This section provides an overview for connector terminals as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 25 connector terminal manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked connector terminal companies as of March, 2024: 1.Shinmei Electric Co.,LTD., 2.HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD., 3.Lianhe Electronic Co.,Ltd.
Table of Contents
A connector terminal is a component that connects electronic circuit boards, electronic components, and electronic wiring in a way that allows easy connection and disconnection.
There are male and female connectors, and when they are connected, they are energized. Since there are pairs of male and female connectors, each with its specialized combination, connecting the wrong one can cause poor contact. Insert contacts with wires crimped to the connector terminal and secure them in place.
Installation and removal of connector terminal depend on the lock shape at the time of connector mating and varies depending on the application, from those that can be easily detached to those that cannot be easily removed.
Connector terminals are used in many situations for communication and power supply between devices because they can be detached and can protect and insulate contacts.
The use of connector terminals improves the maintainability and convenience of equipment and the reliability of connection points. They are used in devices with electronic circuit boards and electronic components and have a wide range of applications.
Connections for electronic components and electronic wiring, connections between electronic circuit boards and electronic boards used in ECUs, etc. High-current connections for electric vehicles, and high-speed transmission connections for sensors such as cameras for automatic driving.
Connector terminals are used for connections between electronic circuit boards, USB connections, etc.
Connector terminals are used for highly reliable power supply connections, high-current connections for solar panels, high-speed transmission connections for communications, etc.
Connector terminals are provided in pairs, male and female, and can be easily connected and disconnected electrically by removing and installing the connector terminals.
Connector terminals are mainly used for:
The above three components make up a connector terminal.
Contacts are metal conductor parts that conduct current and transmit electrical signals. As with connector terminals, there is a pair of male and female contacts, and connecting the wrong one can cause poor contact.
Although contacts can conduct electricity, even if they are touching each other, depending on the grounding area, etc., electrical resistance may increase and transmission loss may increase, resulting in low reliability. For this reason, the mating surfaces of male and female contacts are designed to have moderate mating dimensions that can be removed and attached using the springiness of the metal, and a certain contact pressure is applied.
Insulators are mainly composed of insulating resin and have the functions of holding contacts in a certain position and insulating and protecting contacts from the outside. There is a wide range of insulators, from those that can hold numerous contacts, to those with levers that cannot be easily removed, to those with rubber or other material on the mating surface of the male and female contacts to provide waterproof performance.
Shells are metal parts that generally protect insulators, and are mainly used when they are fixed to the sides or back of equipment or when electrical noise suppression is required. There are a wide variety of shells, including metal, plastic, and waterproof ones, and they should be selected according to the application.
There are four major types of connector terminals based on the connection method.
1. Connection of Electronic Circuit Boards and Electronic Wiring
Connect electronic circuit boards and wires via connector terminals. Since wires can be freely routed according to their length, they are most commonly used for their ease of use.
2. Connection of Electronic Circuit Boards to Electronic Circuit Boards
Electronic circuit boards are directly connected with connector terminals. Since no wires are involved, electrical resistance is low and signal transmission efficiency is high.
3. Connection of Electronic Devices to Electronic Devices
Electronic devices are connected to electronic devices via connector terminals and wires. This is mainly used to exchange signals between devices.
4. Connection Between Electronic Circuit Boards and Electronic Components
Connections are used on electronic circuit boards, where connector terminals are used as sockets for shorting circuits or plugging in ICs or relays.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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ifm efector (ifm) is a subsidiary of ifm electronic, founded in Germany in 1969. ifm has developed, manufactured and marketed sensors and controls technology to industries that include assembly and robotics, automotive, material handling, metal forming, mobile equipment, plastics, and food and beverage. Ifm produces sensors, condition monitoring equipment, image processing, safety technology, industrial communication, IO-link, systems for mobile machines, displays, software, connection technology, voltage supplies, as well as other accessories.
3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
DDK Ltd., founded in 1963 and currently a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo, specializing in electronical connectors. The company’s product range includes automotive, board-to-board, circular and rectangular, coaxial, as well as flexible flat cable (FFC)/flexible printed circuit (FPC) connectors. These connectors are utilized across industries such as automotive, applied in automotive navigation systems, electronic toll collections, and vehicle audio devices; base stations of wireless computer networking; factory automation, applied in control equipment, industrial robots, servomotors, and welding machines; and information technology, applied in digital cameras and video cameras, mobile devices, and measuring instruments.
