.100" Headers

3M was an early pioneer in the development of connectors for high pin-count board-to-board and wire-to-board applications, and remains a leader today. These new connectors quickly replaced the complex, costly and error-prone wire-wrapping technology used in many types of equipment in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, 3M has developed one of the broadest ranges of connector components in the industry and earned a trusted name for innovative design, high quality, and exemplary service.

For .100" x .100" board-to-board and wire-to-board applications, the 3M range is comprised of four-wall boxed headers and latch-eject headers, offered with a choice of feature sets and price levels to suit your design requirements and budget.

Four-wall boxed headers feature dual rows of square pins within a plastic insulator, providing protection from the damage possible with exposed pin strip headers. The low profile of the connector optimizes the above-board height available in the vertical configuration, and board real estate in the right angle version. The 3M™ Four-Wall Header, 2500 Series is the industry benchmark with copper alloy pins plated in a choice of 30μ" and 15μ" gold levels. The D2500 Series header provides a value-priced alternative featuring brass pins plated with 10μ" gold.

For the secure mating of two part connectors and for easy maintenance, headers with latch/ejectors are available. The flagship 3M™ Wiremount 3000 Series connectors feature plastic latches with metal roll pins and are offered with 30μ" gold plated contact pins. The alternative value-line D3000 Series connector features single-piece molded latches and 15μ" gold plated contacts.

Typically, headers from 3M feature a center polarization slot for correct orientation of the mating socket connector. The headers featuring the high-temperature resistant glass-filled PCT plastic insulator are designed to withstand IR reflow soldering in high volume manufacturing. Gull-wing style solder tails are also available for surface mount processing. A variety of accessories are available for board processing, coding, and polarization.