Surface-mount technology (SMT) connectors, like those from JST, provide significant advantages: they save valuable PCB space, streamline automated assembly, and deliver reliable connections in compact designs. These benefits make them ideal for applications ranging from wearables to industrial systems. Below, we’ll explore common JST SMT connector types and guide you through selecting the right one for your project.
Common Types of JST SMT Connectors
Here’s a rundown of popular JST SMT connector types, organized by pitch size (smallest to largest), with essential specifications to aid your decision-making (orientation describes only SMT types):
SUR
- Pitch: 0.8 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 22 circuits (single row)
- Current (Max): Up to 0.5 A
- Voltage (Max): 30 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 0801
The JST SUR connector is a compact, 0.8 mm pitch wire-to-board insulation displacement connector (IDC), notable as the world’s first of its kind. It features a low-profile design and high contact reliability, requiring no crimping. Commonly used in high-density electronics, it excels in applications like laptops, smartphones, and wearable devices, where space is limited. Its heat-resistant housing supports reflow soldering, making it ideal for automated PCB assembly in consumer electronics and miniature digital products.
SH
- Pitch: 1.0 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 20 circuits (single row)
- Current (Max): Up to 1.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 50 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1002
The JST SH connector, the world’s first 1.0 mm pitch crimp-style wire-to-board connector, boasts a compact, low-profile design. Its housing lance system ensures smooth contact insertion with smaller wires, while the high-pressure contact design delivers reliable, assured connections. Rated for 1.0 A and 50 V, this space-saving connector excels in high-density applications like wearables, laptops, drones, and medical devices, offering excellent performance and dependability in compact electronics.
ACH
- Pitch: 1.2 mm
- Pin Numbers: 1 to 5 circuits (single row)
- Current (Max): Up to 2.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 50 V
- Orientation: Right angle
- Alternative: 1201
The JST ACH connector is designed for DC power supply, offering a compact and low-profile build. Its 1.2mm pitch and small size (1.4mm height, 4.3mm width) make it suitable for space-limited applications. It features a locking mechanism for secure connections. This makes it ideal for LED lamps and small electronic devices needing reliable power in tight spaces.
GH
- Pitch: 1.25 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 15 circuits (single row)
- Current (Max): Up to 1 A
- Voltage (Max): 50 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1253
The JST GH connector is a 1.25 mm pitch, wire-to-board connector designed for high-density applications. Featuring a secure locking mechanism and low insertion force, it ensures reliable, easy mating. Its compact, low-profile design suits small electronics. It’s widely used in devices like LCDs, PDPs, notebooks, and drones, where space-saving and dependable connections are critical.
GHD
- Pitch: 1.25 mm
- Pin Numbers: 10 to 40 circuits (dual-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 1.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 50 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1258
The JST GHD connector is a compact, double-row wire-to-board solution designed for high-density PCB mounting. Its small size and reliable locking mechanism make it ideal for space-constrained electronics. Commonly used in flat-panel TVs, AV equipment, and other consumer devices, it ensures secure connections despite its miniature footprint. The GHD’s ease of use and durability cater to automated assembly processes, making it a top choice for manufacturers seeking efficiency and performance in tight layouts.
ZH
- Pitch: 1.5 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 13 circuits (single row)
- Current (Max): Up to 1.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 50 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1501
The JST ZH connector is a compact, low-profile component widely used in consumer electronics, industrial controls, medical equipment, and hobbyist projects. Its small size suits space-limited applications, while its reliable design and compatibility boost its versatility. From household appliances to industrial automation, it supports critical electrical connections in numerous electronic products.
ZPD
- Pitch: 1.5 mm
- Pin Numbers: 10 to 40 circuits (dual-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 2.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 100 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1506
The JST ZPD connector is a wire-to-board solution tailored for high-density PCB designs, featuring a dual-row structure and a secure lock mechanism. It offers low insertion force and a smooth mating experience, ensuring dependable connections. With excellent resistance to prying during insertion and extraction, plus a suction area for automated assembly, it’s ideal for applications like wearables, medical devices, and industrial equipment needing reliable, compact connectivity.
ZE
- Pitch: 1.5 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 16 circuits (single-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 2.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 100 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 1507
The JST ZE connector, a 1.5 mm pitch wire-to-board solution, excels in high-density PCB designs with its solid locking feature. It offers low insertion force and a tactile click for easy, reliable mating. The secure lock and large outer design ensure confidence in connection and release, while the housing prevents mismating. Exceptionally simple to assemble, it’s ideal for applications like consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial controls.
PH
- Pitch: 2.0 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 16 circuits (single-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 2.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 100 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 2002
The JST PH connector is a low-profile, wire-to-board solution with a space-saving design, boasting a mounting height of 8 mm and a slim 4.5 mm width in its top-entry form. Its boxed-shaped shrouded header ensures high reliability, making it ideal for high-density PCBs in compact electronic equipment. Offering excellent functionality for PCB mounting, it’s widely used in applications like consumer electronics and small devices. SMT headers are available from 2 to 16 positions.
PUD
- Pitch: 2.0 mm
- Pin Numbers: 8 to 40 circuits (dual-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 3.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 250 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 2018
The JST PUD connector, a 2.0 mm pitch, dual-row wire-to-board solution, features a robust locking mechanism for reliable contact under vibration and stress. Its design ensures low insertion force and high precision alignment between housing and header, simplifying board mounting. With high-reliability contacts, easy operation, and optional boss headers for polarization, it’s ideal for automotive systems, industrial controls, and consumer electronics needing secure, efficient connections.
