Terminology:

Alligator Clip: A type of temporary connector. Often used for testing purposes.

American Wire Gauge (AWG): A system for designating wire diameter.

Audio Connector: Electrical connectors utilized for sound frequencies. Some types include:

Jack plugs: A male audio connector.

XLR: A type of audio connector.

Backplane: A type of connector that can accept a printed circuit board. (Motherboard/daughter board)

Backshell : A connector accessory.

Bayonet Connector: A quick connection type of connector utilized by twisting the two connectors together

BNC Connector: Also referred to as a British Naval Connector or Bayonet Nut Connector, a BNC connector is used with coaxial cables. The connector has a male center pin which would mate by locking the BNC connector (and cable) to a mating female connector.

Bus bar: A heavy copper or aluminum strip used to carry large amount of current.

Butt splice: A type of solderless terminal

Card-Edge Connector: A type of connector, usually without a shell, runs along the edge of a printed circuit board.

Coaxial Connector: A round connector with a central conductor.

Computer Connectors: Some types include:

RJ: Registered jack connector.

USB: Universal Serial Bus connector. 

Connections: Falls into one of two categories.

Separable or non-permanent connection: utilizes sockets and connectors

Permanent connection: utilizes terminals or pins soldered or crimped to printed circuit boards or wires.

Connector: A device for keeping two parts of an electrical conductor in contact.

Contacts: Usually made of metal. The materials may include brass, phosphor bronze or beryllium copper.

Crimp: The compression of a contact around a conductor to make an electrical connection.

DAP: Diallyl Phthalate - a type of plastic used in connectors.

DIN connector: (Deutsche Industries Normen, or German Industrial Standard) A high-frequency coaxial connector.

D-Subminiature connector: Or D-sub for short, Initially a type of military connector. The mating face is in the shape of a “D”. Polarization is provided because male and female connectors can it together in only one way.

Electrical characteristics: Include voltage rating, amperage (current) as well as contact resistance.

Endbell: A connector accessory.

Female Connector: Also known as a receptacle or socket.

Flange: A connector accessory.

Fiber Optic Connector: A type of connector used to join two or more fibers used in the transmitting or receiving of fiber optic equipment. Different fiber types for fiber optic connectors includes simplex, duplex and multifiber.

Filter Connector: A type of connector.

Hermetic Connector: A type of connector that utilizes non-permeable materials.

Insert Arrangement: Refers to the arrangement of contacts within a connector.

Jumper: A type of connector used to connect two elements of a circuit.

Male Connector: Also known as a plug.

Military Connector: Some of the categories include:

MIL-5015 MS3100 thru MS3108

MIL-5015G MS3400 thru MS3459

MIL-26482/I MS3110 thru MS3128

MIL-26482/II MS3470 thru MS3476

MIL-26500 MS24264 thru MS24266

MIL-38999/I MS27466 thru MS27656

MIL-38999/II MS27472 thru MS27513

MIL-38999/III D3999/20 thru D38999/27

MIL-81703 MS3130, MS3132, MS3134, MS3137, MS3138

For more information regarding Military Connectors, Click Here

Rack and Panel connector: A type of connector, often associated with military and aerospace applications.

RF Connector: A radio frequency connector is an electrical connector designed to work at radio frequencies. Some types of RF connectors include:

BNC: A type of RF connector used for terminating coaxial connectors.

N: A threaded RF connector used to join coaxial connectors.

SMA: Subminiature version A; utilizes a threaded interface.

SMB: Subminiature version B; utilizes a snap-on coupling.

SMC: Subminiature version C; utilizes a screw type connection.

TNC: A threaded version of a BNC connector.

Ring Terminal: A type of solderless terminal.

Shell: Also known as the housing of a connector.

Sockets: Some types include:

DIP: Dual In-Line Package

SIMM: Single In-Line Memory Module

SIP: Single In-Line Package

SMA Connector: A SMA (subminiature version A) connector is a coaxial RF connector.

Spade Terminal: A type of solderless terminal.

Strain Relief: A connector accessory.

Termination: How a connector is attached to a conductor.

Aerolocator.com has sellers who have inventory from the following connector manufacturers:

Aero Components, Inc.

Airborn

Amphenol World Headquarters

ITT Industries Inc.

Cinch Connectors, Inc.

CW Industries

Delphi Connection

Delta

FCI Berg Electronics Corporation

Framatone ANP

G & H Technology Inc.

Glenair

Hirose Electric U.S.A

Hypertac Hypertronics

ITW Pancon

Kings Electronic Co., Inc.

LEMO Electronic & Fiber Optic Connectors

Molex

Positronics Enterprises Ltd.

Radiall

Teledyne Reynolds

Samtec

Joslyn Sunbank Company

Tyco Electronics

For more information regarding Military Connectors, Click Here .

For a listing of some of the Connector Manufacturers that our distributors carry, Click Here .

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