Pin Header | 2mm Pin Header

For high-volume electronics manufacturing, the use of tape-and-reel packaging for pin headers significantly enhances automation and throughput. Tape-and-reel pin headers are precisely placed within carrier tapes, making them compatible with automated pick-and-place machines. This packaging format reduces manual handling, minimizes contamination risks, and increases placement accuracy on PCBs. SMT pin headers packaged in reels are especially valuable for compact, high-speed production lines such as those used for smartphones, routers, or wearables. Moreover, using tape-and-reel pin headers allows better inventory management and consistent quality during the soldering process. When designing a product for automated assembly, specifying tape-and-reel packaged pin headers ensures the process remains efficient, scalable, and repeatable without sacrificing component reliability.

One of the most critical specifications in a pin header is its pitch—the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins. Common pitch sizes include 2.54mm, 2.00mm, 1.27mm, and 1.00mm, each suited for different applications. A larger pitch such as 2.54mm is often used in hobbyist or prototyping environments, where manual insertion and visibility are important. Smaller pitches allow for higher-density circuit designs, saving valuable PCB space and enabling miniaturization. However, reduced pitch sizes also demand more precise manufacturing to avoid solder bridging or signal interference. The pitch of a pin header must match that of the mating connector or PCB footprint to ensure proper connectivity. Therefore, selecting the appropriate pin header pitch is essential not only for mechanical compatibility but also for maintaining signal clarity, especially in analog or high-frequency circuits.

Right-angle pin header connectors are specifically designed to provide a horizontal mating interface, which helps save vertical space in compact or low-profile electronic devices. Instead of connecting cables or daughterboards vertically, right-angle pin headers allow connections to be made parallel to the board surface. This layout is ideal for applications like networking equipment, automotive modules, or handheld devices where internal space is limited. Right-angle pin headers are available in both single-row and multi-row versions, with options for SMT or through-hole mounting. Their structure also offers mechanical strength, as the lateral force from the cable or board is better distributed. Using right-angle pin header connectors is a smart design choice when space efficiency, accessibility, and signal routing flexibility are important.

Pin headers come in a wide range of configurations, enabling PCB designers to create versatile and space-optimized layouts. Whether it’s a single-row pin header for basic connections or a triple-row version for dense signal routing, each configuration offers flexibility to suit specific circuit requirements. Straight pin headers are commonly used when vertical insertion is needed, whereas right-angle pin headers support horizontal connection paths. Additionally, custom pitch sizes, gold-plated contacts, and elevated stacking heights are available for specialized applications. Designers can select from surface-mount or through-hole pin header types based on assembly methods. By choosing the appropriate pin header configuration, engineers ensure reliable performance and easier integration within compact or layered PCB environments. These connectors provide not only mechanical stability but also electrical reliability critical for long-term product operation.