The 2.54mm pitch 90° Wafer AW2543RA-11P is a single-row, right-angle female header connector designed for wire-to-board applications in compact electronic devices. As a "Wafer" connector, this component is a board-mounted socket (receptacle) that solders directly onto the printed circuit board and mates with a corresponding crimp-type housing containing terminals attached to discrete wires . The AW2543RA series is a product line from Antenk Electronics, and the "-11P" designation indicates that this specific model features 11 positions (circuits) in a single row configuration . The defining characteristic of this model is its 90° (Right Angle) orientation, meaning the mating interface is positioned parallel to the PCB surface, allowing the mating wire housing to be inserted from the side. This right-angle design is particularly valuable in space-constrained applications where vertical clearance is limited, such as in compact enclosures, consumer electronics, or automotive control modules. The "AW2543RA" series is known to be compatible with industry-standard 2.54mm pitch connector systems, making it a versatile choice for designers seeking reliable interconnect solutions .
This connector features a standard 2.54mm (0.100") pitch, which is the industry-standard spacing inherited from legacy DIP (Dual In-line Package) and breadboard systems, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of mating housings and crimp terminals . The 11-position configuration provides a compact yet sufficient pin count for applications requiring multiple signal or power connections, such as sensor interfaces, power distribution boards, or control signal links. The 90° (Right Angle) orientation is achieved through a Through-Hole (DIP) termination style, where the connector's pins are inserted into plated through-holes on the PCB and soldered (either by wave soldering or manual soldering) for secure mechanical retention and reliable electrical connection . The insulator housing is typically molded from high-temperature thermoplastic materials such as PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) or PA66 (Nylon 66), rated UL94 V-0 for flame retardancy, ensuring safety in high-density electronic assemblies . The housing color is commonly natural (white/off-white) or black, depending on the manufacturer's specifications. The connector also features a locking ramp or polarization feature on the mating interface, which ensures correct orientation when connecting to the corresponding housing and provides a secure latching mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection due to vibration or shock .
The 2.54mm pitch 90° Wafer AW2543RA-11P delivers robust electrical performance suitable for a wide range of applications. Electrical characteristics include a current rating of 3A AC/DC per contact, a voltage rating of 250V AC/DC, a contact resistance of 20mΩ maximum, an insulation resistance of 1000MΩ minimum at 500V DC, and a dielectric withstand voltage of 1000V AC for one minute . The operating temperature range spans from -25°C to +85°C (or up to +105°C for high-performance grades), making this connector suitable for consumer electronics, industrial control systems, telecommunications equipment, and automotive applications . The contacts are fabricated from brass or phosphor bronze with a tin plating over a nickel underplating (commonly referred to as "bright tin" or "tin-plated") to ensure low contact resistance, corrosion resistance, and reliable solderability during PCB assembly . The insulator housing material (PBT or PA66) provides excellent mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and heat resistance during soldering processes. The mating housing recommended for use with this wafer is typically the AW2543H-xP series housing (where "x" represents the pin count), along with compatible crimp terminals designed for 2.54mm pitch systems .
The AW2543RA-11P is widely deployed in applications requiring reliable, field-assemblable wire-to-board connections with a space-saving right-angle footprint. Its 11-position configuration is ideal for medium-density signal or power interconnects in consumer electronics (such as home appliances, audio equipment, and gaming devices), industrial automation (sensor interfaces, PLC modules, and motor controllers), automotive electronics (interior lighting, infotainment systems, and body control modules), and telecommunications equipment (routers, modems, and base stations) . The connector's through-hole termination provides strong mechanical retention to the PCB, making it suitable for applications subject to vibration or thermal cycling. The right-angle orientation allows for low-profile cable routing, reducing overall system height and enabling more compact product designs. The AW2543RA series is known to be compatible with JST XH series connectors, offering a drop-in replacement option for designers seeking alternative sourcing . In summary, the 2.54mm pitch 90° Wafer AW2543RA-11P is a reliable, space-efficient, and cost-effective wire-to-board interconnect solution that combines robust electrical performance with mechanical durability, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of electronic applications requiring 11-position, right-angle, through-hole connectivity.
