.								213
Flange Mount	The mounting of a bulkhead-mount component by fastening to its flange. Contrast with Bulkhead Mount.								67
Flap	A cover in an insulation displacement wire splice that is closed to terminate the wire.								227
	A cover in a LED strip splice that is closed to terminate the wires.								335
Flaring (noun)	The bell-shaped entry to a wire barrel.								52
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.								76
Flat Cable	See Flexible Flat Cable.								686
	See Ribbon Cable.								685
Flat Flex Cable	See Flexible Flat Cable.								686
Flat Modular/ Telephone Cable							Four solid wires in a flat Sheath for termination to Modular Connectors.		685
Flatness	See Coplanarity.								60
Flex Circuit	See Flexible Printed Circuit.								689
Flex Circuit Sockets	See Flexible Flat Cable socket.								322
Flex On Board	See ACF bonding.								162
Flexible Flat Cable	(FFC) Thin band with flat parallel copper traces. Contrast with Flexible Printed Circuit, Ribbon Cable.								686
Flexible Flat Cable Socket			PCB socket into which a Flexible Flat cable (FFC) or circuit (FPC) is inserted directly.						322
Flexible Printed Circuit	(FPC) PCB on thin, flexible material. May include a tail for an FFC Socket.								689
Floating Board-To-Board Connector								Board-to-board Connector with two housings, one fixed to the PCB, one to its mate.	377
Floating Bushing	Fastener for Blind Mate Connectors with some degree of freedom to allow self-alignment.								595
Floating Component	An unmounted component, such as a plug at the end of a cable or a wire splice.								40
Floating Contact	Contacts in a Board-to-board Connector with some degree of freedom to compensate for misalignment.								377
Floating Mount	Mount of a Drawer Connector to a panel that lets it move a bit to align itself with its mate.								595
Flush Mount	See On-panel Mount.								67
Flush Face	Mating face of a connector is completely flat. Contrast with Stepped Face and Partitioned Face.								88
Flux	See Solder Flux.
Foil	Thin sheet of metal for shielding or as a flat conductor.								222
Foil Terminal	Terminal crimped to a metal foil and to a wire.								222
Folded Contact	See Formed Contacts.								71
Footprint	A mechanical drawing of the location and size of each PCB pad and hole. Used for PCB layout.								610
Force, Extraction	See Extraction Force.								105
Force, Insertion	See Insertion Force.								105
Force, Mating	See Insertion Force.								105
Force, Retention	See Retention Force.								105
Force, Unmating	See Extraction Force.								105
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.								213
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.								73
FPC Jackets, Sockets	Plastic pieces snapped on a Flexible Printed Circuit to convert it to a plug.								333
Frame	See Configurable Frame.								602
Free Connector	See Plug.								23
Free Hanging Mount	See In-line Mount.								41
Frequency	Repetition rate of a signal, measured in Hertz (Hz).								133
Fretting	See Contact Fretting.								78
	Mother’s modus operandi.
Friction Fastening	Retention of mated Connectors simply by the friction of their contacts or housings.								111
Friction Lock Coupling	{Misnomer: neither lock, nor coupling} See Friction Fastening.								111
Fritting	Wet current required to break through the oxidation layer. Don’t confuse with Fretting.								78
Front Contact Release	Connector with Insertable Contacts released by inserting a tool into holes in the mating face.								673
Front End	See Mating Face.								87
Front Flip FFC socket	PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by lowering an actuator.								332
Front Panel Mount	Bulkhead Mount interconnect inserted from the outside. Contrast with Rear Panel Mount.								67
Front Jam Mount	Bulkhead Mount interconnect inserted from the inside and secured on the outside with a Jam Nut.								67
Funnel Entry	Wire barrel with a beveled edge to facilitate wire insertion.								52
Fuse Block	Connects one or more fuses but does not enclose them. Contrast with Fuse Holder (enclosed).								292
Fuse Clip	Single contact for a fuse.								292
Fuse Holder	Connects and encloses a fuse. Contrast with Fuse Block (open).								292
Fuse Lug	Block with a threaded bore and a screw terminal for a single end of a large fuse.								299
Fuse Tap	Connector shaped like an automotive fuse with an exiting wire.								300

as in gnome

Gage	Measuring device. Misspelling of “Gauge”.				44
Ganged Connector	Two or more Connectors joined to form a Combo Connector.				106
Galvanic Isolation	Total physical separation between circuits.				525
Gas Inlet	Entry for inert gas in EIA flange Coax Connectors.				477
Gap Loss	Power loss due to imperfect butting of fibers in a fiber optic connector.
Gas Nipple	See Gas Inlet.				477
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.				122
Gauge	Diameter of wires.				44
	Code for the size of contacts.				75
Gender	See Connector Gender.				81
	See Contact Gender.				71
Gendered Connector	Connector with pins (male) sockets (female) or both (hermaphrodite).
Gendered Contact	A pin or socket contact.				71
Gendered Family Polarity		{Coined} Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with pins, sockets (e.g., Shrouded male).			94
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).				75
Genderless Family Polarity		Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with neither pins nor sockets (e.g., shrouded tongue).			96
Gland	See Cable Gland.				603
Gold Plating	Contact Plating with gold.				76
Golf Cart Connector	DC Coupler for golf carts.				580
Gonochoric Connector	{Coined} Connector pair in which one is Male and the other is Female. Contrast with Hermaphrodite.				81
Grabber Clip	Test clip with a push-button on the back that, when pressed, opens a hook or pincers at the front.				206
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.				309
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.				603
	Ring-shaped gasket at the rear end of a connector, to retain a cable and seal its entry point.				487
Groove	A slot for a Key.				365
Groove Connector	{Coined} Genderless Connector with a Genderless Contacts on a long middle pocket.				96
Ground	The node in a circuit that we chose as a reference for all other voltages. See Earth ground.
Ground Bar	Non-insulated, panel-mounted bar with several Wire Cages for large-gauge Earth wires.				239
Ground Lug	Uninsulated, panel-mounted terminal with one or more Wire Cages to ground large-gauge wires.				239
Ground Rod Clamp	Copper clamp that joins a large ground wire to a rod in the earth.				238
Ground Strap	Weaved wire braid used for flexible connections.				240
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.				556
Grounding Compression Connector				C-shaped copper piece crimped to splice two large-gauge uninsulated wires.	237
Grounding Mechanical Connector				Large uninsulated Interconnect that connects an Earth wire to a rod or metal panel.	238
Grounding Block	Uninsulated, panel-mounted bar with several Wire Cages for large-gauge wires grounded to the panel.				239
Grounding Bus Bar	Insulated copper plate with holes for many wires terminated in Tubular Compression Lugs.				239
Grounding Fingers	See Finger Stock.				346
Grounding Wire	Wire that is connected to the Earth and does not carry current. See Earth Wire.				556
Grounding Wire Terminals			Clips crimped to an Earth wire and snapped on the edge of a metal panel.		216
Guide Pin	Alignment pegs on the mating face of a connector that fit in pockets in the mate.				595
	Alignment pegs on the Termination End of an Interconnect that fit in PCB holes.				60
Gull Wing	PCB Terminal flat against the PCB pointing away from the comportment in SMDs.				60
Gusset	The transition between the tongue and crimp barrel in a tongue terminal.				212
GX Circular Connector	Industry-standard threaded metal-shell Circular Connector. A.k.a. “aviation”.				502

as in herb

Hairpin Contacts	Thin contact in Card Edge Sockets.						317
Hard Metric Connector	Board-to-board array connector with integer mm pitch and row spacing.						380
Hardware	Small mechanical parts used with Interconnects.
Harness	See Cable Harness and Wire harness.
Harsh Environment Connector					Industry-standard Automotive Circular Connector.		522
HDMI Connector	Exterior video data connector for consumer products.						548
Header	See PCB Header.						60
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.						162
Heavy-duty Connector	Large, metal, cable-to-panel industrial connector.						581
Heliax Cable	{Trade - CommScope} High-power Coaxial Cable.						687
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.					74
Hermaphrodite Disconnect		{Coined} Single Quick-Connect disconnect that includes a male tab and female socket.					430
Hermaphrodite Family Polarity				Dimorphism and Shrouding of Connectors with pins and sockets (e.g., Shrouded Hermaphrodite).			96
Hermetic Seal	See Environmental Seal.						123
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.						380
	Semi-standard wearable self-latching Slim Circular Connector.						512
	Higher contact count version of a D-sub connector in a given Shell Size.						533
High Density Interconnect Connector						(HDI) Connector for hard drives.	545
High Voltage Connector	Coax Connector derivative modified for high voltage.						479
	See Backlight Connectors.						183
	Rectangular Connector with widely separated, partitioned circuits.						424
Hinged Socket	Memory card socket with a cover that is closed after the card is inserted.						333
Hinged Cap IDC Splice	Wire splice that is terminated by inserting a wire and then closing and pressing a flap.						228
Holder	See Fuse Holder.						292
	See Battery/Cell Holder.						302
Home Appliance Connector	Rectangular Connectors (RAST, Timer) specifically for washers, driers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.						413
	RAST 5 card edge plugs.						321
Hood	Cover piece at the back end of a Circular Connector plug.						487
	The rear Housing for a Heavy-duty Connector plug.						588
Hook Grabber	Interconnect installed on a harness manufacturing fixture to hold and contact a terminal.						207
	Test clip with a button on the back that when pressed opens a hook on the front.						206
Hook Terminal	Wire crimp terminal with a hook-shaped Tongue.						213
Hook Up Wire	Standard insulated stranded wire.						682
Horizontal	See Right-angle.
Horse Saddle Mount	See Straddle Mount.						65
Hot Bar Bonding	Direct and permanent termination of an FPC to a PCB or display.						162
Hot Pluggable Connector			Wire-to-board connector. Plug is a Card Edge Socket. For internal computer peripherals.				420
Hot Stamp	Mark in a plastic housing or wire insulation.
Hot Wire	See Line Wire.						556
Housing	The plastic position of a connector. See Connector Housing.						120
Housing Color	Some manufacturers use a trademark color for their housings.						123
HSD Circular Connector	Industry-standard Circular Connector with 4 contacts for high-speed data and FAKRA shell.						522
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.						105
Hz	See Hertz.