Toyogiken Co. Ltd (TOGI) is a manufacturer in electrical machinery and accessories. They design, develop and sell terminal blocks, transformers, cables, box terminals, PC board terminals and related accessories. TOGI headquartered in Nagano, Japan has set up their global operations in China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The company is ISO:9001 2015 certified. In addition they are also involved in solar power business operations. TOGI holds 7 patents, 5 trademark patents and 48 utility model patents.
Fuji Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of electrical products such as control switches, connecting devices, pilot lamps and indicators, and electronic devices founded in February 1953, in the town of Nijo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. In 70 years, the company has three sales offices with Kyoto as its headquarters. Other sales office are in Tokyo and Shiga. It currently has three factory offices located in Shiga, Japan. The company released its first product in 1959-a multi-window indicator. Since 1953, the company released 26 more products. Aside from manufacturing electrical products, the company offers scholarships for students which they started in 1976.
Furukawa Electric Power Systems Co. Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of electrical systems and products that was established in 2012 in Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa. The company produces equipment for power transmission, distribution, generation, and control. Its products include SR ring and counterweight systems for keeping electrical lines straight, loose wire spacers, high-current plug-in connectors, heat conductive sheets, and flexible terminals. Aside from its products, the company provides engineering and construction services for customer projects. It chiefly serves client renewable energy developers, electric power utilities, and industrial plants.
Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1956 and is a manufacturer of test solution and connector solution products based in Ota, Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures various products such as open top burn-in sockets, cantilever test sockets, camera module connectore, high speed transmission wiring board, and card edge sockets. The products are used in various applications such as automobiles, production sites, communications infrastructure, smartphones, and servers. The company has certified with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards certifications.
NICHIFU TERMINAL INDUSTRIES CO., LTD./NICHIFU CO., LTD., established in, Japan, in 1941 is a manufacturer of electrical products. Their products range include solderless terminals, indoor electrical wiring, connectors and power line connection that are produced with the accordance of Japanese Industrial Standards. In 1967 the company opened new factory and head office in Tsurumi, Osaka for rationalized production and development of new products and they have distributions and service all around the world.
Japan Automatic Machine Co. (JAM) primarily serves the automotive industry and related industries. JAM provides development, manufacturing and sales of automatic wire processing machines, terminals, connectors, electronic components, precision vices, precision presses, precision tools and instruments, progressive die and injection mold tooling, and other related products. JAM is headquartered in Japan and has offices globally.
Shinmei Electric Co.,LTD. was established in 1958 and is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. The company produces various electronic parts such as microswitch, solenoid, detection switch, tactile switch, and slide switch. The products have been applied in various usages such as office automation, home appliance, communication equipment, health equipment, and audio equipment. The company has obtained certificate of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standard certification.
JST Group, founded in 1957, is an international manufacturing company specializing in the development of all types of systems for connecting electric power and electronic devices. It obtained ISO9002 approval in 1993, and it has gone on to open offices and affiliated companies in Europe, America and other parts of Asia. JST uses modern advances like ultraprecision technology, gold plating processes, CNC copy grinder, to ensure quality and improved performance of every appliance it manufactures. JST products can be used in televisions, laptops, trains, medical equipments and even kitchen appliances.
HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (HRS) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in electronic and electrical connectors. Founded in Tokyo in 1937, the company now has eight factories located in Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with several sales and service locations throughout the US, Europe, and Singapore. The company carries a selection of over 50,000 products, including fiber optic connectors, sealed connectors, and card edge connectors. HRS also offers advanced engineering services to cater to specific customer demands, and after-sales support to clients in the consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications industries.
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd, commonly known as JAE, was established in 1953 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a designer and manufacturer of connectors, user interface solutions, and electronics for the aerospace, agriculture, semiconductor, and camera stabilization sectors. THe company’s product segments include IO connectors, board to board connects, cable to cable connectors, and more. The company’s motion sensing and control segment includes accelerometers, inertial measurement units, and directional modules.
FINECS CO. LTD. is a Japanese ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of electronic components established in 1969 and based in Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama. The company produces various standard as well as custom components for electronics such as terminals, pins, connectors, and sockets. It also offers design, precision stamping, semiconductor wire bonding, and cable assembly services for customers with unique project requirements. The company primarily serves clients in the semiconductor, IT, consumer electronics, medical device, and automotive industries.
HARTING Technology Group, established in 1945 is a manufacturer and supplier of PCB connectors, solenoid systems, field wearable connectors, industrial ethernet switches, and checkout & vending machines based in Espelkamp, Germany. The company has 22 sales & distribution companies, 14 production plants & six R&D locations. The HARTING connectivity products and solutions are used for data, power, and signal transmission in automation, transportation, renewable energy generation, e-mobility, and mechanical & plant engineering applications.
