Dupont Connectors

Popular for breadboarding and prototyping due to their flexibility and reusability.


 30 April 2024   |     1 minute read   |   By Kevin McAleer   |   Share this article on

The Three Types of Electrical Connectors

Electrical connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends:

  • Board-to-board connectors
  • Cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors
  • Cable/wire-to-board connectors

What are Dupont Connectors?

Dupont connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used to connect circuit boards, sensors, and other electronics components in a non-permanent way. Known for their versatility, they are widely used in prototyping, educational kits, and DIY electronics.

Dupont connectors are named after the Dupont company, which popularized these connectors in the electronics industry, however they were originally created in 1950 by Berg Electronics.


Description

These connectors are simple pin and socket devices that can be easily connected and disconnected, making them ideal for creating temporary connections during prototyping phases.


Types of Dupont Connectors

Connector Type Pin Configuration Gender Common Uses
Single-row 2.54mm pitch Male/Female Connecting jumper wires to breadboards
Double-row 2.54mm pitch Male/Female Higher density connections in compact spaces

Application Areas

Prototyping: Essential in breadboard prototyping for their ease of use and flexibility.

Educational Projects: Often used in classroom settings to help students understand electronics and circuit design.

DIY Electronics: Ideal for hobbyists building custom projects that require frequent reconfiguration.


Conventions

Dupont connectors are typically used where adjustments and iterations are common, such as in prototyping and educational environments.


Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Highly flexible and reusable.
  • Easy to connect and disconnect without any tools.
  • Available in various sizes and configurations to suit many needs.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for high-power applications.
  • Connections may become loose over time with frequent use.