JST connector
A JST connector is a type of electrical connector manufactured by J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd., a Japanese company established in 1957 as the nation's first producer of domestically made solderless terminals and splices.[1] These connectors are designed for reliable, compact interconnections in electronic devices, including wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, and board-to-board configurations, and are known for their innovation in crimp-style and insulation displacement technologies since the introduction of the first crimp-type connector in 1972.[1] JST's product lineup encompasses over 100,000 unique items, ranging from ultra-small pitches as low as 0.6 mm to larger variants for high-current applications, enabling connections in space-constrained environments across industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and display technologies like LCD televisions.[2] The company's commitment to quality is supported by fully automated production processes, ensuring stable performance in applications from internal machine wiring to high-speed data transmission.[2]Overview and History
Introduction to JST Connectors
JST connectors are a family of solderless electrical connectors manufactured by J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd., commonly known as Japan Solderless Terminal (JST), designed for reliable and compact interconnections in low-voltage electronic applications.[2] These connectors include variants utilizing crimp, insulation displacement connection (IDC), or solder methods for termination.[3] They feature pitch sizes ranging from 0.4 mm to 13.0 mm, voltage ratings from 30 V to 3,000 V AC/DC, and current capacities from 0.2 A to 20 A or higher depending on the series.[3] For instance, the PH series exemplifies compact designs with a 2.0 mm pitch for space-limited uses.[4] JST connectors offer advantages such as space-saving architectures for high-density mounting, vibration resistance to ensure stability in dynamic settings, and simplified assembly without soldering in crimp and IDC configurations.[2][3] Originating in the mid-20th century to advance electronics miniaturization, JST's initial solderless terminals were produced in 1957.[1]Company Background and Development
J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd., known as JST, was established in 1957 in Kurayoshi, Japan, with the opening of its inaugural factory focused on producing the nation's first domestically manufactured solderless terminals and splices. This founding responded to the surging demand for dependable electrical connections amid Japan's post-World War II economic recovery and the rapid growth of its electronics sector. By 1958, JST had expanded operations with a Tokyo sales office to better serve the domestic market.[1] Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, JST prioritized technological advancements in connector design. In 1963, the company became the second in Japan to register its primary products under UL standards, enhancing their reliability for broader adoption. The firm shifted toward crimp-style connectors in 1972 with the debut of the V connector, marking its entry into more versatile wire-to-board solutions. This period laid the groundwork for further innovation, including the introduction of insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) in 1979 via the NR and RA series, which simplified wiring without stripping insulation. The 1980s emphasized miniaturization to support emerging portable electronics, exemplified by the development of compact series like the PH connector.[1] JST's global footprint grew significantly starting in the mid-1970s, with the creation of J.S.T. Corporation in the United States in 1975 to address international demand. Subsequent subsidiaries, such as J.S.T. Europe N.V. in Belgium (1977) and facilities in Spain (1981) and Malaysia (1991), facilitated expansion into high-volume sectors including automotive and consumer electronics by the 1990s. These moves enabled JST to scale production and adapt to diverse regional standards.[1] Key innovations have centered on material durability and regulatory adherence. JST incorporated high-reliability phosphor bronze for contacts in many series, providing superior conductivity and resistance to deformation. Early UL compliance in 1963 evolved into full RoHS conformity for products by the 2000s, aligning with global environmental directives. As of 2025, JST operates with over 65 years of experience, producing vast quantities of connectors annually through its worldwide network.[3][1]Connector Series and Types
Major Series Overview
