Components

What are the cheapest general purpose SMD diodes?

Typically some 1N4001…1N4007 in SOD-123 or SOD-123FL package is the cheapest available diode. It is available from many manufacturers and at all distributors.

The typical rating is:

  • 1A forward current
  • 1000V reverse voltage
  • Instantaneous forward voltage of <=1V @1A

On LCSC, a full reel (3000pcs) of SOD4007-MS by MSKSemi costs just 6,60€

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components

What cheap general purpose MOSFET to use?

The 2N7002 or 2N7002K MOSFET is one of the best MOSFETs to use if you just want to have a general purpose switching FET.

  • 60Vds
  • 300mA
  • 1.9Ohm RDSon

It or its variants is available from many manufacturers and at all distributors.

On LCSC, for example, one reel of 2N7002 from chinese manufacturer HL, only costs 15.90€, that is 0,0053€/pc

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

What are the MPNs for JST HL crimp contacts?

  • The male contact is called SSM-21T-P1.4LCSC link, 0.0227€/pc @1000pcs
  • The female contact is called SSF-21T-P1.4LCSC link 0.0205€/pc @1000pcs

Prices are for reference only.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components

What pitch do Molex Mini-Fit Jr connectors have?

According to the Molex Website, the entire Mini-Fit family has a pin pitch of 4.2mm

 

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components

JST VH connector part numbers & LCSC links

Prices shown are for budgetary purposes only. Check the LCSC page or other distributors for up-to-date pricing information.

Straight THT connector

  • 2 positions: B2P-VH 0,0343€/pc @100pcs
  • 3 positions: B3P-VH 0,0473€/pc @100pcs
  • 4 positions: B4P-VH 0,0719€/pc @100pcs
  • 5 positions: B5P-VH 0,1034€/pc @100pcs
  • 6 positions: B6P-VH 0,1113€/pc @100pcs
  • 7 positions: B7P-VH 0,1317€/pc @100pcs
  • 8 positions: B8P-VH 0,1165€/pc @100pcs
  • 9 positions: B9P-VH 0,1228€/pc @100pcs
  • 10 positions: B10P-VH0,1368€/pc @100pcs

Right-angled THT connector

Also called side-entry type

  • 2 positions: B2PS-VH 0,0924€/pc @100pcs
  • 3 positions: B3PS-VH 0,119€/pc @100pcs
  • 4 positions: B4PS-VH 0,1432€/pc @100pcs
  • 5 positions: B5PS-VH 0,1779€/pc @100pcs
  • 6 positions: B6PS-VH 0,1991€/pc @100pcs
  • 7 positions: B7PS-VH 0,2323€/pc @100pcs
  • 8 positions: B8PS-VH 0,2982€/pc @100pcs
  • 9 positions: B9PS-VH 0,1837€/pc @100pcs
  • 10 positions: B10PS-VH 0,1862€/pc @100pcs

Connector housing

  • 2 positions: VHR-2N  0.0315€/pc @100pcs
  • 3 positions: VHR-3N  0.0298€/pc @100pcs
  • 4 positions: VHR-4N 0.0369€/pc @100pcs
  • 5 positions: VHR-5N  0.0388€/pc @100pcs
  • 6 positions: VHR-6N  0.0437€/pc @100pcs
  • 7 positions: VHR-7N  0.0477€/pc @100pcs
  • 8 positions: VHR-8N  0.0575€/pc @100pcs
  • 9 positions: VHR-9N  0.0692€/pc @100pcs
  • 10 positions: VHR-10N  0.094€/pc @100pcs
  • 11 positions: VHR-11N  0.144€/pc @100pcs
Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find 3D models for JST-VH connectors?

You can find 3D models as 3D-PDF for JST VH connectors on the JST website.

However, in order to obtain STEP or IGES models, you have to look on the jst-mfg.com site.

Also see:

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

List of JST XH connector MPNs (with LCSC links)

Prices shown are for budgetary purposes only. Check the LCSC page or other distributors for up-to-date pricing information.

