In the vast world of electronic components, pin headers serve as a fundamental yet critical connector. Acting like the "nervous hub" within electronic devices, they ensure stable signal and power transmission through precise physical connections. This article uses Kinghelm’s KH-2.54PH180-1X7P-L11.5 pin header as an example to deeply analyze the technical features, application scenarios, and key selection factors, providing professional insight for engineers and procurement specialists.

Kinghelm KH-2.54PH180-1X7P-L11.5 Product Image

The Core Value and Technical Evolution of Pin Headers

Pin headers are connectors with multiple metal pins, typically used in conjunction with female headers to form pluggable electrical connections. Their development dates back to the 1960s, and as electronic devices have trended toward miniaturization and high integration, pin header designs have continued to evolve. Modern pin headers now include through-hole (DIP), surface-mount (SMD), dual-row or multi-row configurations, various pitch specifications (2.54mm, 2.0mm, 1.27mm), and specialized surface treatments such as gold or tin plating, to meet diverse connectivity needs.

Taking Kinghelm’s KH-2.54PH180-1X7P-L11.5 as an example, this model adopts the classic through-hole design with a single-row 1x7P layout (7 pins) and a 2.54mm pitch that complies with industry standards. It features a 2.5mm insulator height and 3mm pin tail length, offering both mechanical strength and compatibility with most PCB designs. The black thermoplastic insulator is not only visually appealing but also provides excellent heat resistance, operating reliably from -40°C to +105°C.

Key Technical Parameters of Pin Headers
1. Pitch and Row Spacing
Pitch refers to the center-to-center distance between adjacent pins. The 2.54mm pitch is the most commonly used in the industry, compatible with breadboards and standard PCBs. Row spacing applies to multi-row headers and is not a concern for single-row designs.

2. Pin Structure
Pins are typically available in round or square profiles. The featured product uses square pins, which offer greater contact area and lower resistance. This is especially beneficial under the rated 3A current, where the square shape helps distribute current more effectively and reduce heat buildup. The 6mm total pin length ensures a secure mating connection with female headers.

3. Mounting Method
Through-hole pin headers are inserted into PCB holes and soldered, ideal for prototyping or applications requiring high reliability. In contrast, surface-mount (SMD) pin headers are suited for automated production and high-density PCBs.

4. Materials and Finishing
Insulators are typically made from high-temperature plastics like PBT or NYLON66. Pins are generally made of copper alloy and plated with nickel or gold to enhance conductivity and corrosion resistance. The black appearance of this Kinghelm model results from the coloring of the plastic, balancing function and visual consistency.

Application Scenarios and Selection Advice

1. Typical Applications

Consumer Electronics: Used in internal signal connections between mainboards and sub-boards in smartphones and tablets.

Industrial Control: Vital for stable connections in PLC modules, sensor interfaces, and other industrial equipment.

Automotive Electronics: Ideal for high-temperature environments such as ECU systems and in-car navigation.

DIY & Education: Widely adopted in development platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi for expansion interfaces.

2. Selection Considerations

Electrical Performance: Choose pin cross-sections according to current requirements. A 3A rating suits low-power applications, while higher currents may require larger formats.

Mechanical Fit: Ensure pin diameter matches PCB hole size to avoid installation issues.

Environmental Suitability: Verify operating temperature range matches the application, especially for automotive use.

Cost and Supply Chain: Evaluate brand reliability and lead time for bulk orders — Kinghelm offers a domestic advantage in both quality and supply stability.

Industry Trends and Technological Advancements

As electronic devices trend toward thinner and more powerful designs, pin header technology continues to innovate:

Miniaturization: Headers with pitches of 1.0mm or smaller for wearable devices.

Hybrid Designs: Integrating power and signal pins into a single connector to save space.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Use of halogen-free plastics and recyclable metals to meet RoHS compliance.

Kinghelm KH-2.54PH180-1X7P-L11.5 Specification

As a well-known brand in China’s connector industry, Kinghelm’s KH-2.54PH180-1X7P-L11.5 embodies both time-tested manufacturing and modern precision. With expertly designed molds and automated production, this model ensures consistency and high cost-performance. For applications requiring standard 2.54mm pitch and through-hole mounting, this pin header is a highly reliable choice.

About Kinghelm

Shenzhen Kinghelm Electronics Co., Ltd.（www.kinghelm.net）has technical backbones from Tsinghua University and UESTC, and has introduced overseas returnee professionals. Kinghelm is able to develop highly reliable and high-performance antenna and connector products.KH series products of "Kinghelm" brand include Beidou/GPS antennas, RF adapter connectors, plug connector, electrical data connectors, terminals, and customized vehicle harnesses, industrial / medical connectors, and special antenna connectors."Kinghelm connects world", Kinghelm has grown with the development of China's Beidou industry. Starting from supplying Beidou/GPS dual mode antennas, IPEX terminals, and RF adapter cables for automotive manufacturers, Kinghelm has continuously developed products. Currently, it has a series of WiFi, Bluetooth, NB-loT, LoRa, Zigbee, UWB, and GSM antennas, RFID tags, RF adapter cables, standard microwave antennas, vehicle grade SMA, SMB, FAKRA holders, coaxial cables, and can customize non-standard antenna connectors based on customer drawings or samples.