This section provides an overview for card edge connectors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 39 card edge connector manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked card edge connector companies as of November, 2024: 1.Tower Optical Corporation, 2.Versamatic, 3.Bel Fuse, Inc..
Table of Contents
A card edge connector is an end of a printed circuit board that has a contact point with the socket side so that it can be inserted into the card edge connector's socket side.
The edge connect socket itself is called a slot, and since card edge connectors and slots have a convex-concave relationship, card edge connectors are used in pairs with their matching slots.
The structure is a plastic box with several pins on one or both sides, which are pressed into the slot by a spring.
Card edge connectors are available in a variety of sizes along with the slot side.
The advantage is that the cost can be kept low and shared since multiple card edge connectors can be installed by replacing one slot on the installation side. Because of its high durability, it is often used in home-use equipment.
The most familiar example is the cassette cartridge of a video game console. By having the same card edge connectors on the cartridges, it is possible to use multiple cassettes in a single game device.
Card edge connectors are a type of connector that is very simple in construction.
There are many types of card edge connectors, each with its own structure and components. The basic structure is the same, consisting of a contact with many pins, a housing that holds the contact in place, and a shell that serves as the overall box.
The contact part is lined with many pins that conduct electricity, and when the card edge connectors are pressed against the slot side, electricity flows from these pins, acting as the contactor.
On the other hand, the housing or shell is usually made of an insulating material because it is positioned as the body part in which the contacts are incorporated. This allows for safe use without the risk of electrical leakage, even in general equipment that is often touched with bare hands. The structure of card edge connectors can be more complex depending on the application and type of connector.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Tower Optical Corporation is a provider and manufacturer of Precision optics, optical components and systems. The company is based in Florida, United States and was founded in 1978. The company products include Crystal Quartz Waveplates, Achromatic Waveplates (retarders), lenses, filters, and optical flats. The company stock and "build to spec" custom products are used in photonics technology, electro-optics, lasers, telecommunications, medical instruments, optical imaging and optical computing, and military systems. The company serves industries like aerospace, defense, medical, telecommunications, and more.
Versamatic, established in 1983 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer of industrial-grade AODD (air-operated double-diaphragm) pumps, parts, and accessories. The company's products include FDA-compliant sanitary pumps, solids-pumping pumps, high-pressure diaphragm pumps, and portable centrifugal pumps. The company's parts and accessories include surge suppressors, air filters, air regulators, liquid level controllers, and leak detectors. Its performance AODD pumps are used in various applications in chemical processing plants, water treatment plants, sewage plants, and industries that include mining, marine, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas.
Bel Fuse Inc, established in 1949 in New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer of connectors, magnetics, circuit protection devices, and aviation power solutions. The company specializes in the manufacturing of patching and magnetic power solutions, alongside integrated connector modules, cable assemblies, aviation parts, and powerlines. These components are used in telecommunications, data centers, aerospace, industrial automation, and automotive industries for their precise data transfer, signal integrity, and protection against electrical interruptions. Their products are also ideal for military, medical, and test & measurement applications offering customized engineering solutions.
Meritec, founded in 1967 with headquarters in Painesville, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer of electrical and electronic cable assemblies, interconnectors and connectors. The company's product line includes adapters, sockets, flat-flex cable assemblies, flexible interconnect termination assemblies, and board-to-board hermaphroditic connectors. It also manufactures custom interconnect systems and custom military cables. The company's products are used in data center solutions, automatic test equipment, and applications in the aerospace and military markets, among others.
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, founded in 1940 as Tensolite, is a vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive wire and cable solutions. They design, build, test, certify and deliver a diverse portfolio of connectors, cables, harnesses, and RF/microwave products. The company is AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 50001:2018 certified. With facilities in the US, Mexico, China, and Europe, they serve global markets of Aerospace, Military, Space, Test and Measurement, Industrial, and Medical Technology. They are ITAR and FDA Registered as well as RoHS/REACH and CFR Part 820 Compliant.
3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
Molex was founded in 1938 with the invention of Molex in 1938 and today is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, and a subsidiary of Koch Industries. In the 1950s, the company invented the Molex connector which became the standard for power connections in personal computers for decades. Today the company is a manufacturer of electronic and fiber optic connectivity systems for customers in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, and telecom infrastructure. The company has several product categories including Connectors, Optical Solutions, Capillary Tubing & Micro Components, and Automation.