as in IX century CE

I/O Connector	See Data I/O Connector.						540
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.						208
IC Socket	PCB socket for an integrated circuit. See also Transistor Socket.						307
IDC/IDT Plug	Single-row insulation displacement connector for several wires, then soldered to a PCB.						286
IDC/IDT Splice	Wire Splice that cuts through the insulation of wires.						227
Identiconn	This book’s companion online utility.						139
IDT Board-in Header	A set of insulation displacement PCB terminals for direct multiple wire-to-PCB connections.						286
IDT Board-in Terminal	Insulation displacement PCB terminal for a direct single wire-to-PCB connection.						285
IEC 60309	See Pin-and-sleeve Connector.						571
IEC 60320	See Appliance Coupler.						573
IEC Circular Connector	Industry-standard, small, sealed Circular Connectors for industrial use, including the M12.						504
IEEE 1394 Connector	Exterior connector for the Firewire data I/O link.						545
Immersion Circular Connector				Connector for mating underwater (wet mate) or placement under water after mating (dry mate).			524
Impedance	A measure of the opposition to to alternating current presented by the combined effect of resistance.						132
In Line Mount	Terminated just to a wire of a cable and not mounted to anything (e.g., Plugs).						41
In Line Splicer/Reducer	In-line Wire Splice for two large wires of different gauges.						238
Inductance	The effect of having a long conductor. Affects high speed and Coax Connectors.						132
Inertia Latching	Sudden reduction in Insertion Force when fully mated, just as a latch engages.						112
Ingress Protection	See Environmental Seal.						122
Ingress Protection Rating		(IP rating) Measure of the ability to exclude the entry of extraneous substances.					135
Inlet	Connector on a product that receives AC power. See Appliance Coupler.						555
	Connector on a product that receives DC power. See DC Coupler.						578
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.						487
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.						58
Insertion	See Contact Insertion.						58
Insertion Force	Effort required to mate two Contacts or Connectors.						105
Insertion Loss	Power loss due to inclusion of a Connectors, compared to a direct connection. Measured in dB.						459
Insertion Tool	Tool to insert contacts into an insert. Contrast with Extraction Tool.						653
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.						236
	Small hole in a Solder Cup to see that the wire reached its bottom and soldered flowed down.						621
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.						52
Insulated Multi Tap Connector			Wire Splice with many Wire Cages.				239
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.						441
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.						52
Insulation Displacement Connector						Rapid terminations of unstripped wires. A blade cuts the insulation and contacts the core.	51
Insulation Displacement Splice						Wire Splice that terminates unstripped wires.	227
Insulation Displacement Technology						Technology used in insulation displacement Connectors.	51
Insulation Grip	The rear set of wings in a Double-Grip terminal that retain the wire’s Insulation.						52
Insulation Housing	See Connector Housing.						120
Insulation Jacket	See Cable Sheath.						682
Insulation Piercing	A needle contacts the core of an insulated wire during testing. Contrast with Insulation Displacement.						56
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 Connector Module					See Integrated Magnetics Connector		126
Integrated Magnetics Connector					Data I/O or Modular Connector that includes filters and transformers.		126
Inter Capacitance	Capacitance between a circuit and adjacent conductors. Results in Cross Talk.						134
Interconnect Component	Any electric component that makes a connection between Conductors.						1
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.						87
Interfacial Junction	See Mating Face.						87
Interfacial Seal	Elastomer sheet with a hole for each pin installed on the Mating Face of a male connector.						122
Interference Press-Fit	Press-fit PCB terminal that distorts a PCB hole. Contrast with compliant Press-fit.						61
Interim Clip	Frame into which multiple Connectors are placed to form a larger, ganged connector.						602
Interior Component	Component inside a product, not accessible to the end user.						30
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.						571
Interlocking Connector	Connectors or terminal blocks that can be placed side-by side (maybe interlocked) to form a longer part.						125
Intermateable	Ability of two Connectors to mate (especially if manufactured by a different companies).
Intermodulation	See Passive Intermodulation.						134
Interposer	Any loose third Connector that is placed between two rectangular Board-to-board Connectors.						368
	Any loose third Connector that is placed between two coax Board-to-board Connectors.						466
IP rating	See Ingress Protection Rating.						135
ISO 15170	Industry-standard Automotive Circular Connector.						522
Irreversible	See Permanent Termination.						51
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.

as in Jose

J928 Connector	See Bullet Disconnect.	432
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.	120
Jacket	See Cable Sheath.	684
Jacket	See FFC Jacket.	333
Jam Nut	Low profile hex nut
Jam Nut Mount	See Front Jam Nut Mount and Back Jam Nut Mount.	67
Jaw	The opening in an alligator clip	205
Jaw	The opening in a ratcheting crimper into which dies are placed.	623
JFA Connector	{Trade - JST} See Dynamic Connector.	409
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.	226
JST Connector	{Street} See Low Profile Wire-to-board Connector.	403
Julet	{Trade - Jun Lei} Line of e-bike Connectors from Jun Lei.	520
Jumper	See FFC Jumper.	686
	See PCB Jumper.
	See Programming Jumper.	358
	See Ribbon Cable Jumper.	685
Jumper Bus Bar	Copper bar that connects two battery cells or two AC power circuits.	240
Junction Bar	Single or dual bar for power distribution with a threaded rod and multiple screws.	250
Junction Block	Multiple threaded rods in a panel-mounted insulating base. Accepts high current ring terminals.	250
Junction Feedthrough	Double-ended threaded rod or threaded nut in a panel-mounted insulating base.	249
Junction Nut	Single- or double-ended threaded nut in a panel-mounted insulating base.	249
Junction Post	Threaded rod in a panel-mounted insulating base. Accepts high current ring terminals.	249

as in knife

Kapton Tape	Strong, translucent orange tape used in electronics, such on a SMT connector for pick-up.	60
Kelvin Connection	Four wire connection to measure Resistance. Two wires for current and two for a Voltmeter.	128
Key	See Coding Key.	271
Key	Protrusion in a connector that fits in a slot in the mate.	96
Keyed Connector	Connector with slight modifications to differentiate parts to make them unique. Contrast with Polarized.	96
Keying	Small changes that differentiate parts to make them unique. Contrast with Conforming, Polarization.	96
Keying Plug	See Coding Key.	102
Keyseat	Outward-facing closed slot that matches an inward key in the mate.	96
Keystone Plate	Industry-standard Configurable Frame.	602
Keyway	Inward-facing closed slot that matches an outward key in the mate.	96
Kink	Sharp bend in a conductor or wire strand.
Kinked PC Pin	PCB Terminals with a bend to hold onto the PCB hole.	60
Knife Disconnect	Self-mating Disconnect.	432
Knife Terminal	Tongue Terminal that ends in a blade with an upturned lip. Crimped to a wire, inserted in a Wire Cage.	215
Knuckle Thread	Thread with a semi-circular cross-section used in threaded plastic Circular Connectors.	117
Knurled Coupler	Coupling ring with parallel bosses around the perimeter, to help grabbing.	116
Knurled PCB Terminal	PCB press-fit terminal with vertical ridges and grooves.	217
Kojiri test	Rocking motion durability test.	615
Kycon	See Power DIN connector.	496

as in llama

Label	See Designator.			609
Lamp Socket	See Light Bulb Socket.			335
Land	See PCB Pad.			60
Landline	Telephone that is wired to the central office.			538
Latch	A mechanism that secures Connectors to prevent unmating. Must be released before unmating.			107
Latching	See Connector Latching. Contrast with Locking.			107
Lanyard	Loop of wire on a breakaway plug pulled in case of emergency to unmate it.
Lap Joint	See Parallel Splice.			229
	Flat conductor placed on a flat terminal and then terminated (e.g., Ultrasonic Weld).			53
Latch (verb)	After Mating two Connectors, manually engaging a Latch to prevent unwanted Unmating.			107
Latch Fastening	Mechanism that prevents unwanted Unmating of two mated Connectors.			107
Latching Connector	Includes a manually-engaged and disengaged Latch. Contrast with Self-latching Connector.			107
Latching Mechanism	See Latch.			107
Lay In Ground Lugs	Splice that taps an uninterrupted uninsulated large gauge wire with the end of a large gauge wire.			239
Lead (“leed”)	Terminal of a leaded (“leeded”) electronic component.
	Bus bar wire.			682
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.			243
Lead In	Mechanical device that guides connector mating.
Leaf Contact	See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal.			344
	See Spring Leaf Contact.			75
Leakage	Small current flowing along the surface of the insulation between two contacts. See Creepage.			130
	Radio frequency that escapes a Coax Connector.			456
LEC	Layered Elastomeric Connector. See Elastomeric Strip.			347
LED Lamp Connector	Through-board Shroudless Strip used lamps.			354
LED Lighting Connector	Sealed plastic Circular Connector with 2 or 3 circuits for solid state lighting.			517
LED Strip	Flexible Printed Circuit with evenly spaced LEDs for lighting in consumer places.			335
LED Strip Plug	Plug that connects to LED Strips.			354
LED Strip Splice	Connects two LED Strips directly, end-to-end.			335
Less Pin	MIL-spec male connector housing without any pin contacts.			498
Less Socket	MIL-spec female connector housing without any socket contacts.			498
Lever Actuator	Lever that opens a wire cage and closes it after the wire is inserted.			54
Lever Latch	Self-latching mechanism that is released by pressing a lever.			112
Lever Splice	Wire splice that uses a lever to open its wire cage.			230
LIF FFC/FPC Socket	PCB-mounted socket for a flex cable or circuit.			329
Light Bulb Socket	Socket for an incandescent or LED light bulb.			335
Lighting Connector	Circular Connector specifically for low-voltage indoor lighting.			517
Lighting Fixture Conn.	Rectangular Connectors specifically for lighting fixtures.			425
Lightning Connector	Apple proprietary Data I/O Connector.			546
Line/Live Wire	AC power wire with a voltage. Contrast with Neutral wire and Earth Wire.			556
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.			60
Locator	Fixture that positions terminals in a crimping press.			623
Locking	See Connector Locking. Contrast with Latching.			107
Locking Barb	See Contact Locking Barb.			58
Locking Clip	See Contact Locking Clip.			58
Locking Latch	{Misnomer: not a lock} See Latch Fastening.			107
Locking Ramp	{Misnomer: not a lock} See Friction Fastening.			112
Locking Spring, Tang	See Contact Locking Barb.			58
Locking Window	Hole in a housing into which a contact’s barb snaps for retention. Access for an Extraction Tool.			58
Loose Interconnect	Interconnect that is not mounted to anything, such a double-ended pin.			41
Loss	See Insertion Loss			459
Low Insertion Force	LIF Connector with reduced Insertion Force relative to a standard version. Compare to ZIF.			328
Low Profile Mezzanine Connector		Low profile Board-to board connector for parallel boards.		373
Low Profile Sidelined Connector		Low profile Wire-to board connector. One mate’s contacts are embedded in the housing walls.		403
Low profile Wire-to-board Connector			Small rectangular Wire-to-board Connectors with a low mated height.	403
Lubricant	Mineral oil or other liquid placed on contacts and threaded coupling.
Lubrication	See Connector Lubrication.			618
	See Contact Lubrication.			618
Lug	See Fuse Lug.			299
	See Ground Lug.			239
	See Quick-connect Disconnect.			430
	See Solder Eyelet.			53
	See Solder Lug.			222
	See Tubular Compression Lug.			236
LVDS Connector	Single-row, many contacts, right-angle header flush to PCB. Plug terminated to wires, FFC, or coax.			411