Female connector housing (for crimp contacts)

    • 2-pin: XHP-2 0.0158€/pc @100pcs
    • 3-pin: XHP-3 0.0172€/pc @100pcs
    • 4-pin: XHP-4 0.0167€/pc @100pcs
    • 5-pin: XHP-5 0.0182€/pc @100pcs
    • 6-pin: XHP-6 0.0217€/pc @100pcs
    • 7-pin: XHP-7 0.0276€/pc @100pcs
    • 8-pin: XHP-8 0.0266€/pc @100pcs
    • 9-pin: XHP-9 0.028€/pc @100pcs
    • 10-pin: XHP-10 0.0305€/pc @100pcs
    • 11-pin: XHP-11 0.0314€/pc @100pcs
    • 12-pin: XHP-12 0.0452€/pc @100pcs
    • 13-pin: XHP-13 0.0543€/pc @100pcs
    • 14-pin: XHP-14 0.0645€/pc @100pcs
    • 15-pin: XHP-15 0.08€/pc @100pcs Not stocked
    • 16-pin: XHP-16 0.1594€/pc @100pcs
    • 17-pin: XHP-17 Not offered on LCSC
    • 18-pin: XHP-18 Not offered on LCSC
    • 19-pin: XHP-19 Not offered on LCSC
    • 20-pin: XHP-20 0.1581€/pc @100pcs

Male straight through-hole PCB-mount connectors

with lead-free tin finish

Male right-angled (“side-entry”) THT connectors:

with lead-free tin finish

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components

List of switching power MOSFETs from LCSC

This is a list of a few standard switching MOSFETs from LCSC that I use regularly.

The lists are sorted by ascending size. Power MOSFET is defined as >= 1A continous drain current.

N-channel

  • HL20N04 SOT-89 40V 20A 38W 14mOhm 0,1135€/pc @ 100pcs
  • SL10N10A SOT-223 100V 10A 3.2W 120mOhm 0,123€/pc @ 100pcs
  • STN2610D D2PAK 60V 50A 63W 0,1775€/pc @ 100pcs

P-channel

TODO

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Are there SMD variants of the JST VH 3.96mm connector series?

As far as I can tell from the JST website, JST does not sell any SMD variants of the JST XH series.

However, LCSC lists some 3rd party SMD connectors as VH 3.96mm, such as:

So far I have not tested those and I don’t know yet if they are compatible with the standard JST housings.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap RJ45 connectors

Generally, I always recommend going with metal-shielded RJ45 ports since those tend not to break as often.

If you want to buy more than, say, 10pcs, you can check out LCSC’s Ethernet Connectors / Modular Connectors lineup. The very good prices compensate for the shipping fee even when buying only medium quantities.

Note that it’s easy to mix up models with and without magnetics at the moment as there is no suitable filter. It’s easiest to just look at the length of the connector – RJ45 connectors without magnetics are almost cubic in size (i.e. length in the direction where you insert the connector is equal to the width) whereas connectors with magnetics are much longer. Nevertheless, always check the datasheet.

Some examples:

With magnetics:

No magnetics:

  • RCH RC01133, No LEDs, no magnetics, right angle, THT, 0.11€/pc @100pcs
  • HC-WK88-H16-DB, Two LEDs, no magnetics, right angle, THT, 0.14€/pc @ 100pcs
  • RJ45-B-1*1, Two LEDs, no magnetics, shield with case contacts, 0.22€/pc @ 100pcs
Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics, Networking

Where to find cheap 5.5×2.1mm PCB-mount barrel jack connectors?

As with most commodity PCB components, LCSC is a good place to find cheap connectors if you want to buy more than 10 pcs or so (due to the shipping fees).

These are listed in AC/DC power connectors. In order to find them quickly, select the Package=Plugin filter and select In Stock and then sort by price (ascending).

Using this method, you can easily find parts such as:

Keep in mind that these are not 100% the same regarding their geometry, so always check in the datasheet if they fit your footprint.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap PCB-mount BNC connectors?

As for most parts, if you order more than just a few pcs, LCSC is the cheapest source of these components (however, you need to consider the rather expensive shipping costs).

Here’s some BNC connectors:

I could not find any straight 50Ω connector.

Note that I don’t use them in typical RF applications, so I don’t have any information on impedance matching or accuracy etc.

 

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find “DuPont” style crimp terminals?

See our previous post Where to find “DuPont” style connector housings? for more background information.

We do not imply any compatibility, so check it by yourself.

Crimp terminal part numbers on LCSC:

For more defailed info, see the CJT A2541 series catalog.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find “DuPont” style connector housings?

If you are reading this post, you probably bought a “DuPont” crimp connector set from Amazon, eBay or AliExpress and are now looking for additional components.

I found the exact same connectors that came with my set by looking through hundreds of products on LCSC. Currently, I have no DigiKey or Mouser link, but I will update this post if I find one in the future.

Also see Where to find “DuPont” style crimp terminals?

Note that I only looked for DuPont style connector with a plastic leaf spring on the side of every terminal housing. There are more or less similar types without that leaf spring but these appear to be for other (even if similar) types of crimp contacts.

