Components

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

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:

• Where to find 3D models for JST-XH connectors?
• What current rating do JST VH connectors have?
• What pin pitch do JST VH connectors have?
• What are the part numbers for JST VH crimp contacts?

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

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:

• Hong Cheng HCZZ0590-2

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

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:

• HCTL HC-DC-005-2.0T (0.0315€/pc @ 100pcs)
• SHOU HAN DC005 (0.0316€/pc @ 100pcs)

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

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:

• Right-angle connector 50Ω: dosinconn DOSIN-801-0050 0.361€ @100pcs
• Straight connector 75Ω: dosinconn DOSIN-801-0057 0.9118€ @100pcs

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.

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:

• Female: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541-TB 0.0076€/pc @1000pcs
  • or TXGA FT25403-F2H 0.0133€/pc @1000pcs
  • 100pcs at Eckstein, 0.01€/pc
• Male: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541M-T, not available on LCSC
  • 100pcs on Aliexpress
  • 500pcs on Aliexpress
  • 100pcs at Eckstein, 0.0226€/pc

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

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

• 1×1 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-1P, 0.0337€/pc @1000pcs
• 1×2 housing: TXGA FHG25403-S02M2K6B, 0.0141$/pc @1000pcs
  • or CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-2P 0.0108$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×3 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-3P 0.0138$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×4 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-4P 0.0181$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×5 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-5P 0.0224$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×6 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-6P 0.0241$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×7 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-7P 0.0283$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×8 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-8P 0.0318$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×9 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-9P 0.0366$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×10 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-10P 0.0406$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×11 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-11P 0.0447$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×12 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-12P 0.0476$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×13 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-13P 0.0472$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×14 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-14P 0.0566$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×15 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-15P 0.0609$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×16 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-16P 0.0406$/pc @1000pcs non-stocked
• 1×17 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-17P 0.069$/pc @1000pcs
• 1×18 housing: Not available on LCSC
• 1×19 housing: Not available on LCSC
• 1×20 housing: CJT(Changjiang Connectors) A2541H-20P 0.0796$/pc @1000pcs non-stocked

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

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

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:

• Straight connector: BAT WIRELESS BWSMA-KE-Z001 0.1853€ @100pcs
• Right-angle connector: BAT WIRELESS BWSMA-KWE-Z001 0.2374€ @100pcs

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

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.

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

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.

• P-channel SOT23-3 2.3A 20V: Si2301-ZE

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

The prices given are for budgetary purposes only.

Unidirectional diodes

• 3.3V: SMAJ3.3A @ 0.05€@1kpc SMAJ3.3LIR @0.09€@1kpc
• 5V: SMAJ5.0A , or this one or this one@0.03€@1kpc
• 12V: SMAJ12A or this one or this one @0.02€@1kpc
• 14V: SMAJ14A or this one or this one @0.025€@1kpc

On the MAX11200EEE+ and the MAX112100EEE+, bit 3 of the command byte is named IMPD but this bit is never described in detail in the datasheet.

The meaning of this bit is Immediate power-down. When you set it to 1, the IC will switch to power-down mode. This is evidenced by the power-down example in Table 8 in the datasheet.

The MAX11200EEE+ and the MAX112100EEE+ operate using SPI Mode 0. Therefore, CPHA=0 & CPOL=0.

For more information, see the datasheet.

Generally, SMD ferrites of a given size are characterized by:

• The RF impedance (typically specified @100 MHz)
  • Low impedance (e.g. 100 Ω @ 100 MHz) do not filter EMI that well, but also distort your data signals less. Use them for high speed signals above 1 MHz
  • High impedance ferrites, e.g. 1kΩ @ 100 MHz, filter EMI really well but will distort any high speed signal. Use them for low speed signals below 1 MHz
• The current rating
  • For data signals, you don’t need any form of high current rating. Generally, I would recommend to require at least 0.1A of current rating to be able to handle soft short circuits
  • For power lines, use whatever power rating is suitable (the specified current + 20% is typically fine)
• The DC resistance. This mostly only matters for power lines.
  • Keep in mind to keep the ferrite cool by choosing the DC resistance so that the

As with most passive parts, LCSC generally has the lowest pricing if you buy a bunch of parts.

Keep in mind the expensive shipping, but since they are often 50 times cheaper (!) than other distributors, it might be worth it even if just ordering a reel of ferrites.

Signal ferrites

This section contains cheap SMD ferrite beads for < 1A current rating.

Low impedance (<= 500Ω):

• LCSC 0603 100Ω 200mA CBG160808U101T @ 0.0019€/pc@4000pc = 7.60€/reel

High impedance (>= 500Ω):

• LCSC 0805 600Ω 300mA CBG201209U601T @ 0.0026€/pc@4000pcs = 10.40€/reel
• LCSC 0603 1kΩ 400mA FCM1608KF-102T04 @ 0.0027€/pc@4000pc = 10.80€/reel
• LCSC 0805 1kΩ 800mA CBW201209U102T @ 0.0044€/pc@4000pc = 17.60€/reel
• DigiKey 0603 1kΩ 400mA 2506031027Y0 @ 0.01264€/pc@4000pc = 50.56€/reel
• TME 0805 1kΩ 200mA LCCB-102 @ 0.0181€/pc = 72.40€/reel

Power ferrites

This section contains cheap SMD ferrite beads for > 1A current rating.

Low impedance (<= 500Ω):

• LCSC 1206 120Ω 3A CBW321609U122T @ 0.006€/pc@4000pc = 24. 00€/reel
• LCSC 1206 120Ω 4A CBM321609U121T @ 0.0086€/pc@4000pc = 34.40€/reel

High impedance (>= 500Ω):

• LCSC 1206 1.2kΩ 1A CBW321609U122T @ 0.0088€/pc@4000pc = 35.20€/reel
• LCSC 1206 1kΩ 2A CBW321609U102T @ 0.0095€/pc@4000pc = 38.00€/reel