4-pin-single-row-female-headers-01

Important Note

This entire repo was AI created - including all of the data within. The intent was to A) help me with my personal electronics inventory; and B) see how I could use AI to make that process a bit easier. DO NOT TRUST!

4-pin Single Row Female Headers - 0.1” Spacing

Details

• Location: Cabinet-3, Bin 57, Section B
• Category: Connectors & Cables - Header Connectors
• Type: 4-pin Single Row Female Headers
• Package: Through-hole
• Quantity: 50+
• Status: Available
• Pitch: 0.1” (2.54mm) standard spacing
• Gender: Female (sockets)
• Configuration: Single row

Description

These versatile 4-pin single row female headers are essential components for electronics prototyping and production. With standard 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch spacing, they provide reliable connections for development boards, shields, sensors, and custom PCB interfaces. The 4-pin configuration is perfect for power and signal applications, offering an ideal balance between functionality and compact size. These headers are compatible with standard male headers, jumper wires, and breadboard connections.

Specifications

Electrical Characteristics

• Voltage Rating: 250V AC/DC (typical)
• Current Rating: 3A per pin (typical)
• Contact Resistance: <20mΩ (typical)
• Insulation Resistance: >1000MΩ
• Dielectric Strength: 1000V AC (typical)

Physical Characteristics

• Pitch: 0.1” (2.54mm) standard spacing
• Pin Count: 4 pins in single row
• Socket Diameter: 0.025” (0.64mm) typical
• Overall Length: ~10.16mm (0.4”)
• Insulator Material: Black plastic (typically nylon or PBT)
• Contact Material: Brass with gold plating (typical)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Mounting: Through-hole

Key Features

• Standard 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch spacing
• Compact 4-pin configuration
• Single row design saves PCB space
• Through-hole mounting for secure attachment
• Compatible with breadboards and perfboards
• Gold-plated contacts for reliability
• Low profile design

Applications

Common use cases and applications for this component:

• Power Connections: VCC, GND, and two signal lines
• Sensor Interfaces: I2C sensors (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL)
• SPI Connections: Power and SPI signals (VCC, GND, MISO, MOSI)
• UART Interfaces: Power and serial communication (VCC, GND, TX, RX)
• Servo Connections: Power, ground, and control signal
• LED Strip Connections: Power and data/clock signals
• Module Interfaces: Standard 4-pin module connections
• Breakout Boards: Custom interface connections

Pin Configuration Examples

Common 4-Pin Arrangements

Power + I2C Interface

Pin 1: VCC (3.3V or 5V)
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: SDA (I2C Data)
Pin 4: SCL (I2C Clock)

Power + UART Interface

Pin 1: VCC (3.3V or 5V)
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: TX (Transmit)
Pin 4: RX (Receive)

Servo Connection

Pin 1: VCC (5V)
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: Signal (PWM)
Pin 4: NC (Not Connected) or secondary signal

SPI Interface (Partial)

Pin 1: VCC (3.3V or 5V)
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: MISO (Master In, Slave Out)
Pin 4: MOSI (Master Out, Slave In)

Circuit Examples

I2C Sensor Interface

Microcontroller PCB
    ↓ (4-pin female header)
I2C Sensor Module
├── Pin 1: VCC → Sensor Power
├── Pin 2: GND → Sensor Ground
├── Pin 3: SDA → I2C Data Line
└── Pin 4: SCL → I2C Clock Line

Arduino Shield Connection

Arduino Board
    ↓ (4-pin female header on shield)
Custom Shield PCB
├── Pin 1: 5V Power Rail
├── Pin 2: Ground Rail
├── Pin 3: Digital Pin Connection
└── Pin 4: Analog Pin Connection

LED Strip Interface

Controller PCB
    ↓ (4-pin female header)
LED Strip Connection
├── Pin 1: VCC (5V or 12V)
├── Pin 2: GND
├── Pin 3: Data Signal
└── Pin 4: Clock Signal (if required)

Installation Guidelines

PCB Design Considerations

// Standard footprint specifications:
// Single row: 0.1" pitch, 0.040" holes
// Pad size: 0.070" diameter typical
// Via size: 0.020" for routing
// Keep-out: 0.1" around header for clearance
 