JST connectors are categorized into several major series based on their primary connection types, including wire-to-board, wire-to-wire, and board-to-board configurations, each designed to meet specific spatial and functional requirements in electronic assemblies.[5] Among the wire-to-board series, the PH series features a 2.0 mm pitch and is intended for compact printed circuit board (PCB) connections, offering a thin profile suitable for space-constrained applications.[6] The SH series, with a 1.0 mm pitch, targets ultra-miniature designs for high-density mounting, emphasizing low insertion force and secure locking to facilitate reliable interconnections in small devices. The XH series provides a 2.5 mm pitch for general-purpose use, distinguished by its dual-row configuration and robust mating reliability for broader PCB integration needs.[7] The ZH series employs a 1.5 mm pitch in a low-profile housing, enabling compact connections with features like inertia locking for easy handling in tight spaces.[8] The PA series, with a 2.0 mm pitch, is a crimp-style wire-to-board connector with secure locking, suitable for various electronic assemblies.[9] The GH series, at 1.25 mm pitch, supports high-density wire-to-board connections in compact devices.[10] For wire-to-wire connections, the SM series, at 2.5 mm pitch, incorporates secure inner and center locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnection, making it ideal for reliable inline wiring.[11] The VH series supports a 3.96 mm pitch for higher current demands, featuring positive latching and screw fastening options for enhanced stability in power transmission lines.[12] Board-to-board series include the LE series, with a 1.25 mm pitch for high-density board mating, prioritizing space savings and keying assistance to ensure precise alignment.[13] Specialized series address environmental and performance challenges; for instance, the JWPF series provides waterproof capabilities for automotive applications, featuring sealed housings to protect against moisture ingress.[14] In high-voltage contexts, certain industrial lines like the VL series accommodate up to 600 V, supporting robust operation in demanding power systems.[15] JST's naming convention uses series codes to denote key attributes such as pitch, locking type, and material, where letters like "P" often indicate phosphor bronze contacts for improved shape retention and conductivity.[16] Most series support crimp terminals for assembly versatility.[5]Key Specifications and Variants
JST connectors exhibit a range of electrical specifications tailored to their intended applications, with typical voltage ratings spanning 50V to 250V AC/DC across common series.[3] Current ratings vary by pitch size, generally from 1A for 1.0mm pitch connectors like the SH series to 10A for larger 3.96mm pitch variants such as the VH series.[3] Initial contact resistance is typically below 10mΩ for many series, including the PH and JQ types, ensuring low signal loss in compact designs.[3] Mechanical specifications emphasize reliability and ease of use, though specific mating cycles vary by series and application; specialized variants can achieve up to 6,000 cycles as in the RGX connector.[17] Insertion force is designed to be low, often 1-5kgf, facilitating assembly without excessive strain, as seen in low-insertion-force contacts for the GH and SHL series.[10][18] Compatible wire sizes cover AWG 28 to 16, accommodating fine wires in the ZM series (AWG 30-28) to heavier gauges in the VL series (AWG 22-12).[3] Materials used in JST connectors prioritize durability and environmental resistance, with housings commonly made from polyamide (PA 66) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) plastics meeting UL94V-0 flammability standards, as in the PH and XH series.[3] Contacts are typically tin-plated phosphor bronze or copper alloys, providing corrosion resistance and reliable conductivity, while temperature ranges standardly operate from -25°C to +85°C, including rise under load.[3] Variants of JST connectors adapt to diverse requirements, including polarized designs with keying features to prevent mismating, as in the PH and VH series, versus non-polarized options for simpler alignments.[3] Shrouded headers offer protection against shorting and finger access, common in board-mount types like J300, while open styles suit space-constrained wire-to-wire connections.[3] Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC) variants, such as the XSR and KR series, enable direct ribbon cable termination without crimping.[3] High-temperature versions for automotive use extend to +125°C, exemplified by the ATL series rated at -40°C to +125°C with 5A capacity.[19]| Series | Pitch (mm) | Max Current (A) | Voltage (V AC/DC) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH | 2.0 | 2 | 100 | LEDs, small electronics[3] |
| XH | 2.5 | 3 | 250 | Power supplies, appliances[3] |
| VH | 3.96 | 10 | 250 | High-current wire-to-wire[3] |
| ATL | 2.54 | 5 | 14 | Automotive systems[19] |