How to distinguish between board-to-board, wire-to-board, and wire-to-wire?

One, board-to-board connector

The English name of board-to-board connectors is (Board-to-board Connectors), which is the connector product with the strongest transmission capability among all connector product types. Currently, the main pitches of board-to-board connectors are 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.635mm, 0.8mm, 1.00m, and 1.27mm. Board-to-board connectors are mainly used in power systems, communication networks, financial manufacturing, industrial automation, medical equipment, office equipment, smart home appliances, military manufacturing, and other industries.

They come in various configurations, including vertical, right-angle, and mezzanine connectors, to suit different layout designs and space constraints. Additionally, board-to-board connectors support a wide range of signal types, including high-speed data, power, and RF signals, making them suitable for diverse applications such as computers, telecommunications equipment, and consumer electronics.

Board-to-board connectors are designed to provide reliable electrical connections while withstanding mechanical stress, temperature variations, and other environmental factors. They typically feature durable materials, precision engineering, and secure locking mechanisms to ensure stable connections even in harsh operating conditions. Furthermore, some connectors offer features such as gold-plated contacts and shielding to enhance signal integrity and small electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The second, the wire-to-board connector

The so-called wire-to-board connector is a connector that connects wires and circuit boards. The main function of the connector is to transmit power and signals. Therefore, the wire-to-board connector can be said to be the ancestor of all connectors. According to various uses and requirements, there are countless types of wire-to-boards, but in the information industry, they are mostly distinguished by the distance between pins and the current and voltage transmitted. The main application areas of wire-to-board connector products include commercial electronic equipment, household appliances, and other general industrial and commercial fields that use auxiliary circuits.

One of the primary features of wire-to-board connectors is their versatility in accommodating different wire gauges, termination methods, and PCB layouts. These connectors come in various configurations, including crimp-style, insulation displacement, and soldered types, to suit different application requirements.

Wire-to-board connectors are designed to provide reliable electrical connections while withstanding mechanical stress, temperature variations, and environmental factors. They typically feature robust materials, precision engineering, and secure locking mechanisms to ensure stable connections even in harsh operating conditions.

Third, line-to-line connector

Wire-to-wire connectors include wire-to-cable or cable-to-cable forms, and their defining characteristic is that two single-wire individuals or corresponding conductors in two cables are permanently connected. These permanent connections are more commonly seen in fixed line-to-line connections and IDC connections. Wire-to-wire connector products are mainly used in automobiles, communications, consumer electronics, data processing, industrial machinery, and other fields.

Line-to-line connectors, also known as inline connectors, are fundamental components used to join two or more electrical conductors or cables together in a straight line. These connectors facilitate the transmission of power, signals, or data between different segments of a circuit or electrical system, enabling seamless connectivity and functionality.

One of the primary features of line-to-line connectors is their versatility in accommodating various types of conductors, including wires, cables, or flexible circuits. They come in a variety of configurations and sizes to suit different conductor sizes, voltage ratings, and application requirements.

Line-to-line connectors are designed to ensure stable electrical connections while withstanding mechanical stress, environmental factors, and temperature fluctuations. They typically feature durable materials, precision engineering, and secure locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnection or damage.