The term, Circular Connector, was originally exclusively used to specify a circular plastic connector (CPC). These types of connectors, or circular metal-shell connectors (CMC), are used in industrial applications where a robust and secure wire connection is needed. They are designed to withstand an abusive environment while offering a secure connection for industrial applications. Circular connectors may also be used to describe other types of connectors including DIN connectors, military connectors and micro or nano connectors.
Circular plastic connectors (CPC) and circular metal-shell connectors (CMC) are both designed by an OEM where the plug and receptacle are commonly configured to mate exclusively with their own connectors. The shell size, type of thread or coupling and contact arrangement disallow the insertion of connectors made for other applications or manufactured by other OEMs.
Military (MIL-SPEC) connectors are built in accordance with military specifications. Their design takes into account the need to protect the connection from environmental factors, allowing them to be used in military and aerospace applications.
DIN connectors are high frequency, multi-pin, electrical connectors that meet standards established by Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), a German national organization for standardization. The ends of DIN connectors are round, notched, and protected by a metal skirt to ensure that pins line up correctly.
Micro connectors and nano connectors exhibit contact pitches of 0.05" (micro) and 0.025" (nano), respectively. They have one or more rows of plated contacts and are either straight or right-angled.
