Right-Angle vs. Straight Pin Headers: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Design

1. Right-Angle Pin Header (90-Degree)

This electronic connector features pins that extend from the housing at a 90-degree angle. It is primarily used to mount an electronic component or module perpendicularly onto a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), making it ideal for embedded systems, expansion boards, and sensor modules where vertical space is utilized.

2. Straight Pin Header (180-Degree)

The straight pin header has pins that extend parallel to the PCB plane (180-degree). This type is typically used for connecting different boards or devices in a parallel, stackable configuration. It is commonly found in applications involving external devices like displays, monitors, or expansion cards where boards need to be connected face-to-face.

The choice between a right-angle pin header and a straight pin header depends on the specific application's mechanical and spatial requirements. Both types are available in standard pitches and pin counts to ensure compatibility across various electronic Connector systems.