// Pin assignments by application:
// Power: VCC, GND, Signal1, Signal2
// I2C: VCC, GND, SDA, SCL
// UART: VCC, GND, TX, RX
// SPI: VCC, GND, MISO, MOSI

Assembly Best Practices

• Alignment: Use breadboards or jigs for straight mounting
• Soldering: Standard through-hole soldering techniques
• Support: Ensure adequate PCB support during soldering
• Testing: Verify continuity and proper seating
• Documentation: Clear pin labeling on silkscreen
• Orientation: Mark pin 1 clearly on PCB

Usage Recommendations

Project Applications

• Sensor Modules: Perfect for I2C and simple sensor interfaces
• Communication: UART and basic SPI connections
• Power Distribution: Compact power and signal distribution
• Prototyping: Flexible connections for development
• Module Interfaces: Standard 4-pin module connections
• Breakout Boards: Custom interface development

Design Considerations

• Pin Assignment: Plan pin functions during PCB design
• Signal Integrity: Keep high-speed signals short
• Power Distribution: Use appropriate trace widths
• Mechanical Support: Provide adequate PCB thickness
• Accessibility: Ensure easy access for mating connectors

Compatibility

Standard Interfaces

• Arduino: Compatible with Arduino pin spacing
• Raspberry Pi: Works with GPIO breakout applications
• Breadboards: Standard breadboard compatibility
• Perfboards: Perfect fit for 0.1” perfboard
• Development Boards: Universal compatibility

Mating Connectors

• Standard 0.1” pitch male headers
• 4-pin Dupont jumper wires
• Breadboard jumper wires
• Custom cable assemblies
• Male header pins

Quality Considerations

Selection Criteria

• Contact Plating: Gold plating preferred for reliability
• Insertion Cycles: 100-1000 cycles typical
• Mechanical Stability: Adequate for most applications
• Environmental: Consider operating conditions
• Cost: Balance between quality and price

Storage and Handling

• Organization: Keep in anti-static packaging
• Protection: Avoid touching contact surfaces
• Inventory: Track usage for restocking
• Quality: Inspect for bent or damaged pins

Comparison with Other Pin Counts

Header Pin Count Selection

• 2-pin: Basic power connections
• 3-pin: Servo and simple sensor connections
• 4-pin: Balanced power + signal applications ← This component
• 5-pin: Extended interfaces
• 6-pin: ISP programming and complex sensors
• 8-pin: Standard development interfaces
• 10-pin: Extended GPIO applications

Advantages of 4-Pin Configuration

Optimal Balance

• Functionality: Sufficient pins for most applications
• Size: Compact footprint on PCB
• Cost: Economical for moderate pin count needs
• Versatility: Handles power + dual signal applications
• Standardization: Common in many interface standards

Common Standards Using 4-Pin

• I2C Modules: VCC, GND, SDA, SCL
• UART Modules: VCC, GND, TX, RX
• Servo Connectors: VCC, GND, Signal, (spare)
• Simple SPI: VCC, GND, MISO, MOSI

Inventory Management

Stock Considerations

• High Usage: 4-pin headers are very commonly used
• Bulk Purchasing: Consider quantity discounts
• Mixed Inventory: Keep various pin counts in stock
• Quality Levels: Balance cost vs. reliability needs
• Supplier: Maintain consistent supplier for quality

Usage Tracking

• Project Types: Monitor which applications use most
• Consumption Rate: Track usage for restocking
• Quality Issues: Note any recurring problems
• Cost Analysis: Evaluate cost per project

Tags

headers, connectors, female, single-row, 4-pin, 0.1-spacing, pcb, arduino cabinet-3 bin-57 status-available

Notes

These 4-pin single row female headers are among the most versatile connectors in electronics prototyping. The 4-pin configuration provides the perfect balance between functionality and size, making them ideal for power + signal applications. They’re particularly useful for I2C sensor modules, UART communication, servo connections, and simple SPI interfaces. With 50+ units in stock, this quantity provides excellent coverage for multiple projects. The standard 0.1” spacing ensures compatibility across the entire electronics ecosystem. Consider these as the “go-to” choice for moderate pin count applications where 2-pin is insufficient but 6+ pins would be overkill.