as in mnemonic

M12 IEC Circular Conn.	See IEC Circular Connector.									507
Machined Contact	Contact manufactured in a lathe from a rod. Contrast with Formed Contact.									76
Magnet Wire	Wire with enamel insulation for windings in inductors, motors, and transformers.									683
Magnet Wire Terminal	Terminal terminated to magnet wire on one or both ends and to a PCB or a hook-up wire.									216
Magnetic Connector	Rectangular Connector fastened with magnets.									412
	Circular Connector fastened with magnets.									527
	Exterior Connector fastened with magnets.									548
Magnetic Fastening	Fastening mechanism that hold mates together with magnets.									112
Integrated Connector Module				See Integrated Magnetics Connector						126
Mains Connector	Connector for AC power									557
Male Connector	Connector with just Male Contacts.									81
Male Contact	Contact that fits inside a Female Contact. Pin, Post, or Blade.									73
Male Mate For Card Edge Sockets								Component that emulates a Card Edge so it can mate to a Card Edge Socket.		322
Mandrel								Metal tube at the rear of a coax plug onto which a Ferrule is crimped.		661
Manual Latching	Fastening mechanism that the user engages during mating and disengages before unmating.									115
Marette	See Wire Nut.									231
Marshaling	Large rail-mounted terminal block for the orderly and well-organized connection on many related wires.									265
Mass Splicing	Fiber optics: simultaneous joining of fibers.									601
Mass Terminated Connectors				Rectangular Connector terminated to a ribbon cable at once.						390
				Board-in connector terminated to a ribbon cable at once.						287
Mass Termination	Simultaneous termination of a ribbon cable to a connector using IDC.									52
Mate (noun)	The other connector that is intended to be connected to a given connector.
Mate (verb)	The act of connecting two Connectors.									102
Mated Height	The total height above the PCB of a connector or set of mated Connectors.									403
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.									70
Mating Cycles	Number of times parts may be mated and unmated and still meet its contact Resistance specification.									128
Mating Diameter	Outer diameter of a round Enshrouded Mate. Contrast with Shield Diameter.									461
Mating Direction	Axis along which a connector approaches its mate.									102
Mating End	See Mating Face.									87
Mating Face	Surface of a connector that is brought into contact with its mate. Opposite the Termination End.									87
Mating Face Rows	A straight line of Contacts, Positions, or Contact Cavities on a Mating Face.									85
Mating Force	See Insertion Force.									105
Mating Pitch	The center-to-center distance between adjacent positions within a row in the mating face of a connector.									84
Mating Width	Width of a rectangular component.									87
MC4 Connector	Unipole Connector for solar panels.									440
Mechanical Connector	Removable splice for large-gauge wires.									238
Mechanical Safety Disconnect							See Safety Disconnect.			424
Medical Connector	Slim Circular Connector that meets clinical requirements.									512
Metal Fastener	Hardware (screws, nuts, threaded studs) used to secure components and as a conductor.									690
Metal-to-Metal	{Rare} Two-piece Board-To-Board Connectors (as opposed to a metal-to-card Card Edge Socket).									385
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.									408
Mezzanine Connector	Board-to-board Connector that places a Card parallel to a PCB and in close proximity with it.									368
Mezzanine Topology	A PCB is placed on top of another.									165
Micro Circular Connect.	Minimalist Circular Connector for medical devices. See also Nano Circular Connector.									516
Micro Fit Connector	{Trade - Molex} Industry-standard Rectangular Connector with a 3 mm pitch.									399
Micro-D Connector	Industry-standard D-shell exterior connector.									536
Micro-Ribbon Connector		{Trade}Classic genderless D-shell exterior connector with a blue insulator.								532
Microstrip	Constant-impedance RF trace on the surface of a PCB.									611
Microswitch	Industry-standard limit switch to detect the position of a mechanical device.									337
Microwave Connector	General class of Coax Connectors.									466
MIL-spec Circular Conn	Industry-standard rugged latched Circular Connector for aerospace applications.									496
Millivolt Drop	Voltage drop across mated contacts while carrying a specified current due to the Contact Resistance.									128
Mini D Ribbon Connector			Industry-standard D-shell exterior genderless connector smaller than a Micro-Ribbon connector.							533
Mini DIN Circular Connector					Industry-standard unlatched metal-shell Circular Connector.					495
Mini Fit Connector	{Trade - Molex} The male shroud has walls between pins. Each socket has a separate squarish shroud.									397
Mini-XLR Circular Connector							Smaller version of the XLR connector.			492
Miniature RF Cable-to-board Connector									Cable-to-board connector in computer products.	465
Miniflex Connector	{Coined} Industry-standard ribbon-wire-to-board connector with two rows of staggered contacts.									393
Misalignment	See Connector Misalignment.									103
Misalignment Accommodation						{Coined} The ability of a connector to work well with a Misaligned mate.				103
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.									89
	Placement of a component on a PCB in the wrong position.									60
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									538
Modular Frame	Holder that accepts various Inserts in a Drawer Connector.									596
	See Keystone Plate.									602
	Holder that accepts various Inserts in a Heavy-duty Connector.									591
Modular Terminal Block	Terminal block composed of slices.									260
Module	Brick-sized, tall, enclosed assembly intended to be stacked vertically, in parallel with other modules.									189
Module Crate	Box open at the front that accepts multiple Modules stacked vertically.									189
Module Potting	Electronic assembly ruggedized by enclosing in compound with exposed Connectors.									631
Molded Plug	Connector on a cable that is molded to the cable after termination.									189
Molex Connector	{Street} See Pin-and-socket Connector.									394
Monolithic Terminal Block			Terminal block a single housing. Contrast with Modular Terminal Block.
Monopolar Connector	See Unipole Connector.									435
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.									510
Mount	Installation method of a connector, such as PCB or bulkhead, or even in-line (no mount).									40
Mounting Hole	Hole in a Housing for fasteners to secure a Component to a PCB or panel.
Mouth	See Bell Mouth.									212
Multi-conductor	See Control Cable.									684
Multi-port	See Combo Connector.									106

as in pneumonia

N-m	See Newton-meter.
N-type Connector	Classic industry-standard Coax Connector.		472
Nail Pin	Plain round PCB Terminal.		218
Naked-pin Connector	{Coined} Male mate has a single shroudless pin (e.g., Banana Connector).		433
Nano Circular Connect.	Minimalist Circular Connector for medical devices. See also Micro Circular Connector.		516
Nano-D Connector	Industry-standard D-shell gendered connector.		537
NEMA Type A, B	AC Power Connectors used in North America for home electrical appliances.		562
NEMA Twistlock Conn.	A range of industry-standard high-power AC Power Connectors used in North America.		569
Nest	See Anvil Die.		623
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.		239
Newton-meter	Units of torque.
Nick	Partial cut into a wire strand or a wire insulation.		618
Nipple	See Gas Inlet.		477
	Protrusion on an alkaline battery cell’s positive terminal.
NMEA 2000 Circular C.	Data bus used in vessels. Uses an M12 IEC Circular Connector.		510
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	See Complementary Connectors. Contrast with Self-mating Connector.		22
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.		65
Nuclear Radiation Conn.	Circular Connector hardened for use in a radioactive environment, operated by robots.		525
Number of Circuits	Number of electrical Nodes that go through an Interconnect.		38
Number of Contact Cavities		Number of position in an Interconnect that accepts Insertable Contacts. Otherwise, zero.	38
Number of Contacts	Actual number of Contacts that an Interconnect has (some positions could be empty).		38
Number of Positions	Maximum number of contacts that an Interconnect can have (some Positions could be empty).		38
Numbering	See Position Numbering.		84
Nut	Fastener that is threaded on a screw
	Author of this book.
	Used for termination to a Junction Block.		250
	See Coupling Nut.		116

as in one

O-Ring	Ring of resilient material used as part of environmental sealing.	122
Offset Tongue Terminal	A terminal whose tongue is stepped down to a plane lower than the plane of the wire barrel.	212
Ohm	Measurement units for resistance and impedance.
Ohmmeter	Test instrument to measure resistance.
On-panel Mount	Component mounted only on one side of a panel. Contrast with Bulkhead Mount.	67
Open Barrel	Crimp barrel into whose opening a wire is placed and crimped. Contrast with Closed Barrel.	52
Open Bottom Socket	A pin can go through the Socket Contact and come out the other end.	220
Open Entry Contact	Socket contact that can’t prevent the insertion of an over-sized pin. Contrast with Closed Entry Socket.	73
Open Frame IC socket	DIP IC Socket with no plastic between the rows,	307
Optic Fiber	A single thin plastic, silica or glass pipe core. Contrast with Fiber Optic Cable.	601
Orthogonal Connector	Board-to-board Connector that connects a vertical PCB to a horizontal one in front of it.	371
Orthogonal Topology	A vertical PCB is in front of a horizontal one.	173
Outlet	A Receptacle that provides AC or DC electrical power.	555
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.	64
Over Compression	Force that deforms a Contact such it cannot recover its shape.
Oxidation	See Corrosion.	45

as in phone

P Circular Connector

See CNR01 Connectors.

502

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.

432

Pads

See PCB pads.

Panel Mount

See On-panel Mount and Bulkhead Mount.

Panel Barrier Block

Barrier Block mounted flush on a panel. Contrast with PCB Barrier Block.

251

Panel Mount Terminal

Terminal mounted on a panel (e.g., Solder Lug).

222

Panel Mount Terminal Block

Terminal Block mounted flush on a panel. Contrast with Feedthrough Terminal Blocks.

258

Parallel Clamp

Mechanical connector that joins two large-gauge uninsulated wires side-by-side.

