Computer-generated illustrationP017 / Mobile / Connector
Lightning connector
Identify the connector and accessory purpose separately.
371 source-linked field notes
The connector field guide.
Browse the source-linked collection. Every record separates documented facts from the things a shape or label cannot tell you.
371 field notes
Source checked · independent review pendingComputer-generated illustration with prior AI visual review. Not a photograph, measurement or compatibility check. Independent technical and rights review pending.
USB, Thunderbolt & mobile
USB plugs and ports, Thunderbolt and Lightning.
12 connectors · 19 more
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP006 / USB / Connector
Micro-USB Type-B
Check for the extra section before calling a connector Micro-B.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP007 / USB / Connector
SuperSpeed Micro-USB Type-B
The full connector is wider than the legacy Micro-B portion.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP263 / USB / Connector
USB 3.0 front-panel 19-pin internal connector
This legacy internal USB header is not the same physical interface as the newer USB-IF Key-A front-panel connector for USB Type-C/front-panel use.
Computer-generated illustrationP264 / USB / Connector
USB 3.1 front-panel Key-A 20-pin header
Key-A is a specific internal mating interface and must not be conflated with the older 19-pin USB 3.0 front-panel header or with external USB Type-A/Type-C connectors.
P370 / USB / Connector
USB Mini-A plug
A historical connector label does not prove the present-day device role or USB behavior.
P371 / USB / Connector
USB Mini-AB receptacle
Receptacle identity, exact part construction and device behavior require separate evidence.
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Computer-generated illustrationDisplay & video
HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, analog video and docks.
15 connectors · 41 more
Computer-generated illustrationP109 / Video / Connector
4-pin Mini-DIN (S-Video form)
Same broad outline, different contact arrangement.
Computer-generated illustrationP011 / Video / Connector
DisplayPort connector
DisplayPort 2.1 on a label does not promise the highest UHBR rate.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP014 / Video / Connector
DVI-D dual-link connector
A full set of cable contacts does not prove the source drives both links.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP015 / Video / Connector
DVI-I dual-link connector
Extra contacts are a clue, not a promise of analog output from every device.
Computer-generated illustrationP116 / Video / Connector
DVI-I single-link connector
Inspect the arrangement; verify the implemented signal.
Computer-generated illustrationP008 / Video / Connector
HDMI Type-A
A full-size HDMI socket does not prove a particular HDMI feature set.
Computer-generated illustrationP258 / Video / Connector
LEMO 3K.93C SMPTE 304M HDTV camera connector
A standard designation is not enough to approve a cable assembly or powered camera link; exact connector, cable, cleaning, power and equipment requirements still apply.
Computer-generated illustrationP312 / Video / Connector
LEMO 3T 75-ohm broadcast triax connector
Triax family and impedance identify the interface class, not the camera/system standard, cable assembly, mating counterpart or complete electrical compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP313 / Video / Connector
LEMO 4A 75-ohm broadcast triax connector
Triax family and impedance identify the interface class, not the camera/system standard, cable assembly, mating counterpart or complete electrical compatibility.
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Computer-generated illustrationP016 / Video / Connector
VGA DE-15 connector
The connector is not a digital HDMI or DisplayPort interface.
Audio
Jacks, XLR, RCA, optical audio and interface wiring.
18 connectors · 13 more
Computer-generated illustrationP127 / Audio / Connector
2-pole speakON loudspeaker connector
Loudspeaker connection does not mean mains power.
Computer-generated illustrationP309 / Audio / Connector
3-pin Mini-XLR (Switchcraft Tini-QG) connector
Mini-XLR family name and conductor count identify a connector form; they do not establish the connected device signal, power scheme or contact assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP026 / Audio / Connector
3-pin XLR connector
XLR shape alone does not establish the signal or power arrangement.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP019 / Audio / Connector
3.5 mm TRS connector
Three contacts do not, by themselves, describe the signal assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP310 / Audio / Connector
4-pin Mini-XLR (Switchcraft Tini-QG) connector
Mini-XLR family name and conductor count identify a connector form; they do not establish the connected device signal, power scheme or contact assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP206 / Audio / Connector
4-pin XLR connector
Pole count identifies the connector form, not the device signal, power scheme or pin assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP128 / Audio / Connector
4-pole speakON loudspeaker connector
Four poles do not specify an amplifier wiring mode.