TE Connectivity Ltd., started in 2007 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a designer and manufacturer of sensor and connectivity solutions for harsh conditions. It operates three primary segments, namely transport, industrial, and communication solutions, and its product portfolio includes automotive connectors, fiber optic connectors, analog power meters, RTD sensors, and circuit breakers. It serves customers in approximately 140 countries and several industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail, IoT connectivity, and E-mobility. The company manufactures 192 billion products annually and has invested over 610 million USD in research development and engineering.
MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD was founded in 1954 and is a manufacturer of electrical machinery and industrial products based in Tama, Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures various products such as roller bearings, LCD backlight, electromagnetic clutches, automotive fan motors, and mini coaxial connectors. The products are used in various field of industries such as medical, metal manufacture, optical industry, and hygienic management systems. The company has obtained standards certificates including ISO 14001, QS 9000, and WML C07.
Phoenix Contact is headquartered in Blomberg, Germany, originally founded in 1923. Phoenix Contact’s Israeli subsidiary was founded in 2006 and located in Quadima Tzoran. Phoenix Contact provides tools and components for e-mobility, power, infrastructure, process industry, production manufacturing, system manufacturing, and others. Phoenix Contact’s product lines include automate including cloud computing, connect including PCB terminal blocks, “mark, assemble, and install” including hand tools, “supply, charge, and protect” including power distributors, and “switch, measure, and monitor” including relays and optocouplers.
Iriso Electronics was founded in 1976 in Shimonumabe, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan is a manufacturer of Connectors. The company offers a wide array of connectors including board-to-board, pin header, socket connectors, compression terminal, and ESD protector chip among others. These connectors play an indispensable role in a wide spectrum of application solutions, spanning diverse industries that include automation, automotive, high-speed transmission solutions, onboard coaxial camera solutions, and industrial devices. Additionally, the connectors come fortified with a multitude of advantages that set them apart in the Z-Move structure, 2-Point contact structure, auto I-Lock structure, and floating connectors.
Lianhe Electronic Co., Ltd, established in 2004 and based in Yueqing, Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive and home appliance connectors. The company's product range includes Waterproof Connector, Automotive Connector, AMPSEAL Connector, AMP SUPERSEAL 1.5 Connector, and JWPF Connector. These products are designed for efficient connections in automotive and home appliance systems. They primarily serve the automotive, home appliances, electronics, and industrial sectors. The company offers services such as the design and testing of new products, mold designing, production development, and provision of custom solutions.
Computer Network Accessories Inc., based in Dayton, Ohio, is an online supplier of several electronic products, such as power adapters, network hardware, and bulk cabling. The company also stocks computer hardware and accessories like keyboards, hard drives, and modems and sells toner cartridges compatible with several brands like HP, IBM, and Epson. The company has an online catalog of its products where customers can make orders, and it allows purchase orders. It provides free shipping for all orders over $99, and customers can return goods if unsatisfied within 30 days of purchase.
Ranking as of March 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Shinmei Electric Co.,LTD. |
13.5%
|
2 | HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |
9.6%
|
3 | Lianhe Electronic Co.,Ltd |
5.8%
|
4 | FINECS |
5.8%
|
5 | DDK Ltd. |
5.8%
|
6 | TOYOGIKEN CO.,LTD. |
5.8%
|
7 | Japan Automatic Machine Co., Ltd. |
5.8%
|
8 | ifm efector, inc. |
5.8%
|
9 | Wöhner GmbH & Co. KG |
3.8%
|
10 | Mictron Ltd. |
3.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the connector terminal page as of March 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
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13 | 65.0% |
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2 | 10.0% |
![]() |
2 | 10.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
22 products are listed.
Thank you Technos Co., Ltd.
■ PC standard interface It is developed for PC peripheral devices and is now used not only for PC peripheral devices but also for a wide variety of...
Thank you Technos Co., Ltd.
■ High reliability, small and lightweight The plug is achieved high reliability by integrated molding with the cable, and the material is used for ...
CUI Japan
The Cui Devices terminal block connector, which has a plug type, screw -free, screw type, and DIN rail, features a maximum number of pole number, m...
Thank you Technos Co., Ltd.
■ High reliability, small and lightweight The plug is achieved high reliability by integrated molding with the cable, and the material is used for ...