238

Parallel Mate Connector

{Coined} Wire-to-board connector. Right-angle plug. Header is flat against PCB.

408

Parallel Splice

Terminal to join two or more conductors permanently, in which the conductors lie parallel and adjacent.

229

Parallel Board-to-board Topology

See Mezzanine Topology.

165

Pareidolia

The human tendency to perceive a human facial expression when looking at an Interconnect.

Partitioned Face Connector

{Coined} The male shroud has walls between each pin. Each socket has a separate shroud.

Passive Fastening

See Friction Fastening. Contrast with Self-latching Connector.

107

Passive Intermodulation

Unwanted harmonics generated in a Coax Connector that carries many channels.

134

Passive Latch Coupling

{Misnomer: not a latch, not coupling} See Friction Fastening.

107

Patch Bay

A panel with an array of equally-spaced receptacles, such as for audio of video.

475

Patch Cord

Cable assembly with two identical plugs on its ends, used on a patch panel.

Patch Panel

See Patch Bay.

475

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.

251

PCB Card

See Card.

312

PCB Clip

PCB-mounted clips into which you snap a device other than a cell or fuse.

338

PCB Header

PCB connector that mates to a Plug. Usually Male.

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.

PCB Pads

Small copper disks, rectangles, or rings around a hole, onto which a component is soldered.

PCB Pattern

See Footprint.

610

PCB Pin

Thin terminal mounted on a PCB

218

PCB Pin Strip

See Shroudless Pin Header.

355

PCB Post

See PCB Pin.

218

PCB Socket

PCB-mounted terminal that receives a pin.

220

PCB Socket Strip

See Shroudless Socket Header.

356

PCB Spring

Spiral or solenoid spring mounted to a PCB to contact a front panel for a touch switch function.

344

PCB Spring Leaf

Folder flat spring mounted on a PCB that touches a conductive surface.

344

PCB Stackers

See Shroudless Stacker.

356

PCB Tail

See PCB Terminal.

PCB Terminal

Metal pins, leads, or surfaces on a component that are soldered to a PCB.

PCB Terminal Arrangement

The pattern, pitch, and row spacing of PCB Terminals.

PCB Terminal Block

Single-piece Terminal Block with a row of Wire Cages and PCB Terminals.

267

PCB Terminal Length

Length of a PCB pin in a through-hole component

PCB Terminal Pattern

See Footprint.

610

PCB Terminal Pitch

The center-to-center distance between adjacent PCB terminals in a row in a PCB component.

PCB Terminal Rows

A straight line of PCB terminals.

PCB Test Loop

Round PCB-mounted terminal that accepts a test clip’s hook, for temporary testing.

220

Peckerhead

Wiring terminals inside a mid-size motor. (Never mind the other, vulgar meaning.)

249

Peephole

See Inspection Hole.

236

Peg

See Alignment Peg.

595

See Locating Peg.

Penetrator

Bulkhead Mount circular Interconnect for permanent wiring across a barrier (e.g., under water).

242

Perfboard

Prototyping insulating sheet with a holes in a grid. Or, PCB with pads and holes in a grid.

689

Permanent Termination

Termination to a component meant to remain in place. Removal damages the Interconnect or wire.

Perpendicular Board-to-board Topology

See Backplane Topology.

170

Phone Connector

Industry-standard concentric connector with cylindrical contacts in a line.

445

Phono Connector

Industry-standard concentric 2-circuit connector used in consumer entertainment products.

450

Photovoltaic Connector

See Solar Panel Connector.

440

Pick & Place

PCB assembly technology for SMD components.

403

Pick & Place Cap/Clip

Clip on a straight SMD connector. Allows a pick & place machine to lift it. Removed after assembly.

611

Piercing

See Insulation Piercing.

Piercing Crocodile Clip

Test Clip with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation.

206

Piercing Splice

See B-wire Piercing Splices.

229

Piercing Test Clip

Grabber Clip with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation.

206

Piercing Test Fixture Grabber

Clamp mounted on a panel with a Bed of Needles to pierce the wire insulation.

207

Pigtail

A single wire of a given length, with a single terminal on one end.

See Loose Pin.

221

See PCB Pin.

218

See PCB Terminal.

See Pin Contact.

Pin And Sleeve Connector

Industry-standard high-power AC Power Connector.

570

Pin And Socket Connector

Classic rectangular Wire-To-Board Connector with formed contacts in a Nylon housing.

394

Unipole interior connector that uses the same contacts as a rectangular Pin-and-socket connector.

436

Pin Contact

Male contact that is inserted in a matching socket contact. Contrast with Genderless Contact.

Pin Grid Array Package

IC package with a grid of pins below the IC.

309

Pin Number

See Position Marker.

Pin Strip

Male Shroudless Strip.

355

Pincer Grabber Clip

Test clip with a button on the back. When pressed two thin spring exit the tip to grab a pin.

206

Pinout

List of functions for each circuit for a connector.

Pitch, Bilevel

See Bilevel Pitch.

Pitch, PCB Terminal

See PCB Terminal Pitch.

Pitch, Mating

See Mating Pitch.

Pitch, Rail-mount Terminal Blocks

The width of a slice.

264

Pitch, Termination

See Termination Pitch.

Plastic Power Connector

Semi-standard plastic Circular Connectors for high current.

515

Plated-Through Hole

PCB hole with conductive walls connecting pads on opposite sides of the PCB.

Plating

See Contact Plating.

Play

Range of movement of a120 Contact within a Connector Housing.

Range of movement of a Drawer Connector within its Floating Mount.

595

PLCC Socket

Socket for an IC in a PLCC package.

308

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.

Pluggable Europa Style Strip

Two- piece (male/female) Terminal Block with individual sections with a square cross-section.

260

Pluggable Terminal Block

Two-piece Terminal Block. Usually female Plug and usually male PCB Header.

269

Single piece: see Card Edge Terminal Blocks.

322

Plunger

The spring-loaded pin in a Pogo pin.

341

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.

376

Pogo Pin

Single PCB terminal with a spring-loaded plunger. Contrast with Test Fixture Probes.

341

Pogo Pin Header

Interconnect with several Pogo Pins. Mates to matching conductors or a Spring Loaded Target.

341

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.

A stripped wire inserted in a hole is grabbed by a leg spring. Includes a release button.

Poke-In Board-In Header

A set of poke-in PCB terminals for direct multiple wire-to-PCB connections.

287

Poke-In Board-In Terminal

Poke-in PCB terminal for a direct single wire-to-PCB connection.

285

Poke In Splice

Wire splice into which stripped wires are inserted and grabbed by a leg spring.

230

Polarity

See Electrical Polarity: center positive vs center negative.

See Family Polarity: shrouded male vs. shrouded female.

Polarization

Features that minimize ways two matched parts may be mismated. Contrast with keying, Conforming.

Polarized

Connector that can only be inserted in the correct orientation.

Polarizing Peg, Pin

See Key.

Polarizing Slot

Any cavity into which a key fits to provide polarization.

Notch in a Card into which a coding key in a Card Edge Socket fits.

316

Pole

See Circuits

556

My favorite customer.

Positioner

See Locator.

623

Port

See Data I/O Port. Contrast with Connector.

Portable Cord

Cable for extension cords and the flexible and often detachable power cords for appliances.

684

Position

A spot on a multi-circuit Interconnect that has or can accept a contact. Some positions may be empty.

Position Arrangement

See Contact Arrangement.

Position Cavity

See Contact Cavity.

Position Count

See Number of Positions

Position Marker

Embossed or printed numbers, letters, or symbols to indicate the Position Number.

Position Number

The number (or letter) assigned by the manufacturer to a specific position.

Position Numbering

The path along which position numbers advance.

Positive Latch

See Self-latching Connector.

107

Positive Lock Disconnects

{Trade -TE} Male quick-connect disconnects with an integral latch.

430

Post

See Binding Post.

221

See Junction Post.

249

See Feedthrough Post.

249

See Wire-wrap Post.

218

See Battery Post.

306

Pin with square cross-section.

The male header in a backplane (Post and Box) connector pair.

355

Post and Box

{Rare} Shroudless Strips when used as Board-To-Board Connectors.

355

{Rare} Plain prismatic Connectors when used as Board-To-Board Connectors.

387

Potting Boot

Soft tube installed on back of MIL-spec Circular Connector, filled with potting material, heat shrunk.

496

Potting Boot Ring

Screwed on the back of a MIL-spec Circular Connector. A Potting Boot snaps on back of ring,

496

Potting Compound

Two-part mix poured into a mold with a PCB assembly or the back of a plug and allowed to cure.

631

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.

554

Power DIN Connector

Industry-standard unlatched metal shell Circular Connector used as DC Coupler.

496

Power Distribution Terminal Block

Panel-mounted terminal block with wire cages for large-gauge wires.

261

Power Earth Contact

Contact in an AC Power Connector dedicated to the connection to Earth.

Power Entry Module

Module with an AC power inlet, plus a switch, fuse holder and fuse, filter, or LEDs.

575

Power Handling

Maximum power that a Coaxial Cable can carry.

459

Maximum power that a Coax Connector can carry.

458

Power Inlet

Receptacle that accepts AC power, such as an Appliance Coupler.

572

Receptacle that accepts DC power, such as a DC Coupler.

578

Power Outlet

Receptacle that delivers AC power such as Wall Outlet

555

Power Supply

Converter from AC power to DC (e.g., AC power adapter).

573

Power Tool Battery Connector

Board-To-Board Connectors. Blades on the power tool and quad leaf sockets in the battery.

425

Powerlock Connector

High-power unipole for AC power distribution.

438

Powerpole Connector

{Trade - Anderson Power} Self-mating, genderless, interlocking, Unipole Connector for AC power.

437

Precharge

Slow charge of a load capacitor from a battery to avoid a spark at the moment of direct connection.

Preload Force

The initial force required to start pressing a Pogo Pin.

341

The initial force required to start pressing a preloaded Spring Leaf terminal.

344

Press-Fit Connector

Rectangular Connector Pressed into a PCB. Makes contact without soldering.

611

Press-Fit Compliance

The resilience of a Press-fit PCB terminal that allows it to squeeze in a Plated Through Hole.

Press-Fit Peg

Resilient posts in a PCB component. Inserted into PCB hole to retain it.

Press-Fit Mount

Installing an Interconnect with resilient contacts into a through-hole PCB without soldering.

Press-Fit PCB Terminal

Solderless resilient PCB terminal inserted into a plated-through PCB hole to grab it and contact to it.

