Favorite bench top module DC power supply connector?

[matthuszagh]

What are people's go-to DC power connectors for simple, relatively low-current modules that are only ever designed to be operated on a bench? There are quite a few options here:

- pins
- turret terminals
- binding posts
- barrel jacks
- power connectors typically found in larger equipment, such as molex mini-fit, etc.

The first choice seems like a good one: versatile and easy to interface to benchtop power supplies. Turret terminals are fine too, but restrict some of the attachment methods. I never really liked barrel connectors: there are too many different sizes that look roughly the same to me and this would require some sort of adapter cable or similar. More typical power connectors would also require some sort of adapter cable or connector. But, some of these connectors have the benefit of preventing reverse polarity application. Binding posts take up a fair amount of PCB space, which isn't ideal, but they're probably the easiest to interface to benchtop power supplies. It seems like the simplest option is probably the best (ie simple pins). What do other people think? What do you do for your own designs? Any other considerations?

[coromonadalix]

Banana plug with the removable screw / knob

but have the same spacing than  many dmm  connectors

Like  the dual banana  etc ...  with theses  you can adapt almost everything

[jmw]

I use these solder-in banana jacks quite a bit:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/keystone-electronics/575-8/318495

They do take up a lot of space, but that's usually not a concern for benchtop prototype boards. Put whole board on standoffs, and use flexible silicone insulation wires and it works really well. Quick to set up and put away.

[KK6IL]

I generally put modules in enclosures and use 5.5/2.5 coaxial barrel jacks.  Workbench power is +12V with powerpole connectors.

[Doctorandus_P]

I mostly use 0.1" headers and "dupont wires" for temporary stuff and try to keep it breadboard and matrix board friendly. If I need higher current wires I usually cut of a short section (5cm or so) of either silicone or PVC insulated wire and solder one end directly to the PCB, and use something like Wago 221or those chinese Grey / Orange "inline" connectors. To keep the wire strands together I sometimes use ferrules, or even just solder the strands together. Soldering is a bit of a weak spot, but for temporary connections on your desk it's good enough. If you want to use ferrules, then make sure they are long enough. the mostly used size is 8mm long, while the Wago's need 11mm.

I have tried to use the 2.1/5.5mm barrel jacks but I find the quality of those things mediocre, and they are too easy to pull out.

[tooki]

JST XH

(I used to use standard pin headers, but after a few mistakes when working tired, I prefer a polarized connector.)

But I may start using Molex Micro-Fit for some things, after discovering that they sell nice overmolded cables for that.

[tooki]

I have tried to use the 2.1/5.5mm barrel jacks but I find the quality of those things mediocre, and they are too easy to pull out.

There are good ones that hold well. One of my favorites is the Marushin MJ-14SR (5.5x2.1) and its siblings in other sizes. They’re not even expensive.

http://www.est-marushin.co.jp/pdf/DC2.1-2.5.pdf

[matthuszagh]

But I may start using Molex Micro-Fit for some things, after discovering that they sell nice overmolded cables for that.

Yeah, I considered doing this as well (mini-fit in my case). What was your plan to adapt the cable (which, from what I've seen are micro-fit on each end) to your bench power supply? A simple micro-fit to banana plug adapter cable?

[jonpaul]

HP, Power Designs, Lambda, ALL professional lab supplies use binding posts...

Insulated, accept spade lugs, wire and banana plug 4 mm

Jon

[DavidKo]

I vote for 4mm banana with 3/4" spacing - with hole for wire. There are adapters for them, connectors, used almost everywhere, can buy them from cheap to golden plated, low EMF, high current ones etc.

[tooki]

But I may start using Molex Micro-Fit for some things, after discovering that they sell nice overmolded cables for that.

Yeah, I considered doing this as well (mini-fit in my case). What was your plan to adapt the cable (which, from what I've seen are micro-fit on each end) to your bench power supply? A simple micro-fit to banana plug adapter cable?

Probably chop it in half and attach good banana plugs to each half.

[tooki]

HP, Power Designs, Lambda, ALL professional lab supplies use binding posts...

Insulated, accept spade lugs, wire and banana plug 4 mm

The question isn’t about power supplies, but what connectors to use on PCBs.