1. 8P8C Connector.
8P8C is the acronym for “eight positions, eight conductors.” You are probably most familiar with this type of connector for its use to connect your computer to Ethernet. This connector is composed of a male plug and a female jack, each having eight conducting channels. The female jack has spring-loaded conductors that ensure a stable interface with the plug.
2. D-subminiature Connector
The D-subminiature is a type of electrical connector known for the “D” shape of the metallic shield surrounding the conductors. These connectors are often found on some modems and IBM compatible hardware, for instance connecting your monitor to your pc tower. This connector again consists of a male and female component, each having two or more rows of pins and sockets, respectively. The D-shaped shield ensures correct orientation and screens against electromagnetic interference.
3. USB Connectors
USB connectors were introduced in 1996 to standardize the connection of computer peripherals and are now replacing many other types of interfaces. These are used extensively on PCs and Mac computers and components, both to communicate and supply power. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is an industry standard. It is common to see these on other devices such as smartphones, PDAs, and cell phones.
4. Power Connectors
Power connectors often include a safety grounding connection as well as the main power conductors, as they must prevent any accidental contact with the energized conductors. As their name indicates, these connectors are used to supply electrical power to devices such as computers and amplifiers. So much electricity is being transmitted through these connectors that oftentimes when a circuit is disconnected it will produce an electrical arc. For this reason most power connectors must either safely contain the arc or require interlocking to prevent opening a live circuit.
5. Radio Frequency Connectors
The purpose of radio frequency connectors is to provide the most unadulterated signal possible. The connector must not allow changes in the impedance (a measure for how much resistance the circuit has to a transmission), external signals into the circuit, or leakage of energy out of the circuit. All of these will result in signal losses or reflection. With lower frequencies, simple connectors can be used, but as the frequency increases you will need connectors that further reduce transmission line effects.
6. DC Connectors
A DC connector, most commonly known as the coaxial power connector, is often used to transmit signals to your tv, modem, and types of portable consumer electronics. Other types of direct power connectors exist, but the coaxial is by far the most common.