IRISO USA, Inc., founded in 1965 as a subsidiary of IRISO Electronics Co. Ltd., is an American manufacturer and supplier in Farmington Hills, Michigan, providing connector solutions. The company's featured products include floating and Z-Move floating board-to-board (BtoB) connectors for vibration and misalignment protection in contact areas, soldering joints, and board-to-board connectors. Additional connector series, the I-lock and auto I-lock, are designed to prevent misalignment and disconnection of flat flexible cable (FFC)/flexible printed circuit (FPC) cables, with the latter featuring a tentative latching terminal (TLT) for automatic functionality. These products cater to diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.
AirBorn, Inc. established in 1958 and based in Georgetown, TX, is a manufacturer and supplier of specialized connectors and electronic components. The company's product range includes cable assemblies, active optical cables, flex circuit assemblies, fuze assemblies, and active optical & fiber optics. These products are used in aerospace, energy, marine, medical, and space exploration sectors. It serves markets like commercial air, military & defense, medical, and space. The company provides services such as solution engineering, lab testing, PCB assembly, and chassis/box builds.
Amphenol Pcd, founded in 1977 and located in Beverly, Massachusetts, is a supplier of interconnect products. The company’s broad range of products includes circular connectors, dust caps, junction modules, relay sockets, and Ethernet military switches. These products have broad applications across industries such as aerospace, military, telecommunications, industrial automation, and defense. The company’s products are used for ensuring connections, protecting sensitive components, and facilitating efficient communication and control systems in equipment and systems.
ATTEND Technology, founded in 2002 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of electronic interconnect components and hardware. The company's range of products includes flash memory sockets, PCB card sockets, circular connectors, I/O components, and cable assemblies used in numerous devices, including mobile devices, personal computing, and a wide range of electronic products. ATTEND Technology serves the automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and telecommunication industries, among many more. The company also offers customized production services that include consultation, design, engineering, and high-volume production.
LOTES Co. Ltd., founded in 1986 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of electronic interconnect components and hardware. The company's wide range of products includes CPU sockets, SIM card sockets, DDR memory connectors, battery holders, I/O components, and cable assemblies used in numerous devices, including personal computing, mobile devices, watches, and a wide range of electronic products. LOTES Co. Ltd. serves the automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and agriculture industries, among many others. Customized production services are also offered, including complete consultation, design, engineering, and high-volume production.
Oupiin is a manufacturer of high-volume connectors that is headquartered in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Their main products include high-speed connectors, power connectors, automotive shrouded connectors, Fakra connectors, and board-to-board connectors which are used in applications such as high-speed data transmission, power transmission, in-vehicle RF connections, and connecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) together, enabling seamless transmission of electrical signals and power. The company has several certifications including IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.
BUMAX AB was established in 1899 and is located in Åshammar, Sweden is a manufacturer of stainless steel fasteners and associated accessories for various industrial and commercial applications. The company provides stainless steel fasteners, hexagon head bolts & screws, plain washers, stud & stud bolts, and acid-proof screws that have applications in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, energy, and marine industries. Their products have properties such as magnetic permeability, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, mechanical strength, and, fatigue strength and are used in architecture, pulp & paper, general engineering, nuclear power, and defense sectors.
Greenconn TECHNOLOGY (Ganzhou) LTD. is a Taiwanese manufacturer of connectors for various electronic applications that was established in 1998 before expanding its operations and relocating its headquarters to Jiangxi, China, in 2004. The company’s product lineup includes specialized connectors for common consumer electronics products including smartphones, PC motherboards, and power supplies. It also offers connectors and cables for medical equipment or devices, along with custom manufacturing services for unique projects. The company chiefly serves clients in the consumer electronics, industrial automation, and home appliance markets.
JST Group, founded in 1957, is an international manufacturing company specializing in the development of all types of systems for connecting electric power and electronic devices. It obtained ISO9002 approval in 1993, and it has gone on to open offices and affiliated companies in Europe, America and other parts of Asia. JST uses modern advances like ultraprecision technology, gold plating processes, CNC copy grinder, to ensure quality and improved performance of every appliance it manufactures. JST products can be used in televisions, laptops, trains, medical equipments and even kitchen appliances.
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd, commonly known as JAE, was established in 1953 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a designer and manufacturer of connectors, user interface solutions, and electronics for the aerospace, agriculture, semiconductor, and camera stabilization sectors. THe company’s product segments include IO connectors, board to board connects, cable to cable connectors, and more. The company’s motion sensing and control segment includes accelerometers, inertial measurement units, and directional modules.
Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1956 and is a manufacturer of test solution and connector solution products based in Ota, Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures various products such as open top burn-in sockets, cantilever test sockets, camera module connectore, high speed transmission wiring board, and card edge sockets. The products are used in various applications such as automobiles, production sites, communications infrastructure, smartphones, and servers. The company has certified with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards certifications.
HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (HRS) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in electronic and electrical connectors. Founded in Tokyo in 1937, the company now has eight factories located in Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with several sales and service locations throughout the US, Europe, and Singapore. The company carries a selection of over 50,000 products, including fiber optic connectors, sealed connectors, and card edge connectors. HRS also offers advanced engineering services to cater to specific customer demands, and after-sales support to clients in the consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications industries.
AUK Contractors Co., Ltd., established in 1983 and headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of connectors, cable assemblies, and precision metal stamping products. Their wide range of connectors includes board-to-board connectors, cable connectors, and terminal blocks, serving applications in telecommunications, industrial automation, and medical devices to ensure smooth data and power transmission. The company adheres to ISO 14001 environmental management standards, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001 for quality management.
Omnetics Connector Corporation is a manufacturer of micro- and nano-miniature interconnectivity products established in 1984 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The company offers micro connectors for small pitch applications such as in the military or aerospace applications, and nano connectors for high-durability or space-constrained applications. It also offers custom design and engineering services for unique projects. The company’s products are QPL-approved to MIL-DTL-32139 as well as MIL-DTL-83513 standards, and are mainly used in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Central Components Manufacturing is a manufacturer of electronic and telecom product components established in 1995 and based in Middlesex, New Jersey, USA. The company’s products include power utilities such as adaptors and chargers, waterproof connectors such as M12 panel mount plugs, and waterproof category 5 RJ45 jacks and plugs for water-resistant networking applications. It also offers customized cable assemblies tailor made to client specifications. The company is ISO/TS 16949, 14001, and 13485-certified, and mainly serves clients in the electronics and telecom industries.
Acme Chip Technology Co. Ltd., founded in 2008 and based in Shenzhen, China, is a distributor of electronic components that is ISO 9001 certified. Its products include sensors, power supplies, and optical inspection equipment sourced from several manufacturers, including Advanced Linear Devices Inc., Central Semiconductor Corp., and Fluke. The company also offers a large stock of electronic components, including obsolete components and old code chips that are always available for immediate shipment.
Vector Electronics & Technology Inc., established in 1920 and headquartered in California, United States, is a manufacturer of server rack mounting equipment and components. The company's products include Vector Uncommitted backplanes in 96- or 160-pin DIN format, Vectorbord prototyping tools, and cPCI-integrated backplanes with rack-mount or bench-top chassis and power supplies. It welcomes inquiries for customized production and works extensively with aerospace, military, and commercial original equipment manufacturers. It serves industries that include telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, and data.
Components Corporation is a manufacturer of wireform interconnectivity products incorporated in 1967 and based in Denville, New Jersey, USA. The company's products include card edge connectors, printed circuit test points for monitoring circuitry conditions, and battery contacts suitable for test equipment or instrumentation. These are available in different materials for compatibility with a wide range of applications. The company primarily serves clients in the medical, consumer electronics, and aerospace sectors. Its products are built in compliance with RoHS and REACH standards.
TE Connectivity Ltd., started in 2007 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a designer and manufacturer of sensor and connectivity solutions for harsh conditions. It operates three primary segments, namely transport, industrial, and communication solutions, and its product portfolio includes automotive connectors, fiber optic connectors, analog power meters, RTD sensors, and circuit breakers. It serves customers in approximately 140 countries and several industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail, IoT connectivity, and E-mobility. The company manufactures 192 billion products annually and has invested over 610 million USD in research development and engineering.
Samtec was established in 1976 and is headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, USA as a manufacturer of electronic interconnect solutions. They offer an extensive portfolio of products, including board-to-board connectors, IC sockets, cable assemblies, and optical systems. Alongside their product offerings, Samtec provides comprehensive design and engineering support, as well as custom solutions tailored to specific customer needs. Their products find applications in high-speed data transmission, embedded computing,, and advanced electronic systems across various sectors.
Kyocera Corporation was incorporated in 1946 in Kyoto, Japan as Kyoto Ceramics, but the name was later shortened to Kyocera. Kyocera is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer products as well as industrial components including ceramic and electronic components used in the semiconductor, wireless communications, electronics, and wireless communications markets. Kyocera’s consumer products line includes smartphones and kitchenware such as ceramic knives, cookware, and drinkware. Ceramics are used in semiconductors, solar photovoltaic modules, as well as cutting tools. Kyocera’s electronics cameras, LCDs, medical products, and more.
Iriso Electronics was founded in 1976 in Shimonumabe, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan is a manufacturer of Connectors. The company offers a wide array of connectors including board-to-board, pin header, socket connectors, compression terminal, and ESD protector chip among others. These connectors play an indispensable role in a wide spectrum of application solutions, spanning diverse industries that include automation, automotive, high-speed transmission solutions, onboard coaxial camera solutions, and industrial devices. Additionally, the connectors come fortified with a multitude of advantages that set them apart in the Z-Move structure, 2-Point contact structure, auto I-Lock structure, and floating connectors.
EDAC, Inc., established in 1966 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer and distributor of connectors for Card Edge and Rack & Panel applications. Their diverse product range includes machined D-Sub connectors, power combo D-Sub connectors, USB connectors, HDMI connectors, and more, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and transportation. EDAC adheres to various multi-regulatory compliance requirements, including RoHS, UL, ISO, REACH, Conflict Materials, California Prop 65, and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).
Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components and enterprise software that was established in 1935 in New York City, New York, USA. The company primarily produces electronic components including interconnect cable assemblies, semiconductors, and fiber optics. It also offers enterprise computing software such as security suites, servers, and cloud hosts. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001-certified, and provides custom design as well as engineering services for its clients with unique projects.
CDM Electronics Inc. is a manufacturer of cable assembly products and a distributor of interconnect products that was established in 1993 in Turnersville, New Jersey, USA. The company’s products include various cable assembly products including for A/V setups, ruggedized Ethernet connections, and telecom networks. It also stocks internet products such as relays and sockets from brands such as Corsair Electrical Connectors, Amphenol Nexus Technologies, and Sumitomo Electric Interconnect Products. The company chiefly serves clients in the communications, networking, and commercial sectors.
Amphenol Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of electrical products founded in 1932 and headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, USA. The company produces specialized cable assemblies, power distribution equipment, and communication products. These include antenna technology for wireless communication, raw cables for box assemblies, and interconnectivity products such as over-molded connectors or printed circuit boards (PCBs). Amphenol is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and AS 9100-certified. It primarily serves clients in the defense, information technology, and commercial aerospace sectors.
Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Ltd., founded in 2008 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is an electric component distributor that is ISO 9001 certified. The company stocks several components, including switches, capacitors, and resistors, which it sources from multiple manufacturers like Seiko Instruments, Inc., Renesas Electronics America, and Nuvoton Technology Corporation America. Depending on the size and configuration of the customer’s components, the company provides a full range of packaging services. It accepts single or multiple-part quotations, and its website allows customers to search hundreds of products ranging from ICs to computer accessories.
SER Corp is a global supplier specializing in semiconductor test products and customized connectors for the semiconductor industry. Its offerings include test sockets like the AiP Socket for 5G smartphones, Interposers for equipment miniaturization, and solderless FPGA sockets for circuit development. Additionally, the company provides spring probe pin test sockets and various customized connectors for testing and interconnection purposes. The company also provides microfluidic system (pump controller) products in collaboration with Elvesys.
Lingto Electronic Limited is a distributor of electronic components and wireless modules that was incorporated in 2022 in Hong Kong, China. The company stocks passive and active electronic components from brands such as Xilinx, Fairchild, and Altera, These include power management devices, logic integrated circuits, and electrolytic capacitors. It also offers wireless and GPRS modules, such as cell jamming detectors, vehicle tracking chips, and text-to-speech (TTS) modules. The company mainly markets to clients in electronic manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications operations.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Tower Optical Corporation |
8.3%
|
2 | Versamatic |
8.3%
|
3 | Bel Fuse, Inc. |
8.3%
|
4 | IRISO USA, INC. |
5.6%
|
5 | 3M |
5.6%
|
6 | Carlisle Interconnect Technologies |
5.6%
|
7 | Molex, LLC |
5.6%
|
8 | MarVac Electronics |
4.2%
|
9 | SER Corp |
4.2%
|
10 | EDAC, Inc. |
4.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the card edge connector page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 44.0% |
Japan | 7 | 28.0% |
Taiwan | 3 | 12.0% |
China | 2 | 8.0% |
Sweden | 1 | 4.0% |
Canada | 1 | 4.0% |