PCB connectors

PCB connectors for easy and flexible conductor connections

PCB connectors are used for connecting conductors to printed circuit boards for the transmission of signals, data, and power. With pitches ranging from 2.5 mm to 15 mm and current strengths of up to 125 A, you will always find the right solution for your device or control cabinet design in our class XS to XL COMBICON range. The connection methods and mounting types of this connection technology provide a high level of flexibility for almost all applications.

More information

Your advantages

  • Compact design: Largest possible conductor cross-sections with a small component size enable connection convenience, even where space is tight
  • Multi-level connectors: Connect conductors in multiple levels and save space with multi-level headers
  • Innovative locking systems: Increased flexibility and secure connections with screw, latching, center flange, Click and Lock, and lock-and-release locking system
  • Versatile combination possibilities: Inverted connectors and headers for contact-protected PCB outputs and flying leads
  • Reliable panel feed-throughs: Connections through the device panel with connectors and headers for wall mounting

Overview of main features

PCB connectors are used in devices and control cabinets. They generally consist of two components: The header soldered to the PCB and the connector. SKEDD direct connectors, which can be plugged onto and removed from the printed circuit board as single parts, are an exception to this.

PCB connectors

Conductor cross-section 0.14 mm² (AWG 26) to 35 mm² (AWG 2)
Currents Up to 125 A (IEC) / 115 A (UL B, C)
Voltages Up to 1,000 V (IEC) / 600 V (UL)
Connection technologies Screw, spring, lever, and crimp connection for various connection directions
Pitch 2.5 to 15 mm
Flexible combination Board-to-board, wire-to-board, and wire-to-wire connections; also as assembled solutions
Special mounting technology SKEDD direct-connection technology
Person with tablet in hand operating the configurator for PCB connectors

Configurators for PCB connectors

Adapt standard items to your requirements with our configurators. Select the color version, printing, and codings. The configurators offer customization options for more than 6,000 available article versions from 150 product families.

New products

XPC 1,5 series PCB connectors with Push-X connection
SPC 4 series PCB connectors
PC 4 series headers
PC 6 connectors with 7.62 mm pitch for power electronics

Push-X in a PCB connector

Highly convenient operation during conductor connection

The convenient Push-X conductor connection is integrated into XPC 1,5 series PCB connectors. Push-X technology enables you to connect flexible and rigid conductors quickly and with virtually zero insertion forces.

Main features

  • Currents of up to 8 A
  • Voltages up to 160 V
  • Conductor cross-sections up to 1.5 mm²
  • Pitch 3.5 mm
  • 2- to 16-pos.

Your benefits

  • Fast conductor connection for all conductor types with and without ferrules
  • High ease of operation thanks to the effortless and tool-free direct-connection technology
  • Acoustic feedback during conductor connection
  • The lever position shows the connection status
  • Compatible with COMBICON PCB connectors with a pitch of 3.5 mm

SPC 4 series PCB connectors

Complete design flexibility

SPC 4 series connectors are compact and save a lot of space on the device with a pitch of 6.35 mm. For device designers, freedom is the trump card with the innovative shield contacting. Locking by means of top lock or middle flange ensures a safe connection.

Main features

  • Pitch: 6.35 mm
  • Currents of up to 24 A
  • Voltages up to 1000 V
  • 2- to 12-pos.
  • Optionally with center latching flange
  • Increased touch protection in accordance with IEC/UL 61800-5-1

Your benefits

  • Compact: Connectors with a pitch of 6.35 mm save space on the device front.
  • Innovative: Device designers have more freedom with the clever shield contacting mechanism.
  • Multivariant: Locking via top lock or center flange is reliable and space-saving.

Compact headers for the PC 4 series

For automated reflow soldering

With a pitch of 6.35 mm, the compact PC 4 series headers save a great deal of space on the device. The enhanced touch protection on the header and connector offers extra safety. The THR headers enable a reflow soldering process and automated assembly, and help reduce production costs.

Main features

  • Pitch: 6.35 mm
  • Currents of up to 24 A
  • Voltages up to 1000 V
  • 2- to 12-pos.
  • Optionally in tape-on-reel packaging
  • Increased touch protection in accordance with IEC/UL 61800-5-1

Your benefits

  • Compact: Headers with a 6.35 mm pitch help save space on the
    device front.
  • Safe: The enhanced touch protection on the header and connector offers
    extra safety.
  • Efficient: The THR headers help reduce production costs thanks to suitability for reflow soldering and automated assembly.

PC 6 series connectors

Flexible for power electronics

The PC 6 connector is a logical addition to the new LPC 6 and PC 6/…-ST-BUS product families with a pitch of 7.62 mm. With this series, the classic connection technology with screw connection is also available with enhanced touch protection for the new pin connector pattern.

