In the vast landscape of electronic components, few are as fundamental, ubiquitous, and cost-effective as the pin header. Often dubbed the “Lego bricks” of printed circuit boards (PCBs), these simple yet versatile connectors create the backbone of modern electronics—linking boards, wires, and modules with speed and reliability.
Whether you’re an industrial engineer or a weekend Arduino enthusiast, mastering the nuances of pin headers is the first step to a rock-solid design.
What Is a Pin Header?
A pin header is a male electrical connector consisting of one or more rows of metal pins molded into a plastic base. The pins are spaced at a standardized pitch and mate with a female header, socket, or receptacle to complete the connection.
Where You’ll Find Pin Headers
- Computer motherboards – front-panel LEDs, USB, fans
- Development boards – Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32
- Industrial controls – modular I/O and sensor links
- Embedded systems – inter-board signalling
- Consumer electronics – slim, internal board-to-board links
6 Key Selection Criteria
| Factor | Options | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.100") | Prototyping, breadboards, legacy designs |
| 2.00 mm (0.079") | Space-saving upgrade from 2.54 mm | |
| 1.27 mm (0.050") | High-density boards | |
| 1.00 mm (0.039") | Ultra-compact wearables & cameras | |
| Pin Count / Rows | 1–100+ pins, 1–4 rows | Match header to signal & power needs |
| Orientation | Straight (vertical) | Parallel board stacking (mezzanine) |
| Right-angle | 90° board or cable exit | |
| Mounting | Through-hole (THT) | Maximum mechanical strength |
| Surface-mount (SMT) | High-speed automated assembly | |
| Shroud | Unshrouded | Lowest cost, maximum flexibility |
| Shrouded (box) | Pin protection + polarization | |
| Plating | Tin | Cost-effective, general-purpose |
| Gold | Low-level signals, harsh environments |
Pro Design Tips
- Breakaway strips – snap to length for custom pin counts.
- PCB layout – follow the datasheet’s drill or land pattern to prevent solder bridges or weak joints.
- Current rating – de-rate by 20 % if pins carry both power and heat.
FAQ Quick-Fire
Q1. What’s the female half called?
A: A female header, socket, or receptacle.Q2. How does a pin header differ from a “board-to-board” connector?
A: Pin headers are a type of board-to-board connector, but the term also covers higher-density, higher-speed mezzanine solutions.Q3. How do I wire to a pin header?
A: Crimp individual female contacts into a housing, then plug the assembly onto the header for a secure, serviceable wire-to-board link.
Why JVT for Pin Headers?
- Broadest portfolio – every pitch, orientation, and mounting style in stock.
- Precision manufacturing – automated lines guarantee pin straightness and housing consistency.
- Volume pricing – factory-direct savings for 1 k or 1 M pieces.
- Custom services – tailored pin lengths, plating, colours, and polarising keys.
Contact our engineers today
📧 leo@jvtcn.com
🌐 www.jvtcn.cn