PCB Wire-to-Board Connector Pitch Guide: 1.0mm to 5.08mm Selection for OEM & Production
Selecting the correct wire-to-board connector pitch is one of the most consequential decisions in PCB design. The wrong pitch means incompatible mating parts, unreliable crimps, and costly redesigns. This guide covers every major pitch from 1.0mm to 5.08mm with specifications, current ratings, wire gauge ranges, and application scenarios so engineers, procurement managers, and OEM manufacturers can make the right choice the first time.
What Is Connector Pitch and Why Does It Matter?
Connector pitch is the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins in a connector housing. It determines physical compatibility, current capacity, wire gauge range, and board space requirements.
Wire-to-Board Connector Pitch Comparison Table
| Pitch | Series | Rated Current | Wire Range | Voltage | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0mm | JST PH / HY2.0 / MX2.0 | 1A-3A | AWG 28-22 | 100-250V | LiPo batteries, sensors, Arduino |
| 2.54mm | JST XH / KF2510 / XHB / Dupont | 3A | AWG 28-22 | 250V | Development boards, industrial control |
| 3.0mm | Molex Micro-Fit (MX3.0) compatible | 8.5A | AWG 26-18 | 600V | Servers, automotive ECU, motor drives |
| 3.96mm | VH3.96 / CH3.96 | 7A | AWG 20-14 | 250V | Industrial control, HVAC, appliances |
| 4.2mm | Molex Mini-Fit (MX4.2) compatible | 13A | AWG 20-14 | 600V | PC PSU, industrial power, automotive |
| 4.5mm | EL4.5mm | 10A | AWG 20-14 | 250V | Industrial control, motor drives |
| 5.08mm | CH5.08 / VH5.08 | 10A | AWG 20-12 | 300V | Power supplies, industrial panels |
2.0mm Pitch - The LiPo Battery Standard
Our PH2.0mm connector range covers 2 to 16 circuits with vertical, right-angle, and SMD PCB headers. For stronger latch retention, the PHB2.0mm buckle-latch variant provides positive press-release retention. The HY2.0mm connector offers 3A per contact for higher-current applications. For production environments, the MX2.0mm (Molex 51005/51006 compatible) series provides gold-plated contacts and UL recognition.
2.54mm Pitch - The Universal Standard
The 2.54mm (0.1 inch) pitch is the global standard, universally compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and ESP32.
- XH2.54mm (JST XH compatible) - most widely specified in consumer electronics and industrial control; 2-16 circuits
- XHB2.54mm - widely used for LED strip wiring and RC battery balance leads
- KF2510 / KK254 (Molex KK 254 compatible) - standard for industrial control panel wiring
- Dupont 2.54mm - universal jumper wire connector for prototyping
Important: XH2.54mm and KF2510/KK254 both use 2.54mm pitch but have different housing geometries and are NOT interchangeable.
3.0mm Pitch - Molex Micro-Fit Compatible
The MX3.0mm (Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 compatible) connector delivers 8.5A per contact at 600V UL - preferred for server power distribution, automotive ECU connections, and compact motor drive wiring.
3.96mm Pitch - Industrial Control Standard
The VH3.96mm (JST VH compatible) and CH3.96mm connectors are rated at 7A per contact, accepting AWG 20-14 wire for PLC I/O modules, relay boards, and HVAC control boards.
4.2mm Pitch - Molex Mini-Fit Compatible
The MX4.2mm (Molex Mini-Fit Jr. compatible) connector is the industry standard for PC power supplies (ATX 24-pin, EPS 8-pin, PCIe 8-pin) and high-current automotive wire harnesses. Rated at 13A per contact at 600V UL.
4.5mm and 5.08mm Pitch
The EL4.5mm connector (10A, 250V) fills the gap between 3.96mm and 5.08mm. The CH5.08mm connector (10A, 300V) accepts wire up to AWG 12 for heavy industrial power applications.
Wire-to-Wire Connectors
The SM2.5mm (JST SM compatible) is the most widely used wire-to-wire connector at 2.5mm pitch, with IP67 waterproof variants for outdoor and marine applications.
How to Select the Right Pitch
- Determine current requirement - select a pitch whose per-contact rating exceeds your maximum circuit current
- Confirm wire gauge - match the crimp terminal wire range to your cable specification
- Check board space - calculate the PCB footprint for the required circuit count
- Verify mating series - confirm housing and PCB header are from the same series
- Consider locking requirement - vibration-prone applications require positive-latch connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common PCB wire-to-board connector pitch?
2.54mm (0.1 inch) is the most widely used pitch globally. For production electronics, 2.0mm (JST PH) and 2.54mm (JST XH / KF2510) are the most commonly specified pitches.
Can I use a 2.0mm housing with a 2.54mm PCB header?
No. Different pitches are not interchangeable. Always match the housing pitch to the PCB header pitch exactly.
What pitch should I use for a LiPo battery connector?
The JST PH 2.0mm 2-pin connector is the industry standard for 1S LiPo battery packs. For stronger retention, consider the PHB2.0mm or HY2.0mm at the same 2.0mm pitch.
What is the highest current rating in wire-to-board connectors?
The MX4.2mm (Molex Mini-Fit Jr. compatible) is rated at 13A per contact at 600V UL - the highest in the standard wire-to-board pitch range.
Are JST XH and Molex KK 254 connectors interchangeable at 2.54mm pitch?
No. Both use 2.54mm pitch but have different housing geometries and terminal profiles. They are not interchangeable.
Conclusion
Yoeruyo supplies the complete pitch range from 2.0mm PH to 4.2mm Mini-Fit - including JST PH, XH, SM, VH, Molex Micro-Fit, Mini-Fit, and KK 254 compatible series - with bulk and OEM pricing for production environments.
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