Main features

  • Pitch: 7.62 mm
  • Currents of up to 41 A
  • Voltages up to 1000 V
  • 2- to 6-positions
  • Optionally with center latching flange
  • Increased touch protection in accordance with IEC/UL 61800-5-1

Your benefits

  • Pin connector pattern compatible with LPC 6 lever-actuated PCB connectors
  • Increased touch protection for maximum safety even when not plugged in
  • Well-known connection principle allows worldwide use
  • High contact reliability with integrated steel reinforced spring contact

All product lines of the COMBICON range PCB connectors are available with innovative connection technologies. With compact PCB connectors of the XS product line to power connectors of the XL product line, you will always find the right solution for your device design.

XS product line PCB connectors
S product line PCB connectors
M product line PCB connectors
L product line PCB connectors
XL product line PCB connectors
XS product line PCB connectors

Main features

  • For 2.5 to 3.5 mm pitch
  • Connection technologies with screw, Push-in spring, and crimp connection
  • Assembly of headers via wave or THR soldering
  • Horizontal, vertical, and inverted versions of the connectors and headers
  • Connectors for wire-to-board, board-to-board, and wire-to-wire
  • Shielded versions for optimal data transmission

S product line PCB connectors

Main features

  • For 3.5 to 7.5 mm pitch
  • Connection technologies with screw, Push-in spring, and crimp connection
  • Assembly of headers via wave or THR soldering
  • Horizontal, vertical, and inverted versions of the connectors and headers
  • Connectors for wire-to-board, board-to-board, and wire-to-wire
  • Various locking options

M product line PCB connectors

Main features

  • For 5.0 to 7.62 mm pitch
  • Connection technologies with screw, Push-in spring, crimp, and insulation displacement connection
  • Assembly of headers via wave or THR soldering
  • Horizontal, vertical, and inverted versions of the connectors and headers
  • Pairing of printed circuit board with printed circuit board or flying leads
  • Plug-in blocks for direct mounting and DIN rail mounting
  • Individual coding for clear assignment

L product line PCB connectors

Main features

  • For 6.35 to 10.16 mm pitch
  • Connection technologies with screw or Push-in spring connection
  • Assembly of headers via wave or THR soldering
  • High-performance connectors in compact pitch dimensions and with 600 V UL approval
  • Versatile in combination with contact-protected (inverted) versions and housing feedthroughs
  • Tool-free locking or professional shield supports
  • Individual coding for clear assignment

XL product line PCB connectors

Main features

  • For pitches up to 15 mm
  • High-power connector with screw connection for a current carrying capacity up to 125 A
  • High contact reliability with integrated steel reinforced spring contact
  • Standard with screw flange, reliable connections even in applications subject to vibration
  • Low insertion and withdrawal forces for convenient device connection
  • Inverted headers for touch-proof PCB output

Video: PC 6 series PCB connectors
PC 6 series PCB connectors MovingImage

Power distribution made easy with PC 6 series PCB connectors

Power distribution across devices can be implemented easily using PC 6/...-ST-BUS PCB connectors for energy bus systems. The connectors enable fast conductor installation without preparation.

Video: High-density PCB connectors for THR and SMT soldering
High-density PCB connectors for THR and SMT soldering MovingImage

PCB connectors for THR and SMT soldering

High-density PCB connectors can be installed securely on the PCB by means of Push-in connection. The integrated armature and the gold-plated contact system provide a secure hold and high transmission reliability.

Video: Connectors for building automation - PTS clip
Connectors for building automation: PTS clip MovingImage

Solutions for building automation with the PTS series clip

The PCB connectors in the PTS clip series are ideal for use in building automation. With the standard snap-in geometry, it can be latched onto two-piece electronics housings without using any tools. Cost-optimized pin strips are used to make contact with the PCB.

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The entire portfolio at a glance
Explore the product diversity of the COMBICON portfolio in detail on more than 500 pages in the electronic product catalog. It enables you to always find the most suitable connection technology for the transmission of signals and data for your application.
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Various PCB terminal blocks, PCB connectors, and high-current feed-through terminal blocks

Ideal for numerous applications

PCB connectors are predominantly used where PCBs are assembled flexibly and where it must be possible to change the PCB connection technology depending on the application. They enable rapid conductor mounting – and with Push-in connection technology, even without special tools. The easy plugging and removal simplifies repairs and maintenance. Common applications include:

Inverter with PCB connectors
Frequency converter with PCB connectors
Sensors and safety switches
Device for remote monitoring
Communication device with PCB connection technology
Controller with PCB connectors
Power supply with PCB connector
Bus coupler with PCB connection technology
Antenna for cellular communication
Room with battery storage modules
LED light strips
Building automation control with PCB connector technology
Electric motor with converter and PCB connectors

Connection technologies

The product range features versatile connection options, from the classic screw connection right through to the convenient Push-in spring connection. Your respective application is the deciding factor as to which connection method is suitable. The following fundamental connection methods – and many more – are available for your applications.

