What is a Banana Plug?
Banana Plug Description
Banana plugs are one conductor (aka: single wire) electrical connectors that are traditionally used to connect wires to equipment with DC and low frequency signals. Banana plugs are male connectors that feature a tubular construction with a flared center to separate the wire post from the main connector body.
Since standard banana plugs are normally not insulated, they are only recommended for applications less than 33 volts. However, insulated banana plugs are available for use in higher current applications. One of the many benefits of using banana plugs is their safety and simplicity. Banana plugs also provide secure connections for lead wires.
Banana Plug Applications
Banana plugs’ basic design make them a connector of choice for many applications. In fact, technicians and engineers often use banana plugs in during prototyping to test circuits and connections. Common applications include medical equipment, personal computers, and aircraft navigation systems.
Top Banana Plug Manufacturers
- Abbatron (HH Smith)
- Cinch Connectivity
- Keystone Electronics
- Mueller Electric
- Pomona Electronics (Fluke)
- TE Connectivity
Learn More About Banana Plugs
To learn more about banana plugs and to configure products for your application check out these helpful resources from Abbatron and Pomona Electronics. bisco industries product specialists are also standing by to assist you. Contact a bisco representative now!
What is a PLCC Socket?
PLCC Socket Description
Plastic leaded chip carriers (PLCC) sockets are a type of chip carrier used to form connections between integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
PLCC sockets typically have a rectangular plastic housing with connections along all four edges of the rectangle. To form secure connections PLCC sockets utilize J-leads which derive their name from fact that the leads are bent under and around the plastic housing. During installation PLCC sockets are soldered to the PCB and then the chip is inserted into the PLCC socket. Chips can be exchanged or removed using a specialized tool called a PLCC extractor.
PLCC Socket Configurations
All PLCC sockets meet JEDEC industry standards MO-047 or MO-052 which define lead spacing and sizing. Nonetheless, there are several configuration options for PLCC sockets. Perhaps most significant is the mounting style. PLCC sockets are available in both surface mount (SMT) and through hole (THT) configurations. As the name implies SMT PLCC sockets are mounted directly on the surface of the PCB. In contrast, THT PLCC sockets are mounted by inserting leads in pre-drilled holes on the PCB and soldering them to the opposite side.
Top PLCC Socket Manufacturers
- 3M
- Adam Tech
- Amphenol FCI
- Mill-Max
- Samtec
- TE Connectivity
Learn More About PLCC Sockets
Manufacturers such as Mill-Max and Adam Tech offer catalogs that provide an array of technical information to help users configure PLCC sockets for their applications. In addition to general manufacturer documentation, bisco industries offers a team of product specialists to answer any questions about PLCC sockets you may have. Click here to contact a bisco product specialist.
What is a PCB Pin?
Printed circuit board (PCB) pins are tubular shaped male connectors used to carry electrical current within PCB assemblies. Printed circuit pins are available loose or grouped together in what are called pin headers.
Mounting PCB Pins
PCB pins are mounted to the board utilizing either through-hole technology (THT) or surface mount technology (SMT). Through hole (THT) mounted pins are inserted in pre-drilled holes in the board and then soldered in place. Surface mounted (SMT) pins on the other hand are soldered directly to the top of the circuit board without any drilling required.
PCB Pin Configurations
In addition to mounting style there are many other PCB pin variations available. Contact materials range from brass to nickel while common plating materials include gold, tin, and copper.
Popular PCB Pin Styles
- Nail Head Pins
- Slotted Terminal Pins
- Wire Crimp Pins
- Swage Terminal Pins
- Double-Tail Header Pins
- Press-Fit Pins
Top PCB Pin Manufacturers
- Mill-Max
- TE Connectivity
- Harting
- Advanced Interconnections
- Harwin
- Cambion Electronics
Learn More About Printed Circuit Pins
To learn more technical information about PCB pins view Mill-Max’s PCB pins catalog. Still have questions? bisco’s product support team is standing by to answer your questions. Just send us an email.
What is a Terminal Block?
Terminal blocks function as convenient connection points for electrical wires while avoiding the need for wires to be spliced together. At the most basic level a terminal block is a strip of molded plastic fitted with metal plates and screws. Each connection point (terminal) features a metal plate and two parallel screws which conduct electricity and secure the wires in place. Connections are formed when the wires (typically outfitted with terminal lugs) are clamped between the screws and the conductor plate. Terminal blocks are also available in more complex configurations which provide features like spring clamp terminals and din rail mounting. Related products include euroblocks (European style terminal blocks) and power blocks.
Common Terminal Block Configurations
- Din Rail Mounted Terminal Blocks
- Double Row Terminal Blocks
- Single Row Terminal Blocks
- Feed Thru Stud Terminal Blocks
- Barrier Terminal Blocks
Leading Terminal Block Manufacturers
- Marathon Special Products (Kulka)
- Molex
- TE Connectivity
- Altech
- ABB
- WAGO
For more information about terminal blocks check out resources from manufacturers like ABB and Marathon. Have a question? Contact bisco’s customer support team anytime.
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