Solderless solid PCB terminal inserted into a plated-through PCB hole to deform it and contact to it.

Press-Fit Threaded Terminal

PCB terminal with a threaded rod or bore that is pressed into holes in a board deforming them.

217

Pressure Connection

The contact method used by Compression Interconnects.

339

Pressure Welding Bar

Chinese mistranslation. See Wire crimping.

623

Printed Circuit Board

(PCB) An insulated board with copper traces and pads. Electronic components are soldered to it.

689

Printed Wiring Board

(PWB) See Printed Circuit Board.

689

Prismatic Connector

Rectangular wire-to-board connector. Plug is a plain black box similar to Shroudless Plugs.

387

Probe

Contact at the tip of a meter probe.

204

See Test Fixture Probes.

342

Profile Height

A Component’s height above a PCB. See Mated Height.

403

Programming Jumper/Shunt

Small single-circuit loose female component used to short two pins in a shroudless Pin Strip.

358

Prong

Male contact is an AC Power Connector

555

Protocol

The complete set of electrical, mechanical, and communication rules that define a port.

Public Address Connect.

Connector used in stage productions.

527

Pull Out Force

See Wire Pull Out Force.

616

Pull Tab

Handle on a connector that help unmate it.

Pull Test

Test of the quality of a wire or cable termination.

616

Pull-to-seat

Automotive Connector whose Contacts are inserted from the front.

655

Punch Down Block

Panel with many interconnected insulation displacement blades for wiring Landlines.

241

Push-Pull Fastening

See Friction Fastening.

111

Push-Pull Latching

Self-latching Connector that the user releases unconsciously when pulling on a sleeve.

114

Push-Push Fastening

Self-latching computer card socket that is released by pushing the card further in (like a pen).

333

Push-Twist Latching

Self-latching Connector released by twisting a ring.

114

Push-Button Latching

Self-latching Connector released by pressing a button.

114

PVC Strip

See Europa-style Terminal Strip.

259

如 Qian

Quarter Inch Jack	See Phone Connector.	445
Quick Connect Disconnect	Terminal that mates in family whose tongue is a tab.	430
Quick Spring Terminal Block	{Coined} Like an Europa-style Terminal Strip but with Button Release instead of screws.	260

como no Rio de Janeiro

Raceway	Enclosed conduit for electrical wiring.
Rack	Tall cabinet that accepts 19 inch wide product (shelves).								189
Rack And Panel Connectors				See Drawer Connector.					595
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.								435
Rail	See DIN Rail.
Rail Mount Terminal Block			Slices with Wire Cages snapped together and onto a DIN Rail.						263
Railway Connector	Rugged Unipole Connector used in trains.								439
	Rugged Circular Connector used in trains								523
Ramp	See Friction Fastening.								111
RAST Card Edge Plug	Plug terminated to wires or cable and plugged to the edge of a PCB in a Home Appliance.								321
RAST Connector	Plug and PCB header for a Home Appliance								414
Raster	See Mating Pitch.								84
Ratcheting Crimp Tool	Hand tool that closes in steps and cannot be released until the crimp is complete.								623
Ratings	Range of electrical, mechanical, and environmental conditions within which the component operates.								126
RC Bullet Connector	Single-circuit high-current naked pin connector developed for batteries in radio control models.								435
RC Model Connector	Selection								180
	Signal, rectangular wire-to-wire								388
	High current, for batteries.								422
RCA Connector	See Phono Connector.								450
Readout	Whether a Card Edge Socket mates with both sides of a Card or only one.								313
Rear Accessories	See Back Shell.								487
Rear Contact Release	Connector with Insertable Contacts released by inserting a tool into holes in the wire entry side.								673
Rear Jam Mount	Bulkhead Mount interconnect inserted from the outside and secured on the inside with a Jam Nut.								67
Rear Panel Mount	Bulkhead Mount interconnect inserted from the inside. Contrast with Front Panel Mount.								67
Rear Plug Up	Shroud on the bottom side of a Hard Metric connector to convert its PCB terminals into male pins.								380
Rear Seal	An Environmental Seal at the Termination End of a connector.								121
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.								629
Rectangular Connector	Interior Connectors with a generally rectangular Mating Face.								359
Rectangular Tongue Terminal						See Blade Tongue Terminal.			215
Reducing Adapter	Accessory that allows a UHF plug to use cables of various diameters.								481
Reflection Coefficient	The percentage of the RF power that is reflected back to the source. Ideally, 0 %.								133
Reflow Oven	Solders surface mount components at an assembly house.
Registered Jack	See Modular Connector.								538
Relay Socket	Socket for an electromechanical relay: an electrically operated switch.								336
Removable Termination	Termination to an Interconnect that can be easily undone with no damage to either.								54
Removal Tool	See Extraction Tool.								462
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.								58
Retention PCB Terminal	PCB Terminal that grabs onto the PCB hole and retains the connector until soldered.								60
Retention Force	Force that keeps connector mated, such as by static friction.								105
Return Loss	The radio (In dB) of the RF power that is reflected back to the source. Ideally, ∞ dB.								133
Reverse Bayonet Coupling		Like bayonet coupling, except that inward studs are inside the ring and slots are in the mate.							116
Reverse Gender Connectors					See Reverse Polarity Connectors.				94
Reverse Thread Connectors					Round connector with threaded coupling with a counter-clockwise thread.				462
Reverse Polarity Connectors					Connectors whose Family Polarity is opposite compared to the standard version Connectors.				94
Rewirable	See Field Attachable.								23
RF Automotive Conn.	Automotive connector for Radio Frequency, either a FAKRA coax, or rectangular.								418
RF Connector	See Coax Connector.								453
	Rectangular Automotive Connector for Radio Frequency use.								418
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.								685
Ribbon Cable Guide, Holder			A plastic piece snapped to a PCB into which a Ribbon Cable is inserted.						603
Ribbon Cable Jumper	A short length of Ribbon Cable with Stripped and Tinned ends suitable for direct soldering to two PCBs.								685
Ribbon Cable Mass Termination								See Mass Terminated Connector.	390
Ribbon Cable Socket	Socket soldered to a PCB. A stripped Ribbon Cable is plugged into it, and removable.								335
Ribbon Cable Trap	Permanent Board-in Interconnect. Soldered to a PCB. A stripped Ribbon Cable is inserted into it.								288
Right-angle Connector	Receptacle whose mating face is parallel to its mounting plane. Contrast with Straight Connector.								62
	Plug whose wires or cable enter from the side (instead of in the same axis as the mating).								47
Right-angle Terminal	PCB terminal whose mating end is parallel to its mounting plane.								60
	Wire terminal whose back end is at right angle with the mating end.								212
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).								213
Rolled Contact	Insertable connector contact manufactured with rollers								76
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.		685
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.					396
Row	See Mating Face Rows								85
	See PCB Terminal Rows.								62
	See Termination Rows.								57
Row Spacing	Distance between rows of positions on a connector’s mating face.								85
	Distance between rows of PCB terminals.								62
	Distance between rows of Wire Terminations.								57
RS-232	Point-to-point un balanced data link protocol. Often uses a D-sub connector.								533
RS-485	Multi-point balanced data link protocol. Often uses a terminal block.								253
Rubber Connectors	Unipole Connectors for underwater use.								436
	Circular Connectors for underwater use.								524

as in psychic

SAE J560 Connector

Industry-standard 7-position Circular Connector for cables between a vehicle and its trailer.

522

SAE J1239 Connector

Hermaphrodite connector based on bullet disconnects.

419

Safety Disconnect

Jumper plug removed from a battery to disable it for safety. May include a fuse.

424

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.

421

SATA Connector

Industry-standard Hot-pluggable Connector.

420

SB Battery Connector

Self-mating, genderless forklift battery power connector. Anderson Power.

579

SCART Connector

French video connector.

548

Schematic Diagram

See Electrical Schematic Diagram.

609

Schuko Connector

German CEE 7 type 3 and 4 AC Power Connectors.

561

Scoop Proof Connector

Connector that is not damaged by scooping.

490

Scooping

Rotating a Circular Connector until it finds the correct orientation and drops in.

490

Screw

Used for termination to a Barrier Block.

250

Used for Screw Fastening.

116

Screw Coupling

Turning a screw in the center of the plug brings the mates together and finally secures them.

120

Screw Fastening

After Connectors are mated, they are secured with screws.

116

Screw Machined Contact

See Machined Contact

Screw Terminal

Board-mounted terminal. A single wire or ring terminal is secured by a screw.

217

Screw Terminal Block

See Terminal Block. Contrast with Screw Terminal (single) and Barrier Block (no wire cages).

253

Screwless Terminal Block

Terminal block that closes the Wire Cage with an actuator.

253

Seal

See Environmental Seal.

122

Sealing Gland

See Cable Gland.

603

Sealing Grommet

A Grommet that also seals the cable entry.

603

Sealing Plug

Plug installed in an unused contact cavity to maintain the Environmental Seal.

121

Seamless Barrel

Crimp Barrel in a Tubular Compression Lug manufactured from an extruded tube.

236

Section

A group of contacts in a multiple-section Card Edge Socket.

312

Selective Loading

Keying a Connector by skipping some Contacts.

Selective Plating

Plating limited to the Contact Area.

Self-Latching Connector

Connector whose Latch snaps closed when mated and must be manually released before unmating.

107

Self-Latching Contact

Contact that includes a Latch. Snaps closed when mated. Manually released before unmating.

113

Self-Mate Connector

Board-to-board Connector that mates to an identical part.

378

Hermaphroditic coplanar Board-to-board Connector with blades that mates to an identical part.

384

Power-pole connector.

437

Forklift battery power connector: see SB Connector.

579

Self-Mating Connectors

Connector that mates to a part that is completely identical to it. Contrast with Complementary Connectors.

Self-Mating Hermaphrodite

{Coined} Self Mating Connector Family in which each mate has both pins and sockets.

Self-Mating Genderless

{Coined} Self Mating Connector Family in which each mate has neither pins nor sockets.

Self-Tapping Connector

See Insulation Displacement Connector.

Sensor Connector

Wire-to-board connector. The PCH header accepts multiple plugs from sensors.

424

Separable Interconnect

Connector or Socket that mates and can be easily unmated.

Sequential Mating

Ground contacts are longer so that they make a connection first, before the signal contacts.

420

Serrated Pin

PCB terminal with saw-blade indentations for retention onto the PCB hole.

