What are jst connectors used for?
There are many doubts and misconceptions about the JST connector. Many believe that it is a single connector specification, but they realize that when they try to connect two of these connectors they do not fit. So what is it? It seems that JST is more than just a connector, as you will learn in this article dedicated entirely to it. This way you will be able to know all the details about what it is, existing types, characteristics, where to find datasheets, where to buy this type of element at a good price, and even tools to work with them (eg: crimpers).
The JST connector owes its acronym to Japan Solderless Terminals Company, Ltd., a Japanese company whose history dates back to 1957. This company now has hundreds of different types of this connector (series or families), as you can see in the official website created in 1999. As for the electrical connector itself, it was designed to be a terminal without the need for soldering and, among other things, that is what has made it so popular today for electronics projects, 3D printers, servo-motors , batteries, etc
The JST connector is widely used in electronic projects, with the simple objective of carry electric current or carry some signal. However, it is not recommended to use them in mechanical applications in which the connector is subjected to tension or some type of force, since it would not resist it. In a multitude of equipment you will see them connected to batteries, PCBs, motors, etc., since they are very reliable and cheap.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight something about the standard of this connector, since many users confuse it. First of all, there are about 10 families or series of different JST connectors and each one of them has a dozen of subcategories or models. All of them different, so the term "JST connector" does not refer to a specific connector, but simply to a type of solderless connection, that's what they all have in common.
As for the its nomenclature, you will be able to verify that the names of the connectors are composed of:
JST-SS-D
Being this:
By example, a real case of nomenclature would be JST-XHP-1 and JST-XHP-2. Both are JST, both are HP series, but the dimensions change. 2 is larger than 1.
It should also be noted that there are some suggestions from the manufacturers that you should respect for the correct operation and so that the connector does not suffer:
For more information you can read some PDF guides from the official website:
As for JST connector types, there are many families and models within each of them. In addition, there are two large groups:
Source – Wikipedia
As for the families, in those tables you have the existing ones, their features and datasheets of every one of them.
See complete list of series
If you plan buy some cheap JST connector for your DIY project, then you should take a look at one of these:
Makers are also surely interested in getting hold of a tool to work with this type of solderless connectors. For this, I recommend these crimping tools:
JST connectors are used in many types of products, and commonly used by electronics hobbyists and consumer products for rechargeable battery packs, battery balancers, battery eliminator circuits, 3D printers, and radio controlled servos.