Computer-generated illustrationP110 / Audio / Connector
5-pin DIN connector: MIDI and legacy uses
MIDI is a transport context, not every DIN socket.
Computer-generated illustrationP311 / Audio / Connector
5-pin Mini-XLR (Switchcraft Tini-QG) connector
Mini-XLR family name and conductor count identify a connector form; they do not establish the connected device signal, power scheme or contact assignment.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP207 / Audio / Connector
6-pin XLR connector
Pole count alone does not identify the application or electrical assignment.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP021 / Audio / Connector
6.35 mm TS connector
A quarter-inch plug is a size, not a complete audio specification.
Computer-generated illustrationP208 / Audio / Connector
8-pole speakON loudspeaker connector
Eight poles do not define channel allocation, bridge mode or amplifier wiring.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP023 / Audio / Connector
RCA connector
A matching RCA plug does not identify analog versus digital signaling.
Computer-generated illustrationP024 / Audio / Connector
TOSLINK connector
Optical shape matching still does not establish an audio-format match.
Power & charging
Mains, DC barrel, appliance couplers and charging.
61 connectors · 21 more
Computer-generated illustrationP028 / Power / Connector
5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel connector: identification only
Identification only. A plug that fits may still damage the device.
Computer-generated illustrationP363 / Power / Connector
5.5 x 2.5 mm barrel connector: identification only
The same outside diameter can hide a different bore. Establish the complete device requirement before choosing power.
Computer-generated illustrationP356 / Mac power / Connector
Apple original wired MagSafe — L-style and T-style
The L versus T cable-exit style does not by itself tell you adapter wattage or compatibility with a specific Mac model.
Computer-generated illustrationP357 / Mac power / Connector
Apple wired MagSafe 2 laptop power connector
Mac compatibility depends on the exact laptop and power adapter, not on the presence of magnets or a similar row of contacts.
Computer-generated illustrationP364 / Mac power / Connector
Apple wired MagSafe 3 laptop power connector
Read the Mac generation and complete charging path. Original MagSafe and MagSafe 2 adapters are not MagSafe 3 chargers.
Computer-generated illustrationP299 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C1 cord connector
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP300 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C2 appliance inlet
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP211 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C5 cord connector
C5/C6 identification does not establish the appliance rating or whether a cord is approved for that product.
Computer-generated illustrationP212 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C6 appliance inlet
The C6 inlet identifies a coupler family, not a complete mains-power requirement.
Computer-generated illustrationP213 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C7 cord connector
A C7/C8 fit does not establish equipment class, voltage, current or cord approval.
Computer-generated illustrationP214 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C8 appliance inlet
The two-contact outline is an identification clue, not electrical approval.
Computer-generated illustrationP301 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C9 cord connector
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP302 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C10 appliance inlet
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP179 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C13 cord connector
A C13/C14 shape match identifies a coupler family, not the appliance voltage, current or safety approval.
Computer-generated illustrationP180 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C14 appliance inlet
An inlet outline does not establish the connected equipment rating or approved cord set.
Computer-generated illustrationP181 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C15 hot-condition cord connector
The hot-condition family distinction matters; a similar rectangular appliance coupler is not automatically interchangeable.
Computer-generated illustrationP303 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C15A very-hot-condition cord connector
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP182 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C16 hot-condition appliance inlet
A similar IEC outline does not establish that a C13 cord connector is the intended mating part.
Computer-generated illustrationP304 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C16A very-hot-condition appliance inlet
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP215 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C17 cord connector
Do not substitute C17/C18 merely because another IEC coupler looks similar.
Computer-generated illustrationP216 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C18 appliance inlet
An IEC 60320 inlet designation must be matched to the product documentation, not guessed from silhouette.
Computer-generated illustrationP183 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C19 cord connector
Larger appliance-coupler geometry does not by itself establish a safe load or installation rating.
Computer-generated illustrationP184 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C20 appliance inlet
Connector-family identification does not approve a cord, branch circuit or equipment load.
Computer-generated illustrationP305 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C21 very-hot-condition cord connector
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP306 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C22 very-hot-condition appliance inlet
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP307 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C23 cord connector
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP308 / Power / Connector
IEC 60320 C24 appliance inlet
IEC coupler identity and family rating context do not by themselves establish appliance voltage, cord-set approval, wiring, safe substitution or installation suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP268 / Power / Connector
M12 K-coded 5-position power connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP253 / Power / Connector
M12 L-coded 5-position power connector
Power connector identity is not authorization to mate two devices. Voltage, current, conductor size, protection and equipment requirements must all be checked independently.