Serrations

Small grooves inside a crimp Barrel to increase retention and reduce contact resistance.

Service Rating

See Ratings.

126

Sexless Connector

See Genderless Connector.

Sexless Contact

See Genderless Contact.

SFP Connector

Industry-standard Hot-pluggable Connector.

421

Shank

Cylindrical or rod-like portion of a connector or contact.

Shear Bolt Connector

Permanent in-line wire splice for large-gauge uninsulated wires.

238

Sheath

See Cable Sheath.

684

Sheet Metal Contacts

See Formed Contacts.

Shell

The rear, outer member of a multi-part connector housing.

487

Shell Size

Code for the size of the metal shield in a MIL-spec Circular Connector.

496

Code for the size of the metal shield in a D-shell connector.

532

Shield

Outer metal layer surrounding the center contact in a Coaxial Cable.

687

Outer metal layer surrounding the wires in a Shielded Cable.

684

Metal sheet surrounding a component to reduce Electromagnetic Interference.

135

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.

444

Shield Coverage

Percentage of a coaxial/shielded cable covered by the shield. Foil provides 100%. Braid a bit less.

687

Shield Diameter

Inner diameter of the shield in a Coax Connector’s Mating Face. Contrast with Mating Diameter.

461

Shield/Fastener Separation

{Coined} Characteristic of Coax Connectors. Whether the fastener is also the shield.

460

Shield Terminal

PCB terminal that connects an electronic component’s Shield to the Ground in the PCB.

Shielded Cable

Multiple wires in a tubular Shield and a sheath. May be shielded. Contrast with Coaxial Cable.

684

Shielding

Conductive item surrounding a circuit to reduce susceptibility to and emission of EMI.

135

Shielding Material

Component or supply of conductive material that provides Shielding.

345

Shore Power

Stationary AC power outlet for docked vessels or parked vehicles.

Shorting Plug

See Programming Jumper.

358

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.

Shroud Polarity

The gender of the Shrouded Connector. I.e., shrouded male or shrouded female.

Shrouded Connector

Connector with walls on the perimeter of its mating face that encompass its mate.

Shrouded Female

Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is Female and the Enshrouded Mate is Male.

Shrouded Groove

{Coined} Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is a Groove Connector.

Shrouded Hermaphrodite

Complementary Family in which the Shrouded Mate has both Pins and Sockets.

Shrouded Male

Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is Male and the Enshrouded Mate is Female.

Shrouded Mate

{Coined} A connector that envelops its Enshrouded Mate.

Shrouded Header

Any PCB header other than a Shroudless Strip.

Shrouded Tongue

{Coined} Connector Family in which the Shrouded Mate is a Tongue Connector.

Shrouding

{Coined} The Dimorphism of a Shrouded Mate and its Enshrouded Mate.

Shroudless Connector

PCB pin strips and socket strips and shroudless plugs (either gender) that can mate to them.

349

Shroudless Genderless

{Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, mates have neither pins nor sockets.

Shroudless Gonochoric

{Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, and one mate has pins and the other has sockets.

Shroudless Hermaphrodite

{Coined} Connector Family, no shrouds, and each mate has both pins and sockets.

Shroudless PCB Header

A shroudless PCB Pin Strip or a Shroudless Strip.

355

Shroudless PCB Pin Strip

Single-or multiple row of pins in a wafer suitable for PCB mounting.

355

Shroudless PCB Socket Strip

Single-or multiple row of sockets in a housing with PCB terminals.

356

Shroudless Plug

Single or two-row crimp plug with a plain black box housing, either gender. Mates to PCB strips.

357

Shroudless Stacker

Tall male-to-male PCB strip with two wafers for board-to-board connections at a specified height.

356

Shroudless Strip

{Coined} PCB pin strip, PCB socket strip, PCB stacker, plug for them, and programming jumpers.

349

Shroudless Two Piece Terminal Block

Terminal block female plug and Shroudless Strip.

279

Shunt

Comb-shaped accessory that shorts multiple rail-mounted terminal blocks.

266

Metal plate that shorts across two screws in a barrier block

252

Metal plate that shorts across two binding posts.

221

See Programming Jumper.

358

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.

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.

406

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.

319

Simplex

Fiber optic cable or connector with a single fiber.

601

Single Circuit Connector

{Coined} Connectors such as Disconnects, Banana, and Unipole.

427

Single Crimp/Grip

Crimp Barrel with a single set of wings just for the wire core. Contrast to Double-crimp.

Single-Ended Terminal Strips

{Coined} Strip of single-circuit Wire Cage terminals with only one wire entry.

260

Single Readout

Card Edge Socket that mates to only one side of the Card.

313

Single Wall Connectors

{Coined} Rectangular single-row Wire-to-board Connectors whose PCB headers have a single wall.

400

SKEDD

Industry-standard technology for plugs that mate directly to PCB pads.

347

Skookum

(Slang) Strong and impressive manufacturing or service tool.

623

Sleeve

See Insulating Sleeve.

441

See Self-latching Fastening.

107

See Pin-and-sleeve Connector.

570

The last contact in a Phone Connector.

444

See Socket Contact Sleeve.

See Crimp Sleeve.

229

Slice

An individual section in a Modular Panel-Mount Terminal Block.

260

An individual section in a DIN Rail Terminal Block.

263

Slider FFC socket

PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by pushing in an actuator.

331

Slim Connector

{Coined} Semi-standard self-latching metal-shell Unipole Connector. Thin and sexy.

436

{Coined} Semi-standard self-latching metal-shell Circular Connector. Thin and sexy.

511

Slip Off

See Pick & place Clip.

611

Slot

See Keyway.

Open or closed gap that matches a key in the mate.

See Slotted Terminal.

218

See Polarizing Slot.

Slotted Ring Terminal

Tongue Terminal with a round tongue and an opening on the front.

213

Slotted Terminal

Board-in Terminal with a horizontal gap between two vertical posts. For soldering wires.

285

SMA Microwave Conn.

Industry-standard threaded Coax Connector for microwaves.

468

SMB Microwave Conn.

Industry-standard push-pull Coax Connector for microwaves.

469

Smooth Bore

Microwave Coax Connector with pure friction fastening (no snap).

470

Snap Disconnect

Simple single-circuit connector used on 9 V batteries and medical surface electrodes.

433

Snap Fit Mount

Retention of a Bulkhead Mount 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.

330

Snap-In Pegs

See Pegs

Snap-On Fastening

When mating, the connector snap into place. To unmate, pull harder to overcome the snap point.

112

Snap Strip

Breakaway pin strip PCB Header.

355

Socapex Connector

{Trade - Amphenol} Circular Connector used in stage performances.

575

Socket

PCB-mounted socket terminal: see PCB Socket.

220

Contact in a connector: see Socket Contact.

AC power outlet: see AC Power Outlet.

557

Accepts a component other than an Interconnect: See Device Socket.

289

Socket Contact

Female contact into which a matching Pin Contact is inserted. Contrast with Genderless Contact.

Socket Contact Compliance

A socket contact’s ability to widen as a pin in inserted, and restore its shape when it’s extracted.

Socket Contact Sleeve

Sleeve around a Socket Contact that keeps it from opening too wide is the pin is too big.

Socket Strip

Female Shroudless Strip.

356

Socket Terminal

Wire terminal whose mating end is a Socket Contact.

216

Board terminal whose mating end is a Socket Contact.

220

SOIC ZIF Socket

Zero Insertion Force socket for a SMD IC in a SOIC package

308

Solar Panel Connector

Unipole Connector for photovoltaic panels, such as MC4.

440

Solder (noun)

Alloy of metals such as tin and lead with low melting temperature.

620

Solder (verb)

The act of connecting metals with Solder.

620

Solder Barrel

Wiring end of a contact or terminal for soldering a wire. Contrast with Crimp Barrel.

Solder Cup

Wire termination with a cavity into which a wire is inserted and soldered.

285

Solder Eyelet

A terminal in a non-PCB-mounted component for soldering a single wire to.

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.

222

Solder Mask

A coating that keeps solder from contacting selected areas on a PCB during manufacturing.

Solder Pot

Cup of molten Solder.

620

Solder Tail

A post used as a PCB Terminal.

Solder Terminal

Any terminal that is soldered to a wire. Contrast with Crimp Terminal.

222

Solder Terminal Strip

See Terminal Strip.

240

Solder Termination

Soldering a Wire to a Component.

620

Soldering a Component to a PCB

631

Solder Wetting

The extent of a film of solder over conductors that have been soldered.

620

Solder Wicking

Capillary flow of solder on wire strands beyond the soldered area.

620

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.

689

Solderless Contact

Crimp termination.

Solderless Terminal

See Crimp Terminal.

212

Solderless Termination

Wire termination that connects and retains a wire through mechanical means (e.g., crimping, poke-in).

Solderless Wrap

See Wire Wrap Termination.

Solid State Lighting Connector

Shroudless strips designed specifically for the LED lighting industry.

356

Rectangular Connectors designed specifically for the LED lighting industry.

425

Circular Connectors designed specifically for the LED lighting industry.

517

Solid Wire

Wide composed of a single Wire Strand. Contrast with Stranded Wire.

682

SP Plastic Circular Connector

Semi-standard threaded plastic-shell Circular Connector. Black with blue coupling ring.

515

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.

130

See Row Spacing.

Spade Terminal

See Fork Terminal.

213

{Street} See Quick-connect Disconnect.

Span

Center-to-center distance between the first and last position within a Row in a connector.

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.

527

Specs/Specifications

Document from the component manufacturer specifying Ratings and dimensions.

126

Spindle Coupling

A knob at the back of the plug rotates a large screw that brings the mates together and secures them.

120

Splice

See Wire Splice.

223

Mating of two Optic Fibers.

601

Splicing Mechanical Connectors

Large uninsulated Interconnects that join two large AC power cables.

238

Split Bolt

Large bolt with a gap along the middle. Splices two wires side-by-side.

238

Split Peg

See Press-Fit Peg.

Splitter

See Coax Splitter.

480

Spot Welding

Join conductors at a single point by melting them together with heat from a high current pulse.

Spring

See Compression Interconnect.

339

See Contact Spring.

See Finger Stock.

346

See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal.

344

See PCB Spring.

344

See Contact Locking Barb.

See PCB Spring Terminal.

344

See Quick-Spring Terminal Block.

260

Spring Fastening

After Connectors are mated, they are secured with a wide spring on the side side or two end springs.

116

Spring Finger

Spring leaves on a connector’s mating face to connect the two mate’s shields.

