Header connectors are a type of interconnect that feature male pins housed within a plastic base, intended for mating with either rectangular cable connectors or female socket headers for board-to-board connection. These connectors come in a variety of position and pitch options, with some featuring a breakaway design that allows for easy manual adjustment of the position count. Shrouded header connectors are commonly available in 1 to 4 wall configurations, providing added protection and insulation between contacts. Some connectors are unshrouded, which can offer a more compact and lower profile design for applications where space is limited. Mounting options for header connectors include panel mount, board edge, stacking, surface mount, and through-hole. Panel mount connectors are designed for installation on a flat surface, while board edge connectors are designed to be inserted into the edge of a PCB. Stacking connectors are used to stack multiple PCBs vertically, while surface mount connectors are mounted directly onto the surface of the PCB using soldering techniques. Through-hole connectors require that holes be drilled into the PCB for insertion. In summary, header connectors provide a reliable and efficient means of establishing connections between boards or cables. These connectors are available in various position and pitch options, with breakaway designs for easy customization. Shrouded and unshrouded options exist, while mounting options include panel mount, board edge, stacking, surface mount, and through-hole. By selecting the appropriate connector, designers can ensure optimal performance, durability, and efficiency in their electronic systems and devices.
