The connectors are divided into two categories – Rectangular and Circular connectors. Both of them have their advantages and according to it, they are being used for specific applications. It is important to understand rectangular and circular connectors before using them in any of the applications.
In military applications, circular connectors have created history. Along with them, they are also very famous among the food and beverages processing. Rectangular connectors are now gaining market confidence and are used in many applications now where circular connectors were used previously. They are mostly used in factory automation, robotics, rails, power generation, etc.
For many applications where circular connectors were used, designers are preferring rectangular ones over them. Both the connectors have their benefits and are useful in many applications. Here are certain points that can help the designers to select the best connector type for the applications.
- It is known by every engineer and designer that the cost of circular connectors is much higher as compared to rectangular ones. According to the connector manufacturers in India, the circular connectors of major brands with housings and contacts, including inserts cost much higher than other connectors. On the other hand, when a single modular rectangular connector is used in any project, it helps in reducing the cost to too much extent. The single modular rectangular connector is mostly used as the replacement of numerous single-purpose connectors. This is very helpful in reducing the labor cost as well as the material that results in the reduction of the overall cost of the project.
- Rectangular connectors are user-friendly and can be modified as per the demand of the users. In addition to that, they are also proficient in carrying multiple signals. But circular connectors are not very modular and partial in this respect.
- The placement flexibility is rectangular connectors is much higher than the circular ones. Because of their rectangular shape, they can be arranged more closely to each other without losing any space when placed side-by-side. Along with this, they have the capacity of mounting surfaces. But circular connectors do not have any of this.
- Another advantage of rectangular connectors is with the use of a PCB adaptor, they can be unswervingly coupled to a PCB.
- Modular rectangular connectors can be useful in economizing on space. The best part of using rectangular connectors is they can do the job of two or more circular connectors hence; they are more economical to use. With them, the internal and external wiring of the device can be minimized easily which helps in saving the cost of the material as well.
- At the time of mating and un-mating, circular connectors require more hand space as compared to rectangular ones. On the other hand, rectangular connectors can be easily gripped by end or side.
- Another important advantage of using rectangular connectors is they provide more ways to terminate wires as compared to the circular connector.
These are some useful points that may help you in identifying the best suitable connector for your appliance.