Example illustration of a screw connection with tension sleeve
Example illustration of a Push-in spring connection
Example figure of a lever-actuated Push-in connection
Example figure of a crimp connection
Example illustration of a pierce connection
Example illustration of a screw connection with tension sleeve

The screw connection is maintenance-free and, with the multi-conductor connection, provides a high level of flexibility and a high load-carrying capacity. Connections with a wire guard are particularly suitable for semi-industrial applications in building automation and telecommunications. With connections via tension sleeve, you can ideally connect industrial applications with high standards for contact reliability. The front screw connection is suitable for narrow device fronts and PCB racks.

More information on the screw connection
Example illustration of a Push-in spring connection

Be it Push-in or leg spring, the spring principle enables fast and tool-free conductor connection. Solid conductors and conductors with ferrules are simply inserted into the push-in terminal point and released by actuating the color-coded lever. When connecting and releasing fine-stranded conductors without ferrules, the terminal point can also be opened via the integrated spring lever.

More about the Push-in connection
Example figure of a lever-actuated Push-in connection

With the lever-actuated Push-in connection you can connect PCB connectors and PCB terminal blocks reliably and conveniently. The color-coded actuation lever enables intuitive installation. The tool-free lever principle allows time-saving connection and release of conductors with or without ferrules.

More about the lever-operated Push-in connection
Example figure of a crimp connection

Crimp connection technology enables fast, inexpensive connection for cables that have to be assembled in large volumes. The connection between the wire and crimp contact is established using crimping pliers or a crimping device. Next, the crimp contact is snapped into the connector housing.

More about the crimp connection
Example illustration of a pierce connection

Pierce connection is a reliable connection technology that does not require conductor pretreatment. Contact is made by inserting the conductors into the corresponding guide in the transparent cover of the connector. On closing, the pierce contacts pierce through the conductor insulation.

More about the pierce connection

Mounting types

The range of PCB connectors and headers features solutions for different production methods, such as wave soldering and SMT soldering. You can therefore assemble and reliably process printed circuit boards manually or automatically.

Example illustration of a wave soldering process
Example illustration of surface mount technology
Example illustration of through-hole reflow soldering
Example illustration of the direct-connection technology
Example illustration of the SKEDD direct-connection technology
Example illustration of a wave soldering process

Wave soldering is the classic soldering process for manufacturing electronic modules that are predominantly assembled with through-hole components. The soldering contact inserted through the PCB and the soldering on the bottom of the PCB are characteristic of this soldering process.

All mounting and soldering processes at a glance
Example illustration of surface mount technology

Surface mount technology (SMT) is used for surface mounting components. The components are assembled on the PCB surface in solder paste and soldered using the reflow soldering process. This method requires special components with corresponding surface contacts.

All mounting and soldering processes at a glance
Example illustration of through-hole reflow soldering

Through-hole reflow soldering (THR) enables the integration of through-hole components made from high-temperature material into the SMT reflow process. During this process, the push-through contacts are assembled in the bore holes filled with soldering paste and soldered in the reflow soldering process.

All mounting and soldering processes at a glance
Example illustration of the direct-connection technology

Direct plug-in is a solder-free mounting technology that does away with pin strips. The plug contacts the corresponding pads on the edge of the PCB directly. These pads must be provided in the PCB layout.

All mounting and soldering processes at a glance
Example illustration of the SKEDD direct-connection technology

SKEDD is an innovative mounting technology that connects PCB connectors directly to the PCB via through-contacted bore holes. Mounting is tool-free and no additional header is required. Body-bound rivets ensure a reliable and vibration-resistant connection.

All mounting and soldering processes at a glance

Convenience functions for increased versatility

Phoenix Contact PCB connectors feature a large number of convenient functions and an extensive range of accessories for increased user-friendliness during connection and maintenance.

Locking systems such as latching flanges, Click and Lock, and Lock and Release
Inverted connectors and headers
TWIN connectors for connecting two conductors on one connection position
Integrated double steel spring
Locking systems such as latching flanges, Click and Lock, and Lock and Release

We recommend an additional interlock system to prevent vibrations from releasing components too easily: Systems such as latching flanges, Click and Lock, and Lock and Release lock automatically without tools. As an alternative, versions with screw flange are available for all performance classes.

Inverted connectors and headers

Inverted connectors and headers provide the option of designing PCB and device outputs that are protected against accidental contact. Further, they also enable PCB/PCB and cable/cable connections to be realized.

TWIN connectors for connecting two conductors on one connection position

TWIN connectors for connecting two conductors on one connection position are also suitable, depending on the size, for looping signals through, and for potential and power distribution.

Integrated double steel spring

All connectors for power electronics have an integrated double steel spring – an additional safety feature in the event of power and temperature fluctuations. The additional pressure of the double spring on the contact prevents contact corrosion and thereby ensures stable contacts over the long term.