Board-in connectors, also known as direct wire-to-board connectors, are rectangular-shaped components designed to establish a connection between a conductor and a circuit board without the need for a mating connector. These devices are available in both surface mount and through-hole versions, offering flexibility in design and installation. Board-in connectors can feature varying numbers of positions, ranging from 1 to 100, and are compatible with a range of wire gauges, allowing for customization to meet specific application requirements. Connector types can include contacts, headers, housings, individual wires, receptacles, ribbon cables, or dual inline package (DIP) headers. Contacts and headers are the most commonly used board-in connector types, with contacts being used to make a direct connection between the wire and the PCB pad, while headers provide a more secure and stable connection by offering a housing to protect the contacts. Housings are used to house the header pins and allow for easy insertion and removal of wires. Individual wires are commonly used in applications where flexibility is required, such as in robotics and automation systems, where wires are subject to movement and bending. Ribbon cables are flat and flexible, making them ideal for use in applications that require low-profile and space-saving solutions. DIP headers are commonly used in computer applications, providing an efficient way to connect components on a circuit board. Overall, board-in connectors offer a reliable and efficient solution for connecting conductors directly to circuit boards without the use of mating connectors. They are available in a variety of configurations and can accommodate a range of wire gauges, making them suitable for use in a wide range of electronic devices and systems.
