Page 200 - Electromechanical Devices and Components Illustrated Sourcebook

162 Electromechanical Devices & Components Illustrated Sourcebook

Registered jacks (RJ) connectors, are commonly found Ribbon Cable
connecting our telephones. The RJ-10-2 is used to connect the
Clamp Head
headset to the receiver and the RJ-11/14 and RJ-12 are used
to connect the receiver to the wall panel. RJ-48 is commonly
used for Ethernet connections. These connectors have poor
current-carrying capabilities and are only useful for low-level
signals. Figure 9-47 shows standard RJ connectors and pin
configurations.

Terminated
Body

Figure 9-49 Ribbon Cable Snap Connector
RJ-10-2 RJ-10-4 RJ-11 & 14

General Purpose Connectors

Multipin connectors can be found in nearly every piece of
electromechanical equipment ever manufactured. The judi-
RJ12 RJ-45 RJ-48
cious application of connectors can make final assembly and
service a very simple task. Connectors also provide facilities
Pins
Jack Pins to easily test, tune, and troubleshoot sub-assemblies. An
Installed
excellent example of connectors in this role is the electrical
RJ-10 4 All or 2,3 systems in modern automobiles. Virtually every component in
RJ-11 & 14 6 2,3,4,5 these systems is connected via a multipin connector. This
RJ-12 6 All “black box” approach makes manufacturing and service very
RJ-45 8 All friendly.
RJ-48 10 All Collar lock connectors generally represent the highest qual-
ity connectors in this category. These connectors are available
Figure 9-47 RJ Series Connectors
in every conceivable pin configuration and with screw-on col-
lars or bayonet collars. They are available with plastic or metal
housings and in waterproof versions. Figure 9-50 shows a few
PC Board Connectors multipin collar lock connectors. It should be noted that nearly
every collar lock connector on the market is also available in
Edge connectors are an excellent method of interfacing to digital
a nonlocking version as shown.
and control electronics. The PC board is designed with a series
Probably the most common multipin connectors are the
of pads along one edge, as shown in Figure 9-48. A key slot is cut
modular series. These are the white plastic connectors that are
into the board to assure proper alignment of the connector.
commonly found in computers and home appliances. They
are available in a number of pin configurations and current
Key Slot
PC Board

Plug Jack No Lock
Edge Connector

Cable
Figure 9-48 PC Board Edge Connector
Plug Jack Bayonet

Many edge connectors are designed with ribbon cable termi-
nators. The ribbon cable is inserted into the connector and the
clamp head is pressed into place. As the clamp head is pressed,
Plug Jack Threaded
it forces the ribbon cable into the pin edges, which in turn cuts
through the insulation and forms a connection with the conduc-
tors. Figure 9-49 shows a typical ribbon cable snap connector. Figure 9-50 Multipin, Collar Lock Connectors