Computer-generated illustrationP269 / Power / Connector
M12 M-coded 6-position power connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP265 / Power / Connector
M12 S-coded 3-position power connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP266 / Power / Connector
M12 S-coded 4-position power connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP267 / Power / Connector
M12 T-coded 4-position DC power connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP271 / Power / Connector
NEMA 1-15P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP272 / Power / Connector
NEMA 1-15R connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP185 / Power / Connector
NEMA 5-15P plug
A familiar household plug shape does not establish that a device is safe for a given circuit or region.
Computer-generated illustrationP186 / Power / Connector
NEMA 5-15R receptacle
A receptacle outline does not establish branch-circuit capacity, condition or code compliance.
Computer-generated illustrationP187 / Power / Connector
NEMA 5-20P plug
The rotated blade is an identification clue, not permission to modify an outlet or adapter.
Computer-generated illustrationP188 / Power / Connector
NEMA 5-20R receptacle
The T slot helps identify a receptacle family; it does not establish circuit condition or installation compliance.
Computer-generated illustrationP273 / Power / Connector
NEMA 6-15P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP274 / Power / Connector
NEMA 6-15R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP275 / Power / Connector
NEMA 6-20P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP276 / Power / Connector
NEMA 6-20R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP287 / Power / Connector
NEMA 10-30P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP288 / Power / Connector
NEMA 10-30R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP289 / Power / Connector
NEMA 10-50P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP290 / Power / Connector
NEMA 10-50R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP277 / Power / Connector
NEMA 14-30P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP278 / Power / Connector
NEMA 14-30R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP279 / Power / Connector
NEMA 14-50P plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP280 / Power / Connector
NEMA 14-50R receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP217 / Power / Connector
NEMA L5-20P locking plug
Locking geometry and NEMA code are safety-relevant identifiers; a nearby locking form is not a substitute.
Computer-generated illustrationP218 / Power / Connector
NEMA L5-20R locking receptacle
A locking receptacle must be identified by its exact NEMA configuration before use.
Computer-generated illustrationP219 / Power / Connector
NEMA L6-20P locking plug
L6-20 and L5-20 are intentionally different configurations; visual similarity is not interchangeability.
Computer-generated illustrationP220 / Power / Connector
NEMA L6-20R locking receptacle
The NEMA code, not a rough circular resemblance, controls this identification.
Computer-generated illustrationP283 / Power / Connector
NEMA L14-20P locking plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP284 / Power / Connector
NEMA L14-20R locking connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP285 / Power / Connector
NEMA L14-30P locking plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP286 / Power / Connector
NEMA L14-30R locking connector
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP281 / Power / Connector
NEMA TT-30P RV plug
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Computer-generated illustrationP282 / Power / Connector
NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle
A familiar shell, blade or coding family does not establish voltage, current, wiring, grounding, mating or safe operation.
Network, fiber & telephone
Ethernet, PoE, fiber, modular phone and pluggable optics.
29 connectors · 14 more
Computer-generated illustrationP113 / Telephone / Connector
4-position modular handset form
Handset and telephone-line connections are different questions.
Computer-generated illustrationP111 / Telephone / Connector
6P4C modular plug (often sold as RJ11)
Count positions and contacts separately.
Computer-generated illustrationP112 / Telephone / Connector
6P6C modular plug (often sold as RJ12)
Same position count can hide a different populated layout.
Computer-generated illustrationP018 / Network / Connector
8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45)
An RJ45-shaped port is not always an Ethernet port.
Computer-generated illustrationP222 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
CFP2 host connector form
CFP2 form factor identity does not by itself establish the optical module type or implemented link standard.
Computer-generated illustrationP223 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
CFP4 host connector form
CFP4 and CFP2 are different host interfaces even when both appear in high-speed optical systems.
Computer-generated illustrationP255 / Network / Connector
etherCON ruggedized RJ45 connector system
The rugged carrier or chassis system does not change the need to verify Ethernet category, pinning, PoE and device support for the actual installation.
