4 Pin Panel Mount Connector

A 4 pin panel mount connector is a cable connector with features that enable it to be fixed to the front or rear of an external enclosure. This can reduce stress on the electrical solder connections.

Panel mounting is also useful for transferring forces acting on the connector to something more mechanically robust than the fragile electrical connections. This helps prevent damage from vibration or bumps.

Easy to Assemble

Connectors are one of the most overlooked components in a circuit, but these small parts can make or break a connection. These simple devices allow electrical wires to be joined without having to splice them or physically join them at the ends. They can easily be mated and unmated, and they are designed to withstand high-speed connections.

The best panel mount connectors have internal strain relief to transfer forces away from the fragile electrical connections inside them. This helps to extend the life of the connector and prevent premature failure due to bending or stress caused by external forces.

Unlike previous connectors that were male through holes that could be soldered to a PCB or female sockets that use crimp termination, these connectors have IDC (insulation displacement contact) contacts that insert into the insulation and pierce it to make contact with the cable. This allows them to be easily assembled in the field with only a soldering iron and wire cutters required. These connectors also feature internal gaskets that compress to seal around the cables as they enter and exit the connector housing, eliminating the need for additional waterproofing.

Most connectors are labelled with a part number to identify them and differentiate them from other similar types of the same connector. This number often calls out the connector size, shell size and the type of contact within the connector. For example, this panel mount connector is labeled as a DT-12 connector and has contact part numbers of 9745-1622S-X(920) for the sockets and 5-534998-6 for the plugs.

Easy to Solder

The solder cup connections on this panel mount connector are easy to work with, allowing you to easily insert 4 pin panel mount connector your stripped wires and then heat them to seal them. The connector is keyed to prevent mis-mating and the pins are clearly marked for identification. This panel mount connector is suitable for a wide variety of uses including signal and power connections.

The term ‘Panel Mount’ refers to a mechanical feature or features built into the design of a connector half that allows it to be secured in place on an equipment panel, external case or enclosure. Usually, the connectors that are fitted with panel mount features will be cable connectors.

If you’ve got a simple device where it’s okay to allow untrained users to connect and disconnect cables, then panel mount connectors could be the ideal choice for your project. Think of the USB and headphone connections on a typical smartphone. Alternatively, you may have a more complex device where you want to keep the back of the circuit board free from external strain – this might be a good time to consider a board mount connector.

If you’re going to mount a panel mount connector, then you’ll need to provide a bigger cut out in the side of your case or enclosure than if you were using a standard jack that plugs directly into a PCB. This is because a panel mount connector has a mechanical fixing that attaches to the panel rather than being connected to the PCB via an electrical soldering connection.

Easy to Mount

Panel mount connectors are easy to use in your device. The plug and jack are both held in place by the panel, and can be connected or disconnected without having to open your enclosure. This can help reduce stress on the fragile electrical connections and extend their life. It also makes it easier to waterproof plug and socket connector allow untrained users to connect and disconnect cables – think of the USB or headphone connectors in your smartphone.

A good panel mount connector can hold up to the elements and will keep dust and water out. Some will even be waterproof when plugged in, which can be important for devices working in dirty or damp environments.

There are many different types of panels and mounting options available, so you’ll be able to find a panel mount connector that matches the needs of your device. Rectangular connectors are a common choice for connecting parts of a circuit together, and can be found as board mount or free-hanging. The 3-640441-2 from TE Connectivity AMP Connectors is an example of a rectangular connector that can be used either way. Circular connectors are also a popular option, and can be mounted as a panel mount or free hanging connector. Circular connectors have thick threads that take only a few turns to lock into place, and will easily resist being shaken loose from vibration.

Easy to Reuse

Like most RF connectors, panel mount RF connectors have inner and outer conductors that facilitate the transmission of RF signals. The inner conductor, also known as the socket or pin, carries the signal and the outer conductor, called the shield, provides protection from interference and noise. They also have a dielectric insulator that separates the conductors and protects them from each other, maintaining the correct impedance to ensure efficient signal transmission and avoid signal degradation.

The outer shell of a panel mount RF connector protects the contacts and the insulator from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and vibration. It also provides a structural element to support the connector and secure it to a panel or enclosure. A variety of mounting hardware, including nuts, bolts, and washers, can be used to fasten the connector to the panel.

Many panel mount RF connectors include locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disconnections, and hoods that offer additional mechanical protection. They may also have coding features that ensure proper mating and prevent mis-mating, which is crucial in industrial applications.

Other considerations when choosing a panel mount RF connector include current capacity, which is determined by the number of mating cycles and the amount of contact resistance. Choosing a connector with a high current rating is important to ensure the connections can handle the desired amount of power without damage.