Types of RJ45 Connectors

Types of RJ45 connectors
In the previous few articles, we provided a brief introduction to the history, standards and construction of the RJ45. In this instalment, let's take a look at the different types of RJ45 connectors.

1. Types of RJ45 Connectors

Over more than half a century of development, RJ45 connectors have evolved into a wide variety of types to suit different application scenarios, making classification rather difficult. We can categorise them based on various parameters, and the process of identifying the specific product we require by considering multiple parameters is known as 'product selection'. Below, I shall outline VOOHU's classification of RJ45 connectors as a reference for understanding this category:

1.1 Whether magnetic components are integrated

This is the most common classification method, comprising discrete and integrated types
** (1) Discrete RJ45 (Discrete Jack): **Consists solely of the RJ45 housing; the network transformer must be designed, laid out and soldered separately onto the PCB 

**(2) Integrated RJ45 (Mag Jack): **This involves soldering the common-mode choke and transformer together onto a single PCB, which is then encapsulated with the RJ45 to form a single module; hence the name 'Mag Jack'.

1.2 Mounting Methods

** (1) DIP: **DIP-type RJ45 connectors have round pins that can be inserted into pre-drilled holes in the PCB and then soldered using wave soldering, resulting in high mechanical strength 

(2) SMT: SMT-type RJ45 connectors are mounted directly onto the PCB; they typically feature flat pins that lie parallel to the PCB surface and are soldered using reflow soldering. As they are soldered to the surface of the PCB, their mechanical strength is slightly lower than that of DIP connectors 

**(3) Low-Profile: **The port on this type of RJ45 is usually recessed below the pins; installation requires cutting a corresponding rectangular slot in the PCB into which it is embedded. 

(4) Cable-Type: Cable-type RJ45 connectors have no pins; wires must be soldered directly to them or crimped onto the cable.

1.3 Port Angle 

The port angle refers to the angle between the port and the PCB, and is primarily categorised as 90°, 180° or 45°. 
(1) 90° (Right-Angle): See the figure below. 

(2) 180° (Vertical): See the figure below. 

**(3) 45° (Angled): **See the figure below. 

1.4 Number of Ports 
(1) Single-port: See the figure below.

**(2) Multi-port: **See the figure below 

**(3) Stacked: **See the figure below

There are many other classification methods, such as the presence or absence of a shielding housing or LED indicators, which we will not list here. If you are interested in learning more, please visit this website (WWW.VOOHUELE.COM); 

experiencing the selection process first-hand will help you better understand the information above Well, the content in this instalment is relatively basic. In the next instalment, we'll take a look at the electrical characteristics and manufacturing processes of VOOHU's RJ45 connectors.