Computer-generated illustrationP203 / Fiber / Connector
FC fiber connector
A threaded fiber connector does not identify fiber type, polish, wavelength or link budget.
Computer-generated illustrationP235 / Network / Connector
ix Industrial connector
ix Industrial is a connector family, not a guarantee of a specific Ethernet mode on an arbitrary device.
Computer-generated illustrationP066 / Fiber / Connector
LC fiber connector
Confirm the connector family and the optical end-face variant.
Computer-generated illustrationP249 / Network / Connector
M8 A-coded 4-position connector
The M8 threaded shell does not identify coding or function. A- and D-coded inserts are separate keyed forms.
Computer-generated illustrationP250 / Network / Connector
M8 D-coded Ethernet connector
M8 D-coding is a specific keyed data form; it should not be confused with same-shell A-coded M8 connectors.
Computer-generated illustrationP251 / Network / Connector
M12 A-coded 5-position connector
An M12 threaded shell is only the outer family; coding and position pattern must be verified before any signal or power assumption.
Computer-generated illustrationP252 / Network / Connector
M12 B-coded 5-position connector
M12 coding is part of the mechanical identity; a matching shell diameter does not imply mating or protocol equivalence.
Computer-generated illustrationP233 / Network / Connector
M12 D-coded Ethernet connector
An M12 shell does not identify the coding; D-coded and X-coded Ethernet interfaces are different keyed forms.
Computer-generated illustrationP234 / Network / Connector
M12 X-coded Ethernet connector
M12 X-coded and D-coded forms differ in coding and position layout even though both use an M12 shell.
Computer-generated illustrationP270 / Network / Connector
M12 Y-coded 8-position hybrid connector
Physical coding is an identification layer; it does not by itself establish protocol, power behavior or end-to-end compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP254 / Network / Connector
M23 12-position signal connector
The M23 shell family spans configurations, so a 12-position example does not establish universal wiring or electrical behavior.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP204 / Fiber / Connector
MT-RJ fiber connector
Housing identification alone does not establish fiber type, polarity or optical compatibility.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP256 / Fiber / Connector
opticalCON DUO 2-fiber connector system
Fiber count and rugged shell identity do not establish fiber type, polish, wavelength, transceiver support or link budget.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP259 / Fiber / Connector
opticalCON DUO SMPTE camera-link cable system
The word “SMPTE” in a cable-system name does not mean it mates with the SMPTE 304M camera connector. Mechanical and electrical standards must be checked separately.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP257 / Fiber / Connector
opticalCON QUAD 4-channel fiber connector system
A similar opticalCON shell does not make DUO and QUAD the same optical interface; channel count and exact chassis/cable family must match.
Computer-generated illustrationP221 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
OSFP host connector form
OSFP is a host/module form factor; the installed module and system documentation determine the actual network technology and rate.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP202 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
QSFP-DD host connector / cage form
A QSFP-DD cage outline is not a guarantee that any given module, link rate or breakout mode is supported.
Computer-generated illustrationP201 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
QSFP+ host connector form
A QSFP-family cage does not by itself establish Ethernet generation, optics, copper reach or module support.
Computer-generated illustrationP067 / Fiber / Connector
SC fiber connector
Confirm the connector family and the optical end-face variant.
Computer-generated illustrationP200 / Pluggable I/O / Connector
SFP / SFP+ / SFP28 host connector form
The same physical module family can carry different electrical/optical standards; form factor alone does not establish link capability.
Computer-generated illustrationStorage & memory
SATA, SAS, M.2, U.2 and memory cards.
31 connectors · 14 more
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP122 / Storage / Connector
CFexpress Type B card interface
Same shell is not the same supported media.
Computer-generated illustrationP119 / Storage / Connector
CompactFlash Type I card interface
The word Compact does not identify a card interface.
Computer-generated illustrationP118 / Storage / Connector
eSATA 7-pin data connector
External data and external power need separate evidence.
Computer-generated illustrationP061 / Storage / Connector
Full-size SD card form
The card shape is one label; capacity and speed are separate labels.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP030 / Storage / Connector
M.2 card edge interface
M.2 is a form-factor family; NVMe describes a different layer.
Computer-generated illustrationP262 / Storage / Connector
MCIO / SFF-TA-1016 connector family
MCIO is a connector family, not one universal pin count. Exact lane configuration, cable assembly, host support and protocol must come from the specific implementation.
