What is a connector?
A connector is an electronic component that connects the flow of power and electrical signals and is a component that electronic engineering technicians often contact. Also known as connectors, plugs, and sockets in China, generally referring to electrical connectors. A device that connects two active devices to transmit current or signals. There are many brands of connectors, both at home and abroad.
The connector is not static, its form and structure are ever-changing with the application object, frequency, power, application environment, etc. For example, there are network connectors, industrial connectors, electronic connectors, mobile phone connectors, computer connectors, etc., which are used in different fields. For example, the connector used to light a court is very different from the connector used to light a hard drive, and the connector used to light a rocket. But no matter what kind of connector, it is necessary to ensure that the current flows smoothly, continuously, and reliably.
The basic performance of connectors can be divided into three categories: mechanical performance, electrical performance, and environmental performance.
1. Mechanical properties. As far as the connection function is concerned, the insertion force is an important mechanical property. Another important mechanical property is the mechanical life of the connector.
2. Electrical performance. The main electrical properties of connectors include contact resistance, insulation resistance, and electric strength, as well as other electrical properties. For RF coaxial connectors, there are also electrical indicators such as characteristic impedance, insertion loss, reflection coefficient, and voltage standing wave ratio. In addition to the characteristic impedance, some new electrical indicators, such as crosstalk hysteresis, have also appeared.
3. Environmental performance. Common environmental properties include temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock. According to the requirements of use, there are some other environmental properties, such as tightness, low air pressure, etc.
In fact, the function of the connector is very simple: it is to build a bridge of communication between the blocked or isolated circuits in the circuit so that the current can flow and the circuit can achieve the predetermined function. Because of its easy mass production, easy maintenance, easy upgrade, and improved design flexibility, it is currently widely used in various fields, such as aerospace, communications, rail transit, consumer electronics, new energy, medical, etc.