We do not imply any compatibility, so check it by yourself.

Single-row housings

Dual-row housings

  • 2×2 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×3 housing: Amphenol ICC 65043-034LF 0.393$/pc @1000pcs
  • 2×4 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×5 housing: TXGA FHG25404-D10M1K6B 0.0471$/pc @1000pcs
  • 2×6 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×7 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×8 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×9 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×10 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×11 housing: Not available on LCSC
  • 2×12 housing: Not available on LCSC
Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap RS485 transceivers?

If you need to buy more than a few RS485 transceivers (1 receiver / 1 transmitter), you can typically find the cheapest ones on LCSC. Although LCSC charges significant shipping fees (if you don’t choose the slow mail service for shipping small quantities), the very good prices for the components themselves make it

Some examples:

  • SSP3085, VCC=5V, 500kbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,1245€/pc @ 100pc
  • XL485CS, VCC=5V, 10Mbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,1686€/pc @100pc
  • XL485-SS, VCC=5V, 10Mbps, standard MSOP-8 pinout, 0,1686€/pc @100pc
  • SIT3485ESA, VCC=3.3V, 12Mbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,1995€/pc @100pc
  • SP3485EEN, VCC=3.3V, 12Mbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,2134€/pc @100pc
  • SP3078EEN-L/TR, VCC=3.3V, 16Mbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,3576€/pc @100pc
  • ISL3178EIBZ-T, VCC=3.3V, 20Mbps, standard SOIC-8 pinout, 0,4141€/pc @100pc

 

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap PCB-mount SMA connectors?

As for most parts, if you order more than just a few pcs, LCSC is the cheapest source of these components (however, you need to consider the rather expensive shipping costs).

Here’s some SMA connectors I’ve used:

Note that I don’t use them in typical RF applications, so I don’t have any information on impedance matching or accuracy etc.

 

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

How to connect the INHibit/Enable input of the 74HC4051 analog multiplexer?

The 74HC4051 and its variants such as the CD74HC4051 have an input called INH or ~E depending on the manufacturer.

Typically you should hard-connect this pin to GND in order to always enable the multiplexer.

Whenever you want to disable the multiplexer (i.e. none of the inputs is connected to the output, connect this pin to Vcc temporarily.

 

Source: This NXP datasheet, section 7.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap SMD microswitches?

The cheapest SMD (no THT soldering) switch

LCSC offers the SHOU HAN MSK12CO2-SZ microswitch for about 0,023€/pc @ 1kpc. One of the disadvantages of this switch is that even though it is a pure SMD (no through soldering required), it is shipping as bulk in a bag and not as tape. Therefore, it is not suitable for all commercial assembly lines and needs to be assembled manually.

But at least it is cheap – that is, if you buy enough stuff to justify the high LCSC shipping costs.

The KiCAD footprint for this switch is Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPDT_PCM12. Even though it’s a different switch than the C&K PCM12, it’s mostly compatible footprint-wise – even though the drill sizes are very slightly off, the footprint works well.

This switch is likely rated to DC12V, 50mA (listed as such on the LCSC website). However, from the datasheet, the exact rating is unclear, it mostly covers the test conditions

The cheapest tape&reel SMD switch

If you are looking for an alternative suitable for automated assembly, take a look at the SK-3296S-01-L1 which comes as a taped reel. It is almost 35% more expensive but given that it’s still just 0,031€/pc @1kpc and given that you’re likely not a chinese electronics designer in extreme mass manufacturing, the price is hardly worth thinking about.

It is exactly compatible footprint-wise with the C&K PCM12, so the KiCAD Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPDT_PCM12 works even better.

This switch is rated at DC12V, 50mA.

The cheapest 1 Ampere rated switch

This is the MK-13C03-G010 which is rated at 6V 1A or 12V 0.5A. This type of current rating with voltage is related to arcing when breaking the contact.

It is priced around 0,11€/pc @1kpc.

This one is compatible with the C&K PCM13 (but rated at higher current), so use the Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPDT_PCM13

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics

Where to find cheap MOSFETs?

As for most components, LCSC has the best prices if you want to order more than just a few MOSFETs (due to the high shipping fees)

Small-signal MOSFETs

  • N-Channel 2N7002K 60V 300mA 2.2Ohm @0.008€@3kpc = 24€/reel

Power FETs (small package)

These are mostly SOT23-3, so the don’t provide good power dissipation. These are mostly used for switching voltages on and off and not for linear applications.

Posted by Uli Köhler in Components, Electronics