Computer-generated illustrationP199 / Storage / Connector
Micro SATA connector
The word SATA describes a family; physical variants still require exact identification.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP298 / Storage / Connector
Mini PCI Express / mSATA 52-position socket
The shared 52-position socket family does not make Mini PCIe and mSATA electrically interchangeable; host implementation still controls supported signals.
Computer-generated illustrationP237 / Storage / Connector
Mini-SAS external SFF-8088 connector
External Mini-SAS uses a different mechanical interface from the internal SFF-8087 form.
Computer-generated illustrationP239 / Storage / Connector
Mini-SAS HD external SFF-8644 connector
External Mini-SAS HD must be distinguished from both internal SFF-8643 and legacy external SFF-8088.
Computer-generated illustrationP238 / Storage / Connector
Mini-SAS HD internal SFF-8643 connector
Mini-SAS HD is a different connector generation/form from legacy Mini-SAS even when both are used for SAS links.
Computer-generated illustrationP236 / Storage / Connector
Mini-SAS internal SFF-8087 connector
Mini-SAS internal and external forms are not interchangeable merely because they carry the same protocol family.
Computer-generated illustrationP240 / Storage / Connector
OCuLink SFF-8611 / SFF-8612 connector family
OCuLink identity does not establish PCIe generation, lane count, bifurcation support or device compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP295 / Storage / Connector
PCI Express x1 36-position card-edge connector
The x1 mechanical connector form does not establish PCIe generation, active lane width, bifurcation or platform support.
Computer-generated illustrationP296 / Storage / Connector
PCI Express x4 64-position card-edge connector
The x4 mechanical connector form does not establish PCIe generation, active lane width, bifurcation or platform support.
Computer-generated illustrationP297 / Storage / Connector
PCI Express x8 98-position card-edge connector
The x8 mechanical connector form does not establish PCIe generation, active lane width, bifurcation or platform support.
Computer-generated illustrationP261 / Storage / Connector
PCI Express x16 164-position card-edge connector
The x16 mechanical form does not by itself establish PCIe generation, active lane width, power budget or platform support.
Computer-generated illustrationP196 / Storage / Connector
SAS SFF-8482 drive connector
SAS drive connector shape should not be treated as proof that a SATA-only host or cable supports SAS.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP194 / Storage / Connector
SATA 15-pin power connector
SATA data and SATA power are separate interfaces even when combined in one drive-side assembly.
Computer-generated illustrationP291 / Storage / Connector
SFF-TA-1002 1C 56-contact connector
The 1C mechanical/contact form does not by itself establish an EDSFF device size, protocol generation, lane use or system compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP292 / Storage / Connector
SFF-TA-1002 2C 84-contact connector
The 2C mechanical/contact form does not by itself establish an EDSFF device size, protocol generation, lane use or system compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP293 / Storage / Connector
SFF-TA-1002 4C 140-contact connector
The 4C mechanical/contact form does not by itself establish an EDSFF device size, protocol generation, lane use or system compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP294 / Storage / Connector
SFF-TA-1002 4C+ 168-contact connector
The 4C+ mechanical/contact form does not by itself establish an EDSFF device size, protocol generation, lane use or system compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP195 / Storage / Connector
Slimline SATA connector
A smaller SATA-family outline is not the same connector as standard SATA data plus power.
Computer-generated illustrationP197 / Storage / Connector
SlimSAS connector family
The family name does not identify one universal contact count or lane configuration.
Computer-generated illustrationP198 / Storage / Connector
U.2 / U.3 SFF-8639 68-position drive connector
A shared drive-edge family does not mean every host, backplane and drive supports the same transport mode.
Computer-generated illustrationP123 / Storage / Connector
XQD card interface
A shared form factor does not approve a replacement card.
Inside the PC
Motherboard headers, PC power and wire-to-board families.
23 connectors
Computer-generated illustrationP343 / PC internal / Connector
3-pin PC fan connector / motherboard header
Three contacts do not establish automatic speed control: the motherboard must support the correct fan-control method.
Computer-generated illustrationP344 / PC internal / Connector
4-pin PWM PC fan connector / motherboard header
Four contacts identify a candidate PWM form; they do not prove a particular board header offers PWM mode or adequate power.
