connectors
what is a connector? a mechanical + electrical interface so parts can plug together.
ways to join boards, cables, and gizmos. choose by pitch, current, mating cycles, and locking.
| family | pitch | use | notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| dupont jumpers | 2.54 mm | breadboards, quick leads | friction fit only |
| headers (pin rows) | 2.54 mm | male/female rows | stackable, cheap |
| JST-XH | 2.50 mm | wires ↔ board | locking latch; libraries often say 2.54 mm; not breadboard-friendly |
| JST-PH | 2.00 mm | batteries, sensors | compact, locking |
| JST-SH | 1.00 mm | Qwiic/STEMMA QT | tiny; I²C harnesses |
| USB-C recept. | ~0.5 mm pins | data/power | needs ESD + CC resistors; careful footprinting |
| barrel jack | 5.5×2.1 mm | DC power | check polarity (+ center, usually) |
caution
use locking/keyed families (JST-PH/XH, MicroFit) and strain relief so cables don’t rip pads. common families
- dupont (temporary breadboarding), JST-PH (small power), 2.54 mm headers, USB-C (complex, but neat).
strain relief
tie-downs, cable glands, and hot-glue blobs save JST/Dupont from yanks. route cables along edges.