To understand Pin Header Connectors start with the basics about connectors.
Connectors:
In simple words, a connector is a device that keeps two parts of an electric circuit in contact. There are various types and sizes available which has different functions. Let us focus on Pin Header connectors and know about it in detail.
Pin Header Connectors:
Pin header is a type of Electrical connector which connects to the Printed Circuit board (PCB). Electrical appliances like Computers, Printers, Televisions, and many more have the Printed Circuit Board. This makes us realize how important Pin header connector is. Like other connectors, it has Male Pin header and its female counterpart which is simply known as Female Header.
Male Pin header:
Pin Header 1.27mm (0.05″) pitch
It consists of a series of pins attached to a surface in a single row or double or more than two rows are also available. Most common among these are single and double row Pin header connectors. Space between two pins (pitch) is usually 2.54 mm apart, also 5.08 mm, 5.00 mm, 3.96 mm, 2.00 mm, 1.27 mm and 1.00 mm. The number of pins used in single Pin headers depends on the number of rows and the pitch, it can vary from 2 – 50 pins per connector. The pin is soldered (a connection made by using melting filler metal) to mounting locations on the Printed Circuit board. It needs to be perpendicular to the board for easy connection.
It also has Breakaway Headers meaning it can be broken apart into pieces as per the requirement and number of pins. Say, for example, we have a Pin header connector which contains series of 10 pins and we require only 3 pins, then we can break the size of 3 pins from the connector carefully and use it.
Female header:
Pin Header1.0mm (0.039″) pitch
It does not have Pins and it is mostly used inside the equipment. Using a Pin header connector, we can make Board to Board connection and Wire to board connection.
Board to board connection can be made when a male pin header on one board is connected with a Female header on another board. Wire to board connection is made when it is connected with a cable connector.
These are cost-effective and widely available connectors. However, needs more time for connection as soldering is required.