Computer-generated illustrationP348 / PC internal / Connector
5 V addressable RGB header (MSI JRAINBOW)
Voltage and signaling class are more important than a superficial resemblance between small lighting headers.
Computer-generated illustrationP190 / PC power / Connector
8-pin +12 V CPU power connector (EPS12V form)
An eight-position PC power shell can be confused with PCIe auxiliary power; keying and device documentation matter.
Computer-generated illustrationP347 / PC internal / Connector
12 V four-pin motherboard RGB header (MSI JRGB)
Connecting a five-volt addressable LED accessory to a twelve-volt RGB header can damage the accessory.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP260 / PC power / Connector
12V-2x6 16-circuit PCIe power connector
Physical family recognition never establishes safe GPU power delivery. Cable construction, PSU/device requirements, seating and the exact specification remain safety-critical.
Computer-generated illustrationP193 / PC power / Connector
12VHPWR 16-contact auxiliary power connector
The newer 16-contact form is a separate connector family from the older 2x3 and 2x4 PCIe auxiliary connectors.
Computer-generated illustrationP189 / PC power / Connector
ATX 24-pin main power connector
A 24-position shell is not enough to approve a power supply, motherboard or rewiring scheme.
Computer-generated illustrationP346 / PC internal / Connector
HD Audio front-panel header — keyed 2×5 (Intel example)
Do not identify an audio header by a 2×5 outline alone; even similarly keyed HD-audio implementations can use different pitches.
Computer-generated illustrationP360 / Hirose wire-to-board / Connector
Hirose DF13 miniature crimp connector family
A 1.25 mm pitch is only a family identifier: Hirose DF13 and JST GH are not an approved mating pair.
Computer-generated illustrationP345 / PC internal / Connector
Internal USB 2.0 dual-port header — keyed 2×5, pin 9
A keyed header silhouette is not enough: Intel also documents a separate internal variant keyed at two positions.
Computer-generated illustrationP352 / JST wire-to-board / Connector
JST GH secure-lock wire-to-board connector family
GH’s locking arrangement distinguishes its series conceptually from the smaller friction-lock SH, but physical mating still requires exact part codes.
Computer-generated illustrationP349 / JST wire-to-board / Connector
JST PH wire-to-board connector family
A measured 2.0 mm pitch or white housing alone cannot establish a genuine JST PH mating pair or wiring.
Computer-generated illustrationP351 / JST wire-to-board / Connector
JST SH miniature wire-to-board connector family
Many miniature connectors look similar; a single 1.0 mm measurement does not establish the exact SH housing or mating header.
Computer-generated illustrationP350 / JST wire-to-board / Connector
JST XH wire-to-board connector family
The XH family name and nominal pitch are not interchangeable with JST PH, JST GH or generic 2.54 mm headers.
Computer-generated illustrationP367 / PC power / Connector
LP4 four-contact peripheral power housing
Equal counts of four contacts do not establish a safe mechanical mate, cable wiring or interchangeable equipment power connection.
Computer-generated illustrationP368 / PC power / Connector
Miniature four-position floppy-drive power housing
Equal counts of four contacts do not establish a safe mechanical mate, cable wiring or interchangeable equipment power connection.
Computer-generated illustrationP359 / Molex Fit wire-to-board / Connector
Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 connector family
Micro-Fit 3.0 is not Mini-Fit Jr.; similar-looking headers do not prove mating or a safe power harness.
Computer-generated illustrationP358 / Molex Fit wire-to-board / Connector
Molex Mini-Fit Jr. connector family
Mini-Fit is a named family; a power-cable label or 4.20 mm measurement cannot authorize a mating or PSU wiring assumption.
Computer-generated illustrationP191 / PC power / Connector
PCIe 6-pin auxiliary power connector
A PCIe auxiliary-power connector is not a general-purpose keyed DC connector.
Computer-generated illustrationP192 / PC power / Connector
PCIe 8-pin auxiliary power connector
This eight-position PC power form is not interchangeable with every 8-pin CPU-power connector.
Computer-generated illustrationP362 / FPC / FFC (TE) / Connector
TE 0.5 mm bottom-contact FPC ZIF connector — 1-2492104-0
Bottom-contact is a defined part property, not a promise that any 0.5 mm ribbon fits safely.
