Connectors

Terminology - Connector Trivia vol.2 -

# Trivia

Here are some of the most common technical terms used in the connector industry, from terms related to the structure and parts of the connector to failure cases.

Connector Structure and Part Names

Here is a case of FPC connector to illustrate its composition.

A connector mainly consists of an actuator, metal fitting, contact, and insulator.
See below for each application and material. The meaning of each part is explained in the Glossary.

Connectors Major Components

Glossary

Components and Related Terms

Components

Name	Synonyms	Description
Actuator	Slider	Parts to lock or temporary hold when mated. In case of FPC/FFC connector, parts that fix or hold the cable.
Insulator	Molded part Resin part Housing	Resin molded parts. The insulator that forms the entire connector and protects the contacts (wires).
Contact	Terminal	Metal parts to provide contact and energizing functions.
Tail	Lead	Where the contacts/terminals are soldered.

Related Terms

Name	Synonyms	Description
Coplanarity	Flatness	Maximum height from board surface to contact tail. Variance of lead to board surface.
Pitch	-	Distance between terminals. Set by miswiring prevention and rated current/voltage.
Plug / Receptacle	Male / Female Headers / Sockets	Plug: The part to insert the contact. The shape that is on the insertion side when it is mated. Receptacle: The part into which the contact is inserted. The shape that becomes the receiving side when mated.
FPC	Flex cable	Short for Flexible Printed Circuits. A cable with printed circuits.
FFC	Flex cable	Short for Flexible Flat Cable. A cable consisting of flat laminated wires.

Type

Name	Description
ZIF	Short for Zero Insertion Force. When inserting or removing the FPC/FFC, the connector terminal and conductor of FPC/FFC are brought into contact and conducted by operating a locking mechanism such as an actuator/slider. A connector with reduced insertion and removal force. Related Products Can Be Found Here
Non-ZIF	Connectors without ZIF structure. Insertion force is required when inserting the FPC/FFC into the connector. The connector terminal and conductor of the FPC/FFC are in constant contact from the moment they touch the terminal at the insertion port until they are pushed in. While the workability and cost are good, the cable retention force can be weak in case of small pin counts, and a high insertion force is required for high pin counts. Related Terms LIF: Short for Low Insertion Force. A structure that reduces the insertion force. Related Products Can Be Found Here
Vertical	The connector mating direction is perpendicular to the mounting board surface.
Right Angle (RA)	The connector mating direction is horizontal to the mounting board surface.

Terms for Failure Cases

Name	Description
Weld	A line that forms a joint when molten materials, such as resin, solidify.
Crack	-
Contamination	Foreign matter entering the resin. Dirty resin.
Short shot	A lack of resin filling.
Burrs	A protrusion that pops out of its normal shape.
Solder fillet	The shape when soldered.
Blisters	A blister-like phenomenon on the surface of the resin. Also called a bubble.