See Finger Stock.

346

Spring Leaf Contact

See Shielding Materials.

345

See PCB Spring Leaf Terminal.

344

Spring Leaf Header

Interconnect with s several Spring Leaves that contacts matching pads or a Spring-loaded Target.

345

Spring Leaf Terminal

Single PCB terminal with a flat spring that contacts a conductive surface.

344

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.

345

Spring Socket

Socket that includes a spring contact.

Stack (noun)

See Board Stack.

356

Stack (verb)

The placement of two or more Cards or stacking Connectors on top of each other.

356

See End-stackable Connector.

124

Stackable Connector

Quick-connect Disconnect whose back end can accept another plug.

430

See Interlocking Connectors.

125

Stackable Plug

Banana plug with a male on the front end a socket on the back end.

433

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.

106

Stacker

See Shroudless Stacker.

356

Stacking Banana Plug

Banana plugs with a socket of the back end that accepts another male banana plug.

433

Stacking Connector

Straight Board-to-board Connector with two mating faces, one above the PCB and one below.

356

Stacking Header

See Shroudless Stacker.

356

Stacking Height

Face to face distance between two parallel PCBs.

368

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.

162

Stamped Contacts

Contacts made by stamping and bending sheet metal rather than by the machining of metal stock.

Standoff

Threaded Spacer.

An extension at the bottom of an 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.

Straddle Mount

Mounted on the edge of a PCB, not in a notch, facing out, terminals on either face.

Straight Connector

Receptacle with mating face perpendicular to the mounting plane. Contrast with Right-angle Connector.

Plug whose wires or cable enter from the the same axis as the mating (instead of from the side).

Straight Terminal

Board terminal whose mating end is perpendicular to the board.

217

Wire terminal whose wire enters in the same general axis as the body.

212

Strain Relief

Resilient extension of a plug or bushing that relieves the stress on the wire or cable.

Strain Relief Clamp

See Cable Clamp.

Strand

See Wire Strand.

682

Stranded Wire

Wide composed of multiple Wire Strands. Contrast with Solid Wire.

682

Stress Relief

Slack in wires and cables to isolate components from pull forces. Contrast with Strain Relief.

Strip (noun)

See Europa-style Terminal Strip.

259

See Terminal Strip.

240

See Turret Strip.

240

See Board-in PCB Solder Strip.

287

See Board-to-board Strip.

243

See Ceramic Tag Strip.

241

See LED Strip.

335

See Lead Strip.

243

See Shroudless Pin Header

355

See Shroudless Socket Header.

356

See Elastomeric Strip.

347

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.

618

Strip Length

Specified length of wire Insulation to be removed from a wire.

618

Stripe

Painted marker along a Zip Cord.

685

Stripline

Constant-impedance RF trace on the inner layer of a PCB.

611

Stripped Cable

Cable with the Sheath removed from its end to expose its Wires.

630

Stripped Wire

Wire with the insulation removed from its end to expose its Wire Core.

618

Stripper

See Wire Stripper and exotic.

618

Stripping

Wire: Removal of wire insulation.

618

Cable: See Unsheathing.

630

Stroke

The extent of the travel of a plunger in a Pogo Pin.

341

Stud

See Junction Post.

249

See Alignment Peg.

Stud Hole

Opening in a Tongue Terminal for a screw or a stud.

212

Stud Terminal

See Ring Terminal.

213

Sub-Connector

Circular Connector that contains smaller Connectors.

528

Heavy-duty Connector that contains smaller Connectors.

591

Subsea Connector

See Immersion Connector.

Subsea Penetrator

Permanent. Passes several circuits between the high-pressure and ambient-pressure sides.

242

Suction Nozzle

Tool that picks up SMDs in a pick-and-place machine.

403

Suitcase Splice

Insulation displacement Wire Splice that is isolated by closing a flap.

228

Surface Electrode Connector

Single-circuit pin and socket at the end of a wire to an adhesive pad placed on the skin.

437

Surface Electrode Terminal

Snap Disconnect that connects a wire to an adhesive pad placed on the skin.

433

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.

Swage Terminal

Terminal whose thin tubular end is inserted in a hole on a board or panel and flared to retain it.

219

Swaging

Flaring of a thin, tubular end of a swage terminal onto a panel or board.

219

Switch Socket

Socket for a manually-operated switch (rocker, microswitch, push-button).

337

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.								228
Tab		See Cut-off Tab.
		The portion of a Card that fits in a Card Edge Socket.								311
		See Weld Tab.								216
Tab Contact		See Blade Contact.								73
Tab Terminal		See Quick-connect Disconnect.								430
Tag Strip		See Ceramic Tag Strip.								241
Tail		See PCB Terminal.								60
		See Pigtail.
Tail Length		See PCB Terminal Length.								60
Tang		See contact Contact Locking Barb.								58
Tap (noun)		See T-tap.								228
		Insulated multi-tap connector.								239
		IDT Quick-connect male plug that bytes into an existing wire. A female plug is plugged into it.								430
		Adapter to convert an AC power outlet into three or more outlets.								562
		See Center Tap.
		See Fuse Tap.								300
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.								226
Tap Wire		Wire in a Balance Connector that sense the voltage of a cell in a Li-ion battery.								180
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.								335
Tape-to-wire		LED strip Connector.								354
Target		Optional Interconnect that received the touch of a Spring Leaf Header or a Pogo Pin Header.								345
TELCO Punch Down Block						See Punch Down Block.				241
Telecom RF Connector		Coax Connector designed for cell phone towers.								475
Telephone Connector		See Modular Connector.								538
		See 1/4" Phone Connector.								445
		Vintage wall plate telephone Connectors.								538
Tensile Strength		See Wire Pull-out Force.								616
Terminal		Small, single circuit Interconnect, wire or board mounted, with no housing.								209
		See PCB Terminals.								60
Terminal Block	Housing with several wire cages. Contrast with barrier block (simple screws) and Screw Terminal (single).									253
Terminal Board		Insulated panel (not a PCB) with terminals such as turrets. Vintage wiring method.								240
Terminal Junction System						Panel-mounted splices into which multiple wires terminated in sockets are inserted.				597
Terminal Lug		See Lug.
Terminal Pitch		Center-to-center distance between adjacent PCB Terminals within a row. Contrast with Mating Pitch.								84
Terminal Position Assurance						(TPA) Drawer in connector housing that can only be closed if all contacts are seated.				58
Terminal Strip		Solder Eyelets mounted to a panel-mounted Bakelite strip. Vintage wiring method.								240
Terminate		Act of making a Termination.								40
Termination		Connection between an Interconnect and wires, cables, or a PCB.								40
Termination End		Side of an Interconnect where it is terminated to wires, a cable or a PCB. Contrast with Mating Face.								40
Termination Pitch		The center-to-center distance between adjacent Wire Entries in a row in a Termination End.								57
Termination Points Per Circuit									In some Interconnects, each circuit has two or more wire entries.	56
Termination Rows		A straight line of Wire Terminations.								57
Terminator		See Coax Terminator								481
		{Coined}See Board-in Wire Terminator.								286
		{Coined}See Board-in Coaxial Cable Terminator.								288
Test Clamp		Large clamp such as ones used in car battery jumper cables.								206
Test Clip		Alligator, grabber and other clips for temporary connections.								204
Test Fixture		Device to test a PCB assembly during manufacture.								342
Test Fixture Grabber		Mounted on a panel. Grabs a wire and connects to it.								207
Test Fixture Probe		Spring-loaded plunger that contacts a PCB assembly under test. Contrast with Pogo Pin.								342
Test Loop		See PCB Test Loop.								220
Test Point		Board Terminal onto which a Test Clip or a meter probe is connected temporarily.								220
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.					425
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.								117
Threaded Ring Fastening								After Connectors are mated, ring that is screwed on to secure them.		116
Threaded Self-Locking Coupling								Threaded Coupling with a locking mechanism to prevent loosening under vibration.		117
Through Board Connector								PCB header that goes partially through a hole in the PCB and accepts a mate from below.		64
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.								67
Thunderbolt Connector		Apple proprietary data I/O port that uses the Mini-DisplayPort or USB-C connector.								546
Timer Socket		Semi-standard wire-to-device connector used in old Home Appliances with Quick-connect contacts.								413
Tin Plating		Contact Plating with tin.								76
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.								682
Tinning		See Wire Tinning.								620
Tip Connector		Test Connectors with a 2-mm diameter pin compatible with meter probes.								434
Tip Contact		The front contact in a Phone Connector Plug.								444
Tip Ring Sleeve Conn.		See Phone Connectors.								444
TNC Connector		Coax Connector typical of mid-power transceivers.								474
Tongue Connector		{Coined} Genderless Connector with a Genderless Contacts on a long middle ridge.								96
Tongue Terminal		Crimp wire terminal with a flat area at the other end: a ring, a blade, a hook, or a fork.								212
Top Mount		Placed on the component side of a PCB. Contrast with Bottom Mount
Topology		See Connection Topology.								34
		See Board-to-board Topology								368
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.								409
TQFP ZIF Socket		Socket for an IC in a TQFP package and is latched after insertion.								309
Tracer Stripe		Thin colored trace on wire insulation to distinguish it from the non-striped one of the same base color.								682
Traction Battery Conn.		High-current connector for automotive applications.								185
		High-current Rectangular Connector for automotive applications.								419
		High-current Unipole Connector for automotive applications.								435
		High-current Circular Connector for automotive applications.								522
Tractor/Trailer Conn.		See SAE J560 Connector.								522
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.								306
Transition Connector		Mass-terminated to a Ribbon Cable, then soldered to a board for a permanent Board-in connection.								287
		See Compression Connector.								238
Transmitter		Radio frequency transmitter.
Trapezoidal Connector		See D-Shell Connectors.								532
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.								684
Tri-eco Circular Conn.		{Coined} Semi-standard high-power Circular Connectors with a 3-stud reverse bayonet coupling.								513
Triaxial Connector		Coaxial Connector with two concentric shields.								478
Trident Connector		{Trade - ITT Cannon} Semi-standard large Rectangular Connector. TE makes the Metrimate.								408
Tube		A Packaging method in which Components are placed in a row in plastic tube.
Tubing		Insulated tube such as Heat Shrink Tubing.								629
Tubular Compression Lug							Heavy-duty crimp wire terminal formed from a tube.			236
Tubular Terminal Strip		{Coined} Terminal block with separate square cross-section sections, including Europa-style.								258
Tuchel Circular Connector				{Trade - Amphenol} Vintage Circular Connector with blade contacts, precursor of DIN circular.						492
Tuning Fork Contact		See Fork Contact.								73
Turned Contact		See Machined Contact.								76
Turret Base Barrier Block			Feedthrough Barrier Block with Turret Terminals on the bottom.							251
Turret Strip/Board		Plain insulating board with several Turret Terminals. For small wiring jobs without a PCB.								240
Turret Terminal		Board-mount terminal with multiple cylindrical sections. A wire may be wrapped and soldered.								219
TV Coax Connector		Coax Connector with a 75 Ohm impedance for TV aerials.								475
Twinaxial Connector		Coax Connector derivative with two center contacts side-by-side.								478
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.								569
Twist-On Splice		See Wire Nut Splice.								231
Twist Termination		{Coined} How Wire Nuts are terminated.								55
Twisted Pair		Two Wires wrapped around each other to improve immunity to differential EMI.								684
Two Piece Terminal Block					See Pluggable Terminal Block.					269
Type A Connector		AC Power Connectors used in North America (NEMA).								562
Type B Connector		AC Power Connectors used in North America (NEMA).								562
Type C Connector		AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7.								561
Type D Connector		AC Power Connectors used in South Africa.								565
Type E Connector		AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7.								561
Type F Connector		AC Power Connectors used in EU, CCE 7.								561
Type G Connector		AC Power Connectors used in the UK.								564
Type H Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Israel.								564
Type I Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Australia, Argentina.								564
Type J Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Switzerland.								565
Type K Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Denmark.								564
Type L Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Italy, Chile.								565
Type M Connector		AC Power Connectors used in South Africa.								565
Type N Connector		AC Power Connectors used in South Africa and Brazil.								566
Type O Connector		AC Power Connectors used in Thailand.								564