Computer-generated illustrationP361 / FPC / FFC (TE) / Connector
TE 0.5 mm top-contact FPC ZIF connector — 1-2492111-7
Top-contact and bottom-contact variants can look similar, but contact face and exact cable specification must match.
Coax, RF & legacy
BNC, F-type, SMA and micro RF, FireWire and legacy computer ports.
36 connectors · 5 more
Computer-generated illustrationP108 / Legacy computer / Connector
6-pin Mini-DIN (PS/2 form)
A round socket still needs a port label.
Computer-generated illustrationP210 / Legacy computer / Connector
8-pin Mini-DIN connector
Mini-DIN position count identifies a shell/contact form, not a universal signal standard.
Computer-generated illustrationP243 / Legacy computer / Connector
34-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon receptacle
Position count and IDC construction identify the connector form, not the signal assignment or attached device class.
Computer-generated illustrationP248 / Legacy computer / Connector
36-contact MDR / IEEE 1284C form
Sharing a 36-contact count does not make MDR/1284C and CHAMP-36 the same connector.
Computer-generated illustrationP242 / Legacy computer / Connector
40-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon header
A familiar 40-position ribbon form does not by itself prove ATA/PATA, GPIO or another historical bus assignment.
Computer-generated illustrationP241 / Legacy computer / Connector
50-position 2.54 mm IDC ribbon header
Ribbon headers with the same pitch and row count can carry unrelated signals, so physical format and system role must be verified separately.
Computer-generated illustrationP244 / Legacy computer / Connector
50-position Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR) connector
The MDR family name and contact count identify a mechanical form only; cable signaling and equipment role remain implementation-specific.
Computer-generated illustrationP246 / Legacy computer / Connector
68-contact VHDCI SCSI connector
A 68-contact count does not make VHDCI interchangeable with MDR or other 68-position interfaces; shell and mating family must match.
Computer-generated illustrationP245 / Legacy computer / Connector
68-position Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR) connector
A 68-contact MDR shell is not the same mechanical family as VHDCI merely because both can expose 68 contacts.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP209 / Legacy computer / Connector
Centronics / CHAMP 36-position connector
A 36-position ribbon connector outline is not proof of IEEE 1284 mode, wiring or device compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP247 / Legacy computer / Connector
CHAMP 50-position connector
The word “Centronics” is used loosely in legacy hardware, so the exact CHAMP position count and mechanical series should be confirmed.
Computer-generated illustrationP115 / Legacy computer / Connector
DB25 D-sub connector
The same shell can carry unrelated interfaces.
Computer-generated illustrationP114 / Legacy computer / Connector
DE-9 D-sub (commonly called DB9)
Nine positions are not a serial pinout.
Computer-generated illustrationP232 / Coax / Connector
DIN 1.0/2.3 coaxial connector
The compact 1.0/2.3 interface must be identified separately from BNC, HD-BNC and other dense coax families.
Computer-generated illustrationP065 / Coax / Connector
F-type coaxial connector
A television-style coax connector is not the same family as SMA.
Computer-generated illustrationP366 / Coax / Connector
FAKRA keyed coaxial connector family
Read component role, complete ordering code and mechanical coding before equipment function.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP106 / FireWire / Connector
FireWire 6-pin connector
Identify the generation, then verify the power arrangement.
Recognition illustration · not to scaleP107 / FireWire / Connector
FireWire 9-pin connector
A different end does not establish software support.
Computer-generated illustrationP365 / Coax / Connector
FME coaxial connector family
A threaded shell identifies a candidate family, not an approved antenna path.
Computer-generated illustrationP205 / Coax / Connector
HD-BNC coaxial connector
A miniature bayonet coax outline does not establish 50-ohm versus 75-ohm system compatibility or signal format.
Computer-generated illustrationP353 / Micro RF coax / Connector
Hirose U.FL micro-coaxial RF connector
A tiny round antenna snap does not identify its series or prove that it mates with a similarly shaped I-PEX part.
Computer-generated illustrationP355 / Micro RF coax / Connector
I-PEX MHF 4 low-profile micro-coaxial RF connector
The manufacturer separately documents MHF 4L mating with MHF 4; that specific qualification is not a general MHF I or U.FL compatibility statement.
Computer-generated illustrationP354 / Micro RF coax / Connector
I-PEX MHF I micro-coaxial RF connector
MHF I is not the same family identity as MHF 4; appearance and cable diameter alone do not certify mating.
