Box header connectors
Box header connector is a common type of electrical connector widely used for signal connections between circuit boards, especially in computer motherboards, embedded systems, and industrial control boards.
A Box Header connector generally consists of the following parts:
-
Plastic Housing (Box housing)
- It has a rectangular box-like shape — hence the name box header.
- The housing usually includes a keying notch or polarizing slot to prevent incorrect insertion.
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Pin Header
- Inside are one or more rows of metal pins (usually gold- or tin-plated copper pins).
- Common configurations include 2×5, 2×10, 2×20, corresponding to 10-pin, 20-pin, 40-pin connectors.
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Mating Interface
- Typically mates with an IDC ribbon cable connector or Dupont female housing.
- The IDC connector allows simultaneous crimping of multi-core ribbon cables for quick signal transmission.
| Common Type | Number of Pins | Pitch | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2×5 | 10-pin | 2.54 mm | Common in JTAG, SPI interfaces |
| 2×10 | 20-pin | 2.54 mm | Used in PC front panel and legacy IDE interfaces |
| 2×20 | 40-pin | 2.54 mm | Compatible with Raspberry Pi GPIO headers |
| 2×7, 2×8 | 14, 16-pin | 2.54 mm | Common in industrial control and debug interfaces |
Comparison with other connector types
| Connector Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Pin Header | No housing; directly connects to socket headers or Dupont cables |
| Box Header | With plastic housing, keyed design, more secure connection |
| IDC Connector | Female connector used with box headers for ribbon cable termination |
| Socket Header | Board-mounted female header that mates with pin or box headers |
Advantages of Box Header Connectors:
The Box Header Connector features a keyed design that effectively prevents incorrect insertion, ensuring proper orientation and avoiding signal errors or equipment damage. Its sturdy housing provides excellent mechanical protection for internal pins, reducing the risk of bending or desoldering, making it suitable for applications that require frequent mating or operate in harsh environments. It supports multi-core parallel connections and is typically used with IDC ribbon cables, enabling quick mass termination and improved assembly efficiency. With a standardized 2.54 mm pitch, Box Header connectors offer strong compatibility for use in motherboards, development boards, and industrial control equipment. They provide good signal integrity while maintaining low cost and ease of mass production.
Box Header connector cable assemblies are not limited to standard products — we can fully customize them according to your requirements, including pin count, cable length, ribbon color, and terminal type. Whether you need prototypes, mass production, or replacement cables, we can deliver quickly with consistent quality and reliable performance. If you have any custom cable requirements, feel free to contact us anytime.
Kaweei – Box Header Connector Cable FAQ
1. What does Kaweei do?
Kaweei is a professional wire harness manufacturer specializing in custom cable assemblies, including Box Header Connector cables.
2. Can I customize Box Header cables?
Yes. You can choose pin count, pitch (2.54 mm), cable length, color, and terminal type. We also support OEM and sample-based customization.
3. What connectors and materials are used?
We use high-quality box headers with gold- or tin-plated pins and durable insulation cables, all compliant with RoHS and UL standards.
4. How long is the lead time?
Standard orders take about 3–7 days. Custom or bulk orders usually ship within 1–2 weeks.
5. Do you provide samples?
Yes, Kaweei can make samples for testing before mass production.
