Here’s a glossary of Connectors terms and abbreviations, covering electronics, audio/video, networking, industrial, and automotive applications. This is designed as a master reference for retailers, installers, engineers, and electronics enthusiasts.
🔌 CONNECTORS GLOSSARY
A
Adapter / Adaptor – Device connecting two incompatible connector types.
Anderson Connector – High-current DC connector for industrial or EV applications.
Audio Connector – Connector for audio signals (XLR, TRS, RCA, Speakon).
Automotive Connector – Connector designed for vehicle wiring, often weatherproof.
B
BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) – Coaxial connector for video and RF signals.
Binding Post – Connector for speaker or laboratory connections, often accepting banana plugs.
Bullet Connector – Male/female cylindrical connectors for automotive or hobby wiring.
C
Coaxial Connector – Connector for coaxial cable, e.g., BNC, F-Type, SMA.
Card Edge Connector – Connector mating with the edge of a printed circuit board (PCB).
Crimp Connector / Crimp Terminal – Connector attached by compressing metal onto the wire.
Circular Connector – Round connectors used in industrial, military, or audio applications.
Compression Connector – Connector attached by mechanical compression, often for coax.
D
D-Sub / DB Connector – Multi-pin connector used for serial, video, or data interfaces.
DIN Connector – Circular or multi-pin connector standard originating from Germany.
DMX Connector – 3-pin or 5-pin connector for stage lighting control signals.
Duplex Connector – Connector with two fiber or cable paths in one housing.
E
Ethernet Connector / RJ45 – Connector for network cables (Cat5/6/7).
Edge Connector – Connector integrated on the edge of a PCB for card insertion.
Electromechanical Connector – Connector combining electrical and mechanical features.
F
F-Type Connector – Coaxial connector for TV and satellite signals.
Fiber Optic Connector – Connector for optical fiber cables, e.g., SC, LC, ST, MPO.
Flag Connector – Right-angle connector for low-profile installations.
G
Gold-Plated Connector – Connector plated with gold for corrosion resistance and conductivity.
GPIO Connector – General-purpose input/output pins for electronics boards.
H
HDMI Connector – Connector for high-definition audio/video signals.
Header / Pin Header – Male pins on PCB for connecting wires or mating connectors.
High-Current Connector – Connector rated for significant amperage, e.g., Anderson, XT60.
I
IEC Connector – Standardized AC power connector (C13, C14, C7, C8).
Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) – Connector that pierces insulation to contact wire.
Industrial Connector – Heavy-duty connector for industrial equipment, often IP-rated.
J
Jack / Plug – Female / male connector pair, common in audio (TRS) or coaxial.
JST Connector – Compact connector for electronics, battery, and hobby projects.
K
Keyed Connector – Connector with physical feature preventing incorrect mating.
L
LAN Connector – RJ45 connector for Ethernet networking.
Latch / Locking Connector – Connector with mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection.
LC / SC / ST Connector – Standard fiber optic connectors.
M
Micro USB Connector – Connector for small devices, portable electronics.
Mini-DIN Connector – Smaller circular DIN connector for data or video.
Molex Connector – Common multi-pin connector used in PCs, electronics, and industrial applications.
Male / Female Connector – Male = plug, Female = socket, defining mating ends.
N
N-Type Connector – RF coaxial connector used in wireless communications.
Neutral / Ground Connector – Terminal for neutral or earth wiring in power systems.
O
Optical Connector / TOSLINK – Connector for digital audio using optical fiber.
Overmolded Connector – Connector with molded plastic over housing and cable for durability.
P
Plug / Socket – Male/female parts of a connector.
Panel Mount Connector – Connector installed on equipment chassis.
Power Connector – Connector designed for AC or DC power.
PCB Connector / Board-to-Board Connector – Connects PCBs directly or via ribbon cables.
Phono / RCA Connector – Connector for analog audio/video signals.
Q
Quick Disconnect / Faston Terminal – Connector designed for rapid connection/disconnection.
R
RJ11 Connector – Telephone cable connector.
RJ45 Connector – Ethernet/network cable connector.
RCA Connector / Phono Plug – Analog audio/video connector.
RF Connector – Connector designed for radio frequency signals.
Right-Angle Connector – Connector designed to connect at 90° angle.
S
Speakon Connector – High-current audio connector for speakers.
SMA / SMB / MCX Connector – RF coaxial connectors used in telecommunications.
ST Connector (Straight Tip) – Fiber optic connector with bayonet mount.
SC Connector (Subscriber Connector) – Fiber optic connector with push-pull design.
Socket / Receptacle – Female connector designed to receive a plug.
Slide-On Connector / Spade Terminal – Crimp connector used for fast assembly.
T
Terminal Block / Strip – Connects multiple wires, often on panels.
Type-C Connector / USB-C – Reversible USB connector for data, power, video.
Twist Lock Connector – Connector requiring twist to lock in place (AC or industrial).
TRS / Tip-Ring-Sleeve – Stereo audio jack with three contacts.
TOSLINK Connector – Optical fiber audio connector.
U
USB Connector – Standardized connector family (Type-A, Type-B, Micro, Mini, C).
UTP Connector – Connector for unshielded twisted pair network cables.
Underwater Connector – Waterproof connector for marine or submersible applications.
V
VGA Connector / DE-15 – Connector for analog video signals.
Voice / Telecom Connector – Connector used for telephone or voice communication.
Velcro / Strap Connector – Not electrical; cable management connector.
W
Weatherproof Connector / IP-Rated Connector – Connector rated for outdoor use, water/dust-resistant.
Wago Connector – Lever-operated connector for quick wire connection.
Wire-to-Board Connector – Connects wires to PCB pads or headers.
Wingnut Connector – Connector secured using wing-shaped nut for hand-tightening.
X
XLR Connector – Balanced audio connector for microphones, speakers, and lighting.
XT60 / XT90 Connector – High-current battery connectors for RC, drones, EVs.
Y
Y-Splitter Connector / Dual Lead Connector – Connector splitting signal or power into two outputs.
Z
Zero-Insertion-Force (ZIF) Connector – Connector requiring minimal force to insert pins, often for IC sockets.
Zig-Zag / Ribbon Connector – Flat cable connector for ribbon cables or flexible PCBs.
Published 17th Feb. 2026