Are you looking for a connector that is easy to use and can maintain stable electrical connections in industrial environments? Pin headers are an excellent choice. As one of the fundamental components in electronics, pin headers are present as simple connectors that join circuit boards and devices.
You will find pin headers in these areas, like building a computer, assembling industrial equipment, or experimenting with DIY projects. In this article, I will introduce their types, sizes, and uses to you, then help you choose the right one for your needs.
What is a Pin Header?
A pin header is a type of electrical connector. It consists of one or more rows of metal pins molded into a plastic base. The pin headers act as connection points between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components.
The pin counterparts are called female headers or pin sockets.
Pin headers mate with pin headers to form a reliable connection interface.
Types of Pin Headers
Pin headers have various types applied in different electronic devices. We will introduce the main types of pin headers to you based on various classification methods.
By Mounting Style
- Through-Hole Pin Headers: These are the normal type. Pins are inserted through holes in a printed circuit board (PCB).
- Characteristics: secure and reliable, easy to solder and repair by hand, but it occupies a significant amount of PCB space.
- Surface-Mount Pin Headers: Pins are soldered directly onto the PCB’s surface, suitable for compact, high-density designs in modern electronics.
- Characteristics: Suitable for surface mount technology and saves space; not suitable for frequent insertion and removal.
By Number of Row Configuration
- Single-Row Pin Headers: All pins are arranged in a straight line.
- Characteristics: Simple structure, compact width
- Dual-Row Pin Headers: The pins are arranged in two parallel rows.
- Characteristics: Offers more pins within the same length but occupies a larger width space.
- Multi-Row Pin Headers: Pins are arranged in three or more rows.
- Characteristics: Deliver ultra-high-density connectivity
By Orientation
- Straight (vertical): These headers stand vertically on the PCB.
- Characteristics: Most common, easy to install.
- Right-angle: The pins are either parallel to the PCB surface or at a 90-degree angle to it.
- Characteristics: Changing the connection orientation can save vertical space or facilitate side connections.
By Special functions or Structures
- Latching Headers: The pin header connector features a locking mechanism that engages with a mating socket (such as an IDC connector) to prevent accidental disconnection.
- Characteristics: More reliable connections, vibration-resistant.
- Customized Headers: Customized pin headers tailored to specific requirements may feature irregular pin spacing, varying pin counts, or specialized shapes.
- Characteristics: Meet the unique design requirements of specific products.
Soulin has straight and right-angle pin headers, surface-mount devices, THD (Through-hole devices) pin headers, single row and dual row pin headers, and provides customized headers. These pin headers feature PA9T/LCP housings and brass contacts, and are available with Au, Sn, and Ni plating options to ensure reliability, temperature resistance. You can trust its performance of shock and vibration resistance.
Sizes of Pin Headers
Pin headers come in different sizes. The most used are 2.54mm pitch, with good balance and wide applicability.
| Parameter | Common Sizes / Details | Notes |
| Pitch (Pin Spacing) | 2.54 mm (0.1 inch), 2.00 mm, 1.27 mm, 1.00 mm or less | 2.54 mm is the most popular standard pitch |
| Number of Pins | 2 to 100+ pins | Sold as strips to be cut to required length |
| Pin Length | Approximately 2 mm to 12.7 mm or more | Depends on PCB thickness and design needs |
| Row Spacing | 5.08 mm, 7.62 mm | For multi-row pin headers |
| Pin Diameter | 0.36 mm to 0.64 mm | Thicker pins provide more durability |
| Shape/Type | Straight (vertical), Right-angle (90-degree bend), Surface-mount (SMD), Through-hole | Choice depends on PCB layout and application |
Soulin supplies standard and customized pin headers for computers, servers and peripherals, networking and telecom equipment. Our range includes straight and right-angle bodies, through-hole and SMT mounting, and single-row and dual-row configurations. Product options include:
- 2.0mm 2×6 straight through-hole pin header — Dual-row, dual-plastic construction with a 180° orientation.
- 2.0mm 2×5 right-angle pin header — Dual-row construction with a 90° orientation.
- 1.27mm 2×12 SMT pin header — Dual-row, dual-plastic construction for surface-mount PCB assembly.
Our female header range provides socket options for board interconnect designs. Soulin also offers OEM/ODM connector development, drawing-based customization and sample support for prototype and production projects.
Applications of Pin Headers
Prototyping and Development Boards
You see the pin headers used in development boards like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 to connect sensors, displays, or other peripherals to GPIO pins. They facilitate rapid prototyping, making them ideal for hobbyists and engineers experimenting with circuits.
| Application Area | Performance Requirements |
| Prototyping | Standard 2.54mm pitch, easy to plug/unplug, supports high pin counts, compatible with breadboards and development boards. |
| Development Board Connections | Reliable signal transmission, supports frequent plugging, modular design |
Tip: Choose 2.54mm pitch headers for compatibility with breadboards and dev boards. For stackable headers, ensure pin length (10–12mm) supports multi-layer connections. Label pin functions to avoid miswiring.