as in you rock!

U.fl Connector	{Trade - Hirose} Miniature cable-to-board connector. {Street} Any miniature cable-to-board connector.		465
UHF Connector	Industry-standard Coax Connector.		472
Ultrasonic Weld	Wire termination through powerful sound waves.		53
Uncladding	See Unsheathing.		630
Uncoupling	Unmating Connectors in which a coupling latch separates the mates with mechanical advantage.		107
Under-Board Connector	{Coined} Upside-down right-angle connector. It’s right-side-up wen mounted to the PCB bottom side.		65
Unfasten	Release a latch (if any) or otherwise release Connectors so they may be unmated.		107
Ungrounded	Circuit not connected to ground.
Unipolar	Single-circuit.
Unipole Connector	Single-circuit connector, usually round and exterior.		435
Unisex	See Genderless.		81
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.		107
	A connector that does not have a latch.		107
Unlatching	Releasing a Latch so that two Connectors can be Unmated.		107
Unmate	Separating two Connectors (may be preceded by Unlatching). Contrast to Mating.
Unmating Force	See Extraction Force.		105
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.		97
Unsealed	A connector that does not include an Environmental Seal.		122
Unsheathing	Removing the outer sheath around a Cable. Contrast to Stripping (single wire).		630
Unshielded	A cable or component that does not include a metal shield.
Unshrouded…	See Shroudless…		349
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.	394
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.		107
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.		540

sicut in Vniversitatis Californensis

Vacuum Connector	Circular Connector between the outside and the inside of a vacuum chamber.	525
Vacuum Feedthrough	For permanent wiring between the outside and the inside of a vacuum chamber.	242
Vacuum Pad	The horizontal area for a Pick and Place machine’s Suction Nozzle.	60
Vacuum Tube Socket	Socket for a thermionic tube (valve).	336
Waveguide	Hollow tube that conveys microwaves.	482
Waveguide Flange	Welded at the end of a Waveguide to join it to another flange.	482
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.	356
Vertically stackable	Tall right-angle PCB header that can be mounted above a standard one to get a Stacked Connector.	124
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.	615
Video Connector	Coax Connector with a 75 Ohm impedance.	475
Video Connector	Exterior connector for consumer video products.	546
Vintage Connector	See Appliance Couplers.	572
	See AC Power Connectors.	551
	Telephone.	538
Volt	Measurement units for Voltage.
Volt, Voltage	The difference in electric potential between two points.
Voltage Drop	Indirect method to measure Connection Resistance.	129
Voltmeter	Test instrument to measure voltage.

as in wrap

Wafer	Thin plastic piece that holds the pins together in a shroudless pin strip.					355
	{Street} Shrouded PCB header.					386
	{Street} Low-profile wire-to-board Rectangular Connector.					403
	{Street} Single-wall wire-to-board connector.					400
Wall	The portion of a shrouded connector that wraps around its mate.
Wall Mount	See Flange Mount.					67
Wall Outlet	Wall-mounted receptacle that delivers AC power.					555
Wall Wart	AC adapter or transformer that is plugged directly to an AC power outlet.
Wander Plug	Vintage single-circuit connector.					434
Washer	Fastener; flat disc with a hole.
Waterproof	Providing some degree of environmental Seal.					122
Waterproof Cable Junction			See Cable Junction.			242
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.					482
Waveguide Flange	Connector for waveguides.					482
Ways	See Circuits.					83
Wearable Communication Equipment					Radios carried by police and other uniformed people.	527
Weatherproof	Providing some degree of Environmental Seal.					122
Weld	Join of two metals by melting them (e.g., spot weld). Contrast with Soldering.
Welding Cable	Large gauge, flexible stranded wire.					683
Weld Tab	A terminal welded to a metal panel for grounding a wire.					216
Wet Mate Connector	Circular Connector that is mated underwater. Contrast with Dry Mate.					524
Wetting	See Solder Wetting.					620
Whisker	See Tin Whisker.
Wicking	See Solder Wicking.					620
Wings	The tabs at the end of an open crimp barrel that are folded on the wire when crimping.					52
Wiping Length	The path on the surface of a contact over which the contact point to its mate travels.					78
Wire	Conductor, either solid or composed of a group of strands, often in an isolating sleeve. See also Cable.					682
	In AC power: see Circuits.					83
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.					52
Wire Cage	Terminal with a Wire Clamp that retains a wire (possibly in a Ferrule).					54
Wire Cage Terminal	PCB-mount terminal. A single wire placed in its opening is secured with a screw.					218
Wire Clamp	Opening in a Wire Cage that retains a wire by pressing it between two plates.					54
Wire Core	Inner strands of a stranded wire or solid copper in a solid wire.					682
Wire Cutting Machine	Automated wire cutter and stripped to make Wire Assemblies.					619
Wire Diameter	The Wire Size, including any insulation, measured in mm or inches (not in AWG).					44
Wire Entry	Hole or position where a Wire is terminated on the Termination End.					44
Wire Entry Direction	The orientation of a Wire as it enters a Termination with respect to the Mating Face axis.					47
Wire Ferrule	Metal tube crimped to a wire then inserted in a wire cage.					215
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.					212
Wire Nut Splice	Wire Splice that is twisted onto the stripped ends of two or more wires.					231
Wire Pierce	See Insulation Pierce.					56
Wire Pin Terminal	Pins crimped to a wire and installed in a Wire Cage. Compare to Wire Ferrules.					215
Wire Pull Out Force	Force pulling a wire from a terminal that will not result in the termination breaking. See Pull Test.					616
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.					52
Wire Size	A measure of the diameter of a Wire including any insulation in a variety of units.					44
Wire Splice	Interconnect that joins two or more Wires.					223
Wire Stop	Mechanical obstruction at the back of a wire barrel to prevent it from protruding past it.					52
Wire Strand	Single thin wire in a stranded wire, coaxial cable shield, or braid.					682
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.					51
Wire Termination Arrangement				The pattern, pitch, row spacing, and number of entry points of Wire Termination.		56
Wire Tinning	Dipping a wire into a Solder Pot to add solder to wire strands.					620
Wire Wrap Post	A square pin for Wire Wrap Termination.					53
Wire Wrap Termination	A stripped solid wire is tightly wrapped around a square post.					53
Wire-to-board Connector		Family of Rectangular Connectors with plugs and PCB headers.				386
Wire-to-board Topology		A connection between one or more wires (or a cable) and a PCB.				35
Wire-to-wire Connector	Family of Rectangular Connectors with plugs of both genders.					410
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					39
Wiring Pitch	Center-to-center distance between adjacent wire terminations within a row. Contrast with Mating Pitch.					84
Wiring Face	Side of an Interconnect terminated to wires or a PCB. For a connector, it’s opposite the Mating Face.					39
Withdrawal Force	See Extraction Force.
Wrap Post	Post intended for Wire Wrap Termination					53
Wye Power	Four-wire three-phase AC power with a Neutral line. Contrast with Delta power.					562

as in Xerox

X-style Circular Conn.	Semi-standard general class of plastic-shell Circular Connectors.	514
XLR Circular Connector	Industry-standard metal-shell latched Circular Connector used in audio applications	491
XS Circular Connector	Industry-standard metal-shell self-latching Circular Connector	504

como en Y tu mama tambien

Yoke	Component in the clamping mechanism of a Terminal Block that compressed the wire.	54
Yoke	Component in a cable clamp that compresses the cable.

como en Zaragosa

Zebra Strip	See Elastomeric Strips.	347
Zero Insertion Force	Socket with no insertion force that is then locked in place.	328
ZIF DIP Socket	Socket for an IC or other device in a Dual In Parallel package, latched after insertion.	308
ZIF FFC/FPC Socket	PCB-mounted socket. A flex cable or circuit is inserted into it and latched by moving an actuator.	331
Zig-Zag In-line Package	Zig-Zag In-line Package. IC package with two parallel rows of pins in a staggered pattern.	307
Zip Cord	Cable with two (or more) easily separable wires, side-by-side. For lamps and AC adapters.	685

The Electronic Connector Book - EU mirror

A practical guide and catalog for the inteconnects used in the electronic industry. By Davide Andrea.

as in automatic

as in bdellium

as in czar

as in Dao

comme en Eau de Cologne

as in photograph

as in gnome

as in herb

as in IX century CE

as in Jose

as in knife

as in llama

as in mnemonic

as in pneumonia

as in one

as in phone

如 Qian

como no Rio de Janeiro

as in psychic

as in Tao

as in you rock!

sicut in Vniversitatis Californensis

as in wrap

as in Xerox

como en Y tu mama tambien

como en Zaragosa

A practical guide and catalog for the inteconnects used in the electronic industry.
By Davide Andrea.