XH
- Pitch: 2.5 mm
- Pin Numbers: 1 to 20 circuits (single-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 3.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 250 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 2501
The JST XH connector is a highly reliable, versatile wire-to-board solution with a 2.5 mm pitch and a low-profile assembled height of 9.8 mm, perfect for space-sensitive designs. It features an original double-leaf contact design for secure connections, a box-shaped shrouded header, and an optional boss variant. Commonly used in home automation systems, LED lighting, and small appliances, it ensures dependable performance.
VH
- Pitch: 3.96 mm
- Pin Numbers: 2 to 11 circuits (single-row)
- Current (Max): Up to 10.0 A
- Voltage (Max): 250 V
- Orientation: Straight and right angle
- Alternative: 3961
The JST VH connector is a small, field-proven solution for printed circuit boards, offering reliability and a large current carrying capacity. Its versatile design supports a wide range of signal, power supply, and output circuits, making it a trusted choice in consumer electronics. Common applications include power supplies in appliances, industrial equipment, and automotive systems, where its robust performance excels.
However, JST does not offer an SMT version of the VH series. In contrast, Zeakka Electronics provides both straight and right-angle SMT versions, expanding options for surface-mount applications.
LEB
- Pitch: 4.0 mm
- Pin Numbers: 1 to 2 circuits
- Current (Max): Up to 3A
- Voltage (Max): 300 V
- Orientation: Right angle
- Alternative: 4001
The JST LEB connector, tailored for LED lighting, boasts a low-profile height of 2.7 mm, optimizing space in compact designs. It supports horizontal PCB connections, incorporating a misalignment absorption mechanism (pitch direction only) to handle parallel setups and thermal expansion. High-pressure fork-type contacts ensure stable performance despite PCB movement, while a prevention feature stops incorrect insertion. Compatible with crimp-type sockets, it shares PCB layouts with plug and receptacle types. Common applications include LED lighting systems, automotive displays, and compact electronics requiring reliable, space-saving connections.
Common JST Connector Comparison Chart
| Series Name | Zeakka Alternative | Pin-to-Pin Pitch | Category | Pin rows | Circuit No. | Current (Amp) | Voltage (Volt) | Applicable Wire (AWG) | Shroud | Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUR | 0801 | 0.8 mm (0.031 in) | wb | single | 2 to 22 | 0.5 | 30 | #32 | Yes | Yes |
| SH | 1002 | 1.0 mm (0.039 in) | ww | single | 2 to 20 | 1 | 50 | #32 to #28 | Yes | No |
| ACH | 1201 | 1.20 mm (0.047 in) | ww,wb | single | 1 to 5 | 2 | 50 | #32 to #28 | Yes | Yes |
| GH | 1253 | 1.25 mm (0.049 in) | wb | single | 2 to 15 | 1 | 50 | #30 to #26 | Yes | No |
| GHD | 1258 | 1.25 mm (0.049 in) | wb | dual | 10 to 40 | 1.25 | 50 | #32 to #26 | Yes | Yes |
| ZH | 1501 | 1.50 mm (0.059 in) | wb | single | 2 to 13 | 1 | 50 | #32 to #26 | Yes | No |
| ZPD | 1506 | 1.50 mm (0.059 in) | wb | dual | 10 to 40 | 2 | 100 | #28 to #24 | Yes | Yes |
| PH | 2002 | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | wb | single | 2 to 16 | 2 | 100 | #32 to #24 | Yes | No |
| PHD | 2007 | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | wb | dual | 8 to 34 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| PA | 2001 | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | wb | single | 2 to 16 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| PUD | 2018 | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | wb | dual | 8 to 40 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| JWPF | 2014 | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | ww,wb | single & dual | 2 to 8 | 3 | 100 | #26 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| XH | 2501 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | wb | single | 2 to 20 | 3 | 250 | #30 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| NH | 2504 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | wb | single | 2 to 25 | 3 | 250 | #30 to #22 | No | Yes |
| EH | 2503 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | wb | single | 2 to 15 | 3 | 250 | #32 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| XA | 2508 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | ww,wb | single | 2 to 38 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #20 | Yes | Yes |
| SM | 2505 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | ww | single | 2 to 39 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #22 | / | Yes |
| RCY | 2509 | 2.50 mm (0.098 in) | ww | single | 2 to 40 | 3 | 250 | #28 to #22 | / | Yes |
| VH | 3961 | 3.96 mm (0.156 in) | wb | single | 2 to 10 | 10 | 250 | #22 to #16 | Yes/No | Yes |
| LEB | 4001 | 4.0 mm (0.157 in) | wb,bb | single | 2 to 47 | 3 | 300 | #26 to #22 | Yes | Yes |
| NV | 5001 | 5.0 mm (0.197 in) | wb | single | 2 to 49 | 10 | 250 | #22 to #16 | No | Yes |
How to Choose the Right JST SMT Connector
To select the best connector for your needs, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Define Your Application
Assess the size constraints, environmental conditions, and electrical requirements. For example, a wearable might benefit from the tiny SH, while an industrial setup might need the sturdy VH. - Step 2: Check Key Specs
Match the pitch, pin count, current and voltage ratings, and orientation (straight or right angle) to your project. Misalignment here can compromise performance. - Step 3: Explore Alternatives
If a JST connector is unavailable or expensive, look for compatible alternatives. Many vendors offer substitutes that meet the same specs—links are provided for exploration.
Pro Tips: Prioritize durability (e.g., LEB’s locking feature for vibration resistance), cost-effectiveness (XH is a budget-friendly option), and availability to keep your project on track.