Computer-generated illustrationP314 / Coax / Connector
LEMO 00 NIM-CAMAC 50-ohm triax connector
Triax family and impedance identify the interface class, not the camera/system standard, cable assembly, mating counterpart or complete electrical compatibility.
Computer-generated illustrationP228 / Coax / Connector
MCX coaxial connector
MCX and MMCX are distinct miniature interfaces despite similar naming and snap-on behavior.
Computer-generated illustrationP231 / Coax / Connector
Mini-BNC coaxial connector
Mini-BNC, BNC and HD-BNC are separate interfaces despite related broadcast use and naming.
Computer-generated illustrationP229 / Coax / Connector
MMCX coaxial connector
A smaller snap-on RF connector is not automatically MMCX; verify the exact family and mating geometry.
Computer-generated illustrationP224 / Coax / Connector
N-Type coaxial connector
Threaded RF connectors with similar proportions can still be different interfaces; identify the family before mating.
Computer-generated illustrationP225 / Coax / Connector
RP-N-Type coaxial connector
Reverse polarity changes the interface contact arrangement; do not assume standard N-Type mating.
Computer-generated illustrationP064 / Coax / Connector
RP-SMA coaxial connector
The outer thread alone cannot settle SMA versus RP-SMA.
Computer-generated illustrationP227 / Coax / Connector
RP-TNC coaxial connector
Standard TNC and RP-TNC should be distinguished before mating or specifying adapters.
Computer-generated illustration
Computer-generated illustrationP230 / Coax / Connector
SMB coaxial connector
SMB identity is not evidence for impedance, frequency or cable suitability.
Computer-generated illustrationP226 / Coax / Connector
TNC coaxial connector
Coupling style is a useful identifier, but it does not establish impedance or system performance.
Working methods
How to read labels, models, sources and failure reports.
1 connector · 18 more
P369 / Legacy AV / Connector
SCART plug
Identify the form first, then obtain the device and adapter signal/direction documentation.
Reference destinations / 12 selected pages
The connector questions worth checking before you buy or connect.
Four established six-part references and eight new first-answer field cards, all attached to canonical records. Source-checked means source-traced draft, not an independent technical sign-off. No connector shape certifies an end-to-end connection.
01 / Established six-part readerUSB Type-CUSB Type-C names the reversible connector, not a guaranteed data rate, charging wattage or video capability.Read the scoped reference ↗02 / Established six-part readerHDMI Type-AThe familiar full-size HDMI connector is Type-A; Mini and Micro HDMI use different physical forms.Read the scoped reference ↗03 / Established six-part readerDisplayPort connectorDisplayPort provides a video interface with product-specific features and link rates.Read the scoped reference ↗04 / Established six-part readerM.2 card edge interfaceM.2 physical fit and keying do not establish whether a host supports a particular SATA, PCIe or NVMe device.Read the scoped reference ↗05 / Field question with scoped answerMini HDMI Type-CMini HDMI is HDMI Type-C; it is physically different from Micro HDMI Type-D.Read the scoped reference ↗06 / Field question with scoped answerMicro HDMI Type-DMicro HDMI is HDMI Type-D, distinct from both Mini HDMI and Micro-USB.Read the scoped reference ↗07 / Field question with scoped answer8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45)The common RJ45-style modular connector family has eight positions and eight contacts.Read the scoped reference ↗08 / Field question with scoped answer3.5 mm TRRS connectorCTIA and OMTP headset arrangements can assign microphone and ground differently within a 3.5 mm TRRS interface.Read the scoped reference ↗09 / Field question with scoped answerSATA 7-pin data connectorSATA data cables use a seven-contact connector distinct from the separate power connection.Read the scoped reference ↗10 / Field question with scoped answerSATA 15-pin power connectorSerial ATA includes a distinct 15-position power connector alongside the separate 7-pin data connector.Read the scoped reference ↗11 / Field question with scoped answer5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel connector: identification onlyA barrel connector description needs outer diameter, inner diameter and mating length; polarity is a separate requirement.Read the scoped reference ↗12 / Field question with scoped answerHirose U.FL micro-coaxial RF connectorHirose U.FL is a miniature coaxial RF family with cable plugs and PCB-mounted receptacles. Member configurations differ in cable size and mating height.Read the scoped reference ↗