Module Interconnects
You can see that pin headers connect modular components like Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth modules, or sensors to main PCBs or microcontrollers. They support modular designs, allowing easy swapping or upgrading of modules without soldering.
| Application Area | Benefits |
| Modular Design | Provides reliable electrical connections for quick module swapping. |
| Smart Hardware | Ensures stable signal transmission for I2C/SPI protocols. |
| IoT Devices | Ideal for compact module connections like sensors and communication modules. |
Tip: To prevent incorrect module insertion, you can use keyed headers. If you need to plug, you can use secure modules with clips or screws, then it can help you avoid loose connections. Verify the header’s current capacity matches module requirements.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Connections
Pin headers enable board-to-board or board-to-wire connections in PCBs, transmitting signals, power, or data. They are used in computer motherboards, expansion cards, and industrial PCBs, supporting various mounting styles.
| Feature | Description |
| Pitch | 2.54mm or 2.0mm, suitable for standard and compact designs. |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole for high strength, surface-mount for miniaturization, right-angle for space-saving. |
| Pin Count | Supports 2–40+ pins for diverse connection needs. |
Tip: Select through-hole or surface-mount headers based on PCB space. Ensure even solder joints to avoid cold solder or shorts. For right-angle headers, reserve horizontal space for layout compatibility.
Industrial and Embedded Systems
You can see pin headers in industrial controllers, automation systems, and embedded devices to connect sensors, actuators, or communication interfaces. They provide reliable connections, which are suitable for vibration and temperature change in industrial environments.
| Application Area | Benefits |
| Industrial Automation | Stable connections in vibration and high-temperature environments. |
| Embedded Systems | Supports high pin counts for complex signal routing. |
| Industrial IoT | Durable for long-term operation. |
| Feature | Description |
| Protection Rating | IP55/IP65, some models offer dust and water resistance for harsh environments. |
| Material Quality | Copper pins ensure high conductivity, minimizing signal loss. |
| Adaptability | Customizable pin counts (2–40+), suitable for complex system designs. |
Tip: Use shrouded or locking headers for stability in vibrating environments. Regularly inspect headers for corrosion or loosening. Add dustproof or waterproof seals in harsh conditions.
Consumer Electronics
You can find pin headers in smartphones, wearables, and appliances. They are used in consumer electronics for internal connections, testing, or repairs. They support compact designs and serviceability.
| Feature | Description |
| Current Capacity | Up to 5A, suitable for low-power connections. |
| Pitch | 2.0mm or 1.27mm for compact designs. |
| Durability | Sturdy plastic or metal casings resist minor impacts. |
| Applications | Used in sensors, internal connections, repair ports in phones, routers, and medical devices. |
Tip: Choose 2.0mm or 1.27mm pitch headers for compact devices. Avoid frequent plugging to prevent wear. If you repair it, you should document pin functions (e.g., signal, power) for easier testing or replacement.
How to Choose the Right Pin Header?
Application Needs
If you want the right pin headers, in my opinion, you should consider your project. First, you need to consider how many the number of pins for your connections do you need. Next, I think that you should check the voltage and current your system will handle. Finally, I advise you to consider the environment where the pin header will be used—whether it’s a compact prototype, an industrial system, or a vibration-heavy application. For small devices, as far as I’m concerned, a 2.0mm pitch single-row header works well. For high-density connections, opt for dual-row 2.54mm or 1.27mm pitch headers. In rugged environments, using shrouded headers can provide you with added protection.
Pin Header Types
| Type | Pin Count | Best For |
| Single-Row (2.54mm pitch) | 2–40 | Prototyping, breadboards, GPIO connections (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino) |
| Dual-Row (2.54mm or 2.0mm pitch) | 4–80 | High-density PCB connections, module interconnects |
| Shrouded Headers | 2–40 | Industrial systems, vibration-heavy environments |
| Stackable Headers | 4–40 | Multi-board stacking (e.g., Arduino shields) |
| Right-Angle Headers | Typically 2–40 | Space-limited designs needing horizontal connections |
| Surface Mount (SMD) Headers | Varied | Compact, modern devices requiring low-profile mounting |
| Machine Pin Headers | Varied | Durable, reliable connections for high-reliability devices |
| Box Headers | Varied | Protective housing for industrial and testing equipment |
| Triple/Quad Row Headers | Multiple rows | Ultra-high density connection requirements |
| Breakaway Headers | Customizable | Pins can be snapped off to match needed pin count |
Tip: Always match the pin count and current/voltage ratings to your project’s needs to prevent electrical issues and ensure a stable connection.
Compatibility
If you want to use the pin headers, in my view, you must check whether it is compatible with your equipment. First, I think that you need to check the header’s pitch, size, and pin layout against your PCB or socket requirements. Based on my personal experience, I think that standard 2.54mm pitch headers are compatible with most breadboards and development boards, while 2.0mm or 1.27mm pitches suit compact designs.
- Check datasheets for pin layout and electrical specifications.
- Ensure pitch and pin count align with your socket or PCB design.
- Use matching header types (e.g., male with corresponding female sockets) for secure connections.
Note: Using headers with the same pitch and configuration prevents wiring errors and ensures a reliable, robust connection.
