What Is a Female Connector?
A female connector is the “plug side” of a cable connector. It is often used in conversion cables and extension cables that convert the shape of connectors. In contrast to female connectors, male connectors are used on the “insertion side.” In many cases, such as charging cables and video output cables, male connectors are used on both ends.
Since female connectors are shaped to prevent unintentional touching of the terminals, the power supply or output side is generally a female connector to prevent electric shock or short-circuit accidents. In the case of commonly used USB cables, the male connector is on the cable side, and the female connector is on the socket of the PC receiving the cable.
Uses of Female Connectors
Female connectors are used to connect cables on the output or supply side of the power supply to prevent electric shock or short-circuit accidents. The terminal is covered with a cover and has a concave structure to allow the convex part of the male connector and the core wire to fit inside. Also called a socket insert.
Examples of where female connectors are used include:
- Changing the shape of connectors (adapters)
Extension side of an adapter to change USB to RS232C or IEEE standard interface, or HDMI terminal to mini HDMI terminal - Power supply sockets
Power outlets, USB ports on the PC itself, etc.
Principle of Female Connectors
A connector is an electronic component that connects the flow of power and electrical signals and is an interface that facilitates the connection and disconnection of devices and circuits.
Male connectors (plugs) are convex, with the pin contacts (conductive material) exposed to the outside. This exposed part is inserted into the concave part of the female connectors for connection.
The female connectors (receptacle) have a spring-loaded socket contact inside to receive the pin contact, which makes contact with the male pin contact to conduct electricity and signals. The contacts are made of a highly conductive copper alloy. Since the female contacts are not exposed to the outside, it is generally recommended that they be used on the power supply side to prevent electric shock and short circuits. For this reason, all PC-side connectors, including USB, LAN, and HDMI ports, are female connectors.
Female connectors are also used to convert connector shapes, and among them, adapters that convert male and female connectors are also called gender changers.