4 Pin Panel Mount RF Connector

Panel mount RF connectors are used in a wide variety of industries. They use an inner conductor (sometimes called a center pin) and an outer conductor to transmit signals. They also have an insulator that separates the conductors and prevents signal interference.

There are different ways to fasten a connector receptacle to an electrical device, including panel mount, free-hanging and board mount. Learn more about these different styles, their benefits and applications.

Peripheral Power Cable

This panel mount connector comes with a 4 pin peripheral power cable. The peripheral power cable plugs into the motherboard where it delivers 12 volt power to the various components inside the case such as drives, fans and the CPU.

This cable also provides power to the motherboard for the graphics card and other high-power devices that require extra voltage. It is shaped so it can only be plugged in the right way and it features rounded pins that fit into square holes on motherboard connectors (though these are usually recessed).

The cable also has a two pin connector that is used for system warning speakers (you’ll see them on most modern power supplies). Usually they have the trendy all-the-same-color-of-wires design which makes them easy to confuse with EPS 8 pin (12 volt) cables.

Occasionally they are also plugged into 6 pin PCI Express power adapters to provide supplemental power for video cards. The 6 pin version officially only provides 75 watts (although they can usually deliver much more).

It’s rare to see new computers use this type of power cord since most are now powered by Sata drives and motherboard power headers. However, they can still be found on older cases and even some portable storage solutions. They are still useful in some environments because they can be locked away for security purposes or to prevent untrained users from accidentally disconnecting them and causing damage.

Motherboard Connector

The motherboard connector is the set of pins that connects your computer case to the motherboard. It supplies the buttons, LEDs, and USB ports that you’ll find on the front of your 4 pin panel mount connector case to your motherboard. The connector can also be used to power external devices like speakers and headphones. This is also sometimes referred to as the front panel header.

Most motherboards come with a 24-pin main power connector that’s designed to plug into the 24 pin power cable from your PSU. The individual pins on this connector are keyed, so they can only be plugged in one way and cannot be accidentally turned around or plugged in with the wrong orientation.

You’ll also often find a headphone and microphone connector on the motherboard that will connect the front panel audio jacks in your computer case to the standard sound card on the motherboard. Many modern motherboards also have a connection port that lets you add RGB lighting to your computer chassis and then synchronize the lights with the motherboard.

Depending on your motherboard, you may have other connections for things like video, USB, and more. It’s important to check your motherboard manual for specific information about what each of these connectors is used for. Some may be labelled, and others might not be. This is where the difference between panel mount and board mount hardware comes in – board mount devices are additional screws or bolts that are fitted to a through-board or surface-mount connector, and they help reduce stress on the electrical soldering connection by transmitting forces through a separate mechanical connection to the PCB.

8 Pin 12 Volt Cable

Many power supplies come with a 4 pin 12 volt cable which plugs into the panel mount connector. You’ll also find this type of cable on some motherboards where it connects to the motherboard to supply the 12 volt rails. 12 volt 2 pin waterproof connector The cable is called a 4+4 cable or sometimes an EPS 8 pin cable although those are not technically accurate terms.

The 4+4 cable has two separate 4 pin sections which can either plug together to form an 8 pin connector or they can be left disconnected. Either way both sides can plug into a motherboard with the proper orientation because the square and rounded pattern matches various positions on motherboard connectors. However, if you plug the wrong end of the cable into a motherboard connector you’ll soon smell the burnt electronics.

If you need a more permanent connection for your panel mount connector then consider buying an M12 male chassis connector. This type of connector comes with screw locking and is dust-tight and waterproof to a protection class of IP67. It is used in industrial environments where electrical connections need to be made quickly and safely.

These types of connections are often needed for things like laptop computers and custom electronics that use buck-boost DC-DC converters. The connectors have a standard PG 9 mounting thread and can be purchased from most electronic parts distributors.

4+4 Cable

Add USB ports to your custom panel or OEM product with this easy-to-install cable. It has a female USB-B connector at the panel side to connect your USB device, and PCB pins at the bulkhead end that terminate directly onto a motherboard or other controller. This panel-mount USB connector makes it easier than ever to access your USB devices.

The male panel mount power connector comes with two 4 + ground inserts and features a screw lock feature that prevents accidental disconnections. It’s rated for -40 F to 257 F, making it suitable for cold environments and applications with a high level of contamination or dust. It also has a low profile design, which helps you conserve space. It has K and L coding options and comes unassembled.

USB is one of the most ubiquitous connector standards of all time, appearing on everything from earbuds to airplanes. DataPro carries a variety of USB panel-mount cables, including the latest generation of USB4 connectors. USB Type-A connectors are the most common for upstream connections, while Micro USB Type-B is often found on handheld devices like phones and cameras. These female panel-mount connectors have a 4-pin Intel style motherboard header on one side that mates with the male mating connector fastened to the bulkhead or plate (panel). These panel mount USB ports are perfect for stepper motors and drivers.