Box Header

YZCONN is a connector and cable assembly manufacturer established in 2004. With more than 20 years of manufacturing experience, we provide OEM and ODM connector solutions for global electronics manufacturers, equipment suppliers and system integrators. Our capabilities cover connector development, mold and tooling support, component production and customized cable assembly.

YZCONN manufactures custom box header connectors for organized and secure PCB connections. Also known as shrouded header connectors, box headers surround the contact pins with a molded housing that helps guide the mating connector, protect the pins and reduce the possibility of incorrect insertion.

Our box header connectors support board-to-cable and board-level connections in industrial electronics, communication devices, embedded systems and electronic control equipment. Standard configurations are available for common PCB designs, while pitch, pin count, orientation and mounting structure can be customized for specific projects.

Box Header Connector Options

YZCONN supplies PCB box headers in different sizes and mounting configurations to match circuit board layouts and mating requirements.

Available options include:

• 1.27 mm, 2.0 mm and 2.54 mm pitch

• Different pin counts and dual-row arrangements

• Straight and right-angle orientations

• Through-hole and surface-mount configurations

• Custom pin lengths and housing dimensions

• Different contact materials and plating options

• Polarized, keyed or application-specific housings

A standard box header may be suitable for many PCB designs. For applications with restricted board space, a different mating direction or a non-standard PCB footprint, YZCONN can modify the connector structure according to the customer’s drawing or sample.

Shrouded Design for Guided Mating

Unlike an unshrouded pin header, a box header uses a surrounding plastic housing to protect the contacts and guide the mating connector into position.

The housing can include a polarization notch or keying feature to control the insertion direction. This is useful in multi-pin connections where reversed mating could lead to incorrect signal routing or equipment malfunction.

Straight box headers are commonly selected when the mating connector approaches vertically from above the PCB. Right-angle box headers allow the connection to enter from the side, making them suitable for enclosures or equipment with limited space above the circuit board.

Box Headers for IDC Ribbon Cable Connections

Box header connectors are commonly paired with IDC sockets and flat ribbon cable assemblies. This combination provides an organized way to connect multiple conductors between a cable and a printed circuit board.

YZCONN can supply the PCB box header as an individual component or provide a matched IDC ribbon cable assembly. Cable pitch, conductor count, connector position, cable length and pin-to-pin wiring can be configured according to the equipment design.

Supplying the box header and mating cable assembly together can help customers confirm connector compatibility, cable orientation and wiring definitions before production.

How to Select a Box Header Connector

The pitch is only one factor when selecting a box header. The PCB layout, mating direction and available installation space should also be considered.

Important selection factors include:

• Required pitch and number of contacts

• PCB hole pattern or SMT footprint

• Vertical or side-entry mating direction

• Space available around the connector

• Through-hole or surface-mount assembly

• Pin length and housing height

• Position of the polarization notch

• Mating IDC socket or cable connector

• Contact plating and electrical requirements

Customers can provide a PCB drawing, connector specification, mating connector part number or physical sample. YZCONN will review the dimensions and connection method to recommend an existing structure or a customized box header design.

Typical Applications

Industrial Controllers

Box headers connect control boards, operator panels and internal modules while keeping multi-pin wiring arranged in a fixed direction.

Embedded Electronics

Compact-pitch box headers support board-to-cable connections in embedded systems with limited PCB and enclosure space.

Communication Equipment

IDC box header connectors provide organized signal connections between circuit boards, interface modules and internal ribbon cables.

Test and Measurement Devices

Polarized housings help technicians connect internal cables consistently during equipment assembly, testing and maintenance.

Electronic Meters and Displays

Straight or right-angle box headers connect display boards, control circuits and internal cable assemblies inside compact housings.

Commercial Electronics

Shrouded PCB headers are used for internal signal connections requiring simple assembly and controlled mating orientation.

Custom Box Header Support

YZCONN supports standard box header selection, modification of existing structures and development of application-specific connectors.

Customization can cover the contact pitch, pin count, terminal length, housing size, mating direction, mounting method, material, plating and packaging. Prototype samples can be produced for PCB fitting and mating verification before repeat or volume production.

Send us your PCB footprint, connector drawing, required pitch, pin count, orientation and mating connector information. YZCONN will help you develop a custom box header connector suited